JP2002300283A - Data communication system using telephone number - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To call a specific TCP/IP network terminal while using a general telephone number and to automatically call a general telephone terminal even when such calling is failed. SOLUTION: When communication terminal equipment 1 of a TCP/IP network for caller calls a callee's house 10 by a telephone number for general telephone, the acquisition of the network terminal ID of TCP/IP communication terminal equipment 2 in the callee's house 10 is tried by an inquiry through a TCP/IP line network 40 to a server side device 3. When the network terminal ID is successfully acquired, by using the ID, communication is performed with a connection through a TCP/IP network but when it is failed, communication is performed by calling general telephone terminal equipment 8 in the callee's house 10 through a general telephone line.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a telephone call and data communication using a TCP / IP network, and uses a telephone number of a general telephone to specify a partner terminal on the TCP / IP network to perform a telephone call or data communication. It is suitable for

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art At present, TCs such as Internet telephones are used.
In this situation, a telephone and data communication environment using a P / IP network and a communication environment using a general telephone line coexist.

[0003] A data communication device, such as an Internet telephone or an Internet facsimile, for calling a terminal device connected to a general telephone line from a communication terminal device on a TCP / IP network using a general telephone number has already been put into practical use. A TCP / IP network is used part way, and a general telephone line is used as the last line directly connected to the called party. In this method, a relatively expensive general telephone line usage fee is generated separately from a TCP / IP network usage fee.

On the other hand, communication services such as telephones that connect everything from a caller to a callee via a TCP / IP network are provided as services separated from general telephone lines including mobile communication. It cannot be called using a common telephone number. To call the terminal device of the other party, specify the IP address of the other party, or enter the host name, e-mail address,
The destination terminal must be specified on the network by referring to a server-side device for acquiring an IP address using a nickname or the like.

[0005]

For these reasons, it is not possible to use a telephone number for a general telephone line to specify and call a terminal device connected to a TCP / IP network. In addition to learning two types of usage, a terminal device for an IP network and a general telephone terminal device, it was necessary to manage two types of IDs, such as a telephone number for identifying a partner and a network ID.

[0006] Further, if the other terminal is not on the TCP / IP network, the call will fail. Therefore, in order to talk with the other party, the call must be made again using a general telephone. Was.

[0007] The present invention is intended to solve such a problem, and if a caller only knows how to use a general telephone and a telephone number for a general telephone line, TCP / IP is used.
A terminal device on the network can call.

In addition, a TCP / IP network or a general telephone line is automatically selected as required by performing a single operation, and communication with the other party can be performed. Calls and data communications with the other party can be made for a fee.

[0009]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A network terminal ID for specifying a terminal of a called party who receives a call for data communication or a call using a TCP / IP network, and a general telephone line including mobile communication In the TCP / IP network environment in which a server-side device having a table in which telephone numbers are associated with each other, a caller uses the TCP / IP using the telephone number for the general telephone line.
When a call is made to the terminal device of the called party via a network, the presence or absence of registration of the called party or the terminal device using the telephone number in the server-side device, a network terminal of the terminal device, By inquiring of an ID, the terminal device for the called party existing on the TCP / IP network is specified, and a telephone call or data communication is enabled.

In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line to communicate with the TC.
When the called party calls the terminal device via the P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. Confirm, if the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, call using the general telephone line using the telephone number. If the network terminal ID can be confirmed, check the TCP / IP.
An automatic switching function is provided so that a call can be made via a network.

[0011] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line to communicate with the TC.
When the called party calls the terminal device via the P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. When the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, the terminal device for the caller is notified that the network terminal ID of the called party cannot be confirmed. A terminal device for a caller is provided with a function of calling the general telephone terminal of the called party using the general telephone line.

[0012] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line to communicate with the TC.
When the called party calls the terminal device via the P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. When it is confirmed that the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, the server-side device calls the general telephone terminal of the callee using the general telephone line.

In another aspect of the invention, a TCP / IP
A unique connection I that specifies the connection when the called terminal receiving a call for data communication or data communication through the network connects to the server-side device.
D, and the TCP / I in which a server-side device having a table in which the telephone numbers for the general telephone lines are associated with each other exists.
In a P network environment, a caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller's terminal device and
When attempting to connect to the terminal of the called party via the P / IP network, the terminal of the called party is already connected to the server by using the telephone number. Inquiring whether or not the connection has been established, the connection ID is acquired, the connection between the terminal device for the callee existing on the TCP / IP network and the terminal device for the caller is established, Alternatively, data communication is enabled.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device via the TCP / IP network and the terminal device of the callee. When trying to connect to the server, the server-side device is queried as to whether or not the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server-side device using the telephone number. , An automatic switching function is provided so as to connect using the general telephone line and to connect via the TCP / IP network when already connected to the server side device.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller connects the called party to the terminal device via the TCP / IP network by using the telephone number for the general telephone line from the terminal device. Is attempted, using the telephone number, asks the server-side device whether the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server-side device. The terminal device notifies the terminal device that the terminal device of the callee is not connected, and upon receiving the notification, the terminal device for the caller uses the general telephone line to transmit the general information of the callee. It has a function of connecting to a telephone terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device via the TCP / IP network and the terminal device of the callee. When trying to connect to the server device, the server device is inquired using the telephone number as to whether the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server device. A side device connects to the general telephone terminal of the called party using the general telephone line.

Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the server-side devices are operated in a distributed manner. A connection between the existing terminal device for the called party and the terminal device for the calling party is established to enable a telephone call or a data communication.

[0014] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device via the TCP / IP network and the terminal device of the callee. When trying to connect to the server, the server-side device is queried as to whether or not the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server-side device using the telephone number. , An automatic switching function is provided so as to connect using the general telephone line and to connect via the TCP / IP network when already connected to the server side device.

[0015] In another aspect of the present invention, the caller connects the called party to the terminal device via the TCP / IP network by using the telephone number for the general telephone line from the terminal device. Is attempted, using the telephone number, asks the server-side device whether the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server-side device. The terminal device notifies the terminal device that the terminal device of the callee is not connected, and upon receiving the notification, the terminal device for the caller uses the general telephone line to transmit the general information of the callee. It has a function of connecting to a telephone terminal.

In another aspect of the present invention, the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device via the TCP / IP network and the terminal device of the callee. When trying to connect to the server device, the server device is inquired using the telephone number as to whether the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server device. A side device connects to the general telephone terminal of the called party using the general telephone line.

Another aspect of the present invention is characterized in that the server-side devices are operated in a distributed manner.

[0018]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an example of a network configuration according to a first embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. As shown in FIG.
The TCP / IP network of the present embodiment has a caller T
A CP / IP communication terminal device 1 (hereinafter, called a caller terminal), a called party's home TCP / IP communication terminal device 2 (hereinafter, called a called person terminal), and a server-side device 3 (hereinafter, called a called person terminal) Server). The caller's terminal 1, the callee's terminal 2, and the server 3 are configured to be arbitrarily connectable to a TCP / IP network 4 via communication means.

Although only one caller terminal 1, one called terminal 2, and one server 3 are shown here,
It is not limited to this number. Actually, many caller terminals 1, called person terminals 2, and servers 3 are connected to the TCP / IP network 4.

The called party who uses the called party terminal 2 provided in the called party home 10 has the right to connect to the general telephone line network 9 including mobile communication, and And a general telephone terminal device 8 as necessary.

Although the general telephone terminal device 8 is described here, what is required is the above-mentioned telephone number, and the general telephone terminal device 8 is not indispensable to satisfy the requirements of the present invention.

The server 3 includes a database search unit 5, a database registration unit 6, and an IP address / telephone number correspondence database 7 as its functional configuration.

When starting the communication with the called party terminal 2, the calling party terminal 1 makes an inquiry to the server 3 using the telephone number for the general telephone line as a search key. Server 3
Then, the database search unit 5 searches the IP address / telephone number correspondence database 7, and if data matching the telephone number specified as the search key is found, obtains a terminal ID such as an IP address corresponding to the telephone number. Then, connection with the called party terminal 2 is performed.

As for the usage of this communication system, the caller uses the caller's terminal 1 and uses the same method and telephone number as in the case of using a general telephone, calls the called party's terminal 2 and performs communication. You can start.

Table 1 is an example of a table held by the database 7. A telephone number is recorded in the left column, and an IP address for specifying the called party terminal 2 is recorded in the right column. The IP address can be obtained based on the telephone number. Here, an IP address is shown as an example of the ID for specifying the called party terminal 2, but any other ID may be used as long as the called party terminal 2 can be specified. In addition, there is no problem if an ID for which the called party terminal 2 cannot be identified by the database 7 alone can be identified by inquiring another apparatus. For example, there is a case where a TCP / IP host name is held and an IP address is obtained using a DNS server.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

In FIG. 2, first, in step S1, the caller starts calling the other party using the ordinary telephone number 03-3224-12 × 3. This operation, which is generally called “calling” by the caller, is performed by the caller terminal 1.
Is performed, the caller's terminal 1
Request a search by the above phone number.

In step S 2, the server 3 having received the search request based on the telephone number from the caller terminal 1 in step S 1, uses the database search unit 5
The address / telephone number correspondence database 7 is searched to confirm whether the corresponding telephone number exists.

In step S3, the result of the search is determined, and if the corresponding telephone number is not found, the flow advances to step S4 to end the processing.

If the search is successful in step S3,
Proceed to step S5. Using the example of Table 1 above, the IP address 204.255.202.1 × 4 corresponding to the telephone number 03-3224-12 × 3 can be obtained. This IP address sets the called party terminal 2 to TCP / I
Since the terminal ID is specified on the P network, the caller terminal 1 and the callee terminal 2 are connected using this IP address. In this case, a method of connecting the two via the server 3 and a method of connecting without passing through the server 3 can be considered, but the method is not limited.

According to the first embodiment described above, the caller can call the called party terminal 2 directly connected to the TCP / IP network by using the telephone number for a general telephone.

(Second Embodiment) Next, a second embodiment will be described. FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to a second embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 3, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions as each other, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.

In the second embodiment, the server 3 is different from the first embodiment shown in FIG.
It is characterized by having. The general telephone communication unit 11 is connected to the general telephone line network 9.

In other words, the server 3 has a function of performing not only TCP / IP communication but also general telephone communication, and communicates with the general telephone terminal device 12 for the called party, which is a general telephone terminal, through the general telephone line network. It is possible.

Although the server 3 has a form in which the general telephone communication section 11 and other functions are provided in the same apparatus, these can be distributed and arranged in separate apparatuses connected by a network. is there.

As for the usage of this communication system, the caller uses the caller's terminal 1 and uses the same method and telephone number as in the case of using a general telephone, calls the called party's terminal 2 and performs communication. Can be started, and even if the called party does not have the called party's terminal 2, the called party's general telephone terminal device 12 or the general telephone terminal device 8 can be automatically called.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 4, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 2 indicate the same steps, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.

In FIG. 4, first, when the search fails in step S3, that is, when the terminal ID cannot be obtained as a result of searching the database with the corresponding telephone number, the process proceeds to step S6.

In step S6, the server-side device uses the general telephone communication unit to transmit the telephone number 03- via the general telephone line network.
By using 3224-12 × 3, the called party's general telephone terminal device 12 is called to start communication.

According to the second embodiment described above, the caller can call the called party terminal 2 directly connected to the TCP / IP network using the telephone number for the ordinary telephone. Even when a call using the TCP / IP network fails, communication can be performed using a general telephone line.

As a result, the caller is called TCP / IP for the called party.
The called party can be called by a consistent operation without having to worry about whether or not the communication terminal is connected to the TCP / IP network. Even if connection to the called party terminal 2 fails, the TCP / I
By using the P network, it is possible to communicate at the lowest possible cost.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to the third embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 5, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions as each other, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.

In contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the third embodiment, not only the TCP / IP communication unit 14 but also the general telephone communication unit 15 It is characterized by having.

That is, the caller's terminal device 13 uses the TCP
It has a function of performing not only / IP communication but also general telephone communication, and can communicate with a general telephone terminal device 12 for a called person, which is a general telephone terminal, through a general telephone line network.

As for the usage of this communication system, the caller uses the caller terminal device 13 to call the called party terminal 2 using the same method and telephone number as in the case of using a general telephone. In addition to starting communication, even if the called party does not have the called party's terminal 2, the called party's general telephone terminal device 12 or the general telephone terminal device 8 can be automatically called. . In addition to the above, when a call using the TCP / IP network fails, communication can be performed using a general telephone line.

As a result, the caller is called TCP / IP for the called party.
The called party can be called by a consistent operation without having to worry about whether or not the communication terminal is connected to the TCP / IP network. Even if connection to the called party terminal 2 fails, the TCP / I
By using the P network, it is possible to communicate at the lowest possible cost.

(Third Embodiment) Next, a third embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to the third embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. In FIG. 5, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 1 have the same functions as each other, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.

In contrast to the first embodiment shown in FIG. 1, in the third embodiment, not only the TCP / IP communication unit 14 but also the general telephone communication unit 15 It is characterized by having.

That is, the caller's terminal device 13 uses the TCP
It has a function of performing not only / IP communication but also general telephone communication, and can communicate with a general telephone terminal device 12 for a called person, which is a general telephone terminal, through a general telephone line network.

As for the usage of this communication system, the caller uses the caller terminal device 13 to call the called party terminal 2 using the same method and telephone number as in the case of using a general telephone. In addition to starting communication, even if the called party does not have the called party's terminal 2, the called party's general telephone terminal device 12 or the general telephone terminal device 8 can be automatically called. .

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. In FIG. 6, portions denoted by the same reference numerals as those shown in FIG. 2 mean the same steps as each other, and thus redundant description will be omitted here.

In FIG. 6, first, in step S7, the caller terminal device 13 used by the caller for calling
A general telephone communication unit 15 is provided in addition to the IP communication unit 14. It is the TCP / IP communication unit 14 that requests the server 3 to connect in step S7.

When the search fails in step S3, that is, as a result of searching the database with the corresponding telephone number,
If D cannot be obtained, the process proceeds to step S8.

In step S8, the server-side device notifies the TCP / IP communication unit of the caller terminal device that the search has failed, and proceeds to step S9.

In step S9, the caller terminal device that has received the failure notification in the TCP / IP communication unit uses the general telephone line network from the general telephone communication unit to use the general telephone number 03-.
By calling 3224-12 × 3, communication with the called party's general telephone terminal device 13 and the general telephone terminal device 8 is started.

According to the third embodiment described above, the caller can call the called party terminal 2 directly connected to the TCP / IP network using the telephone number for the ordinary telephone. Even when a call using the TCP / IP network fails, communication can be performed using a general telephone line.

As a result, the caller is called TCP / IP for the called party.
The called party can be called by a consistent operation without having to worry about whether or not the communication terminal is connected to the TCP / IP network.

(Fourth Embodiment) Next, a fourth embodiment will be described. FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to a fourth embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Less than,
The operation of the system according to the present embodiment will be described by explaining the differences from the first embodiment with reference to these drawings. Except for these points, the present embodiment operates in the same manner as the first embodiment, and obtains the same advantages.

In this embodiment, a connection ID generation unit 53 is added to the server 3 provided in the first embodiment.

While the server 3 of the first embodiment has an IP address / telephone number correspondence database, in the present embodiment, the telephone number / telephone number shown in the example of Table 2 is used.
TCP / I for caller with connection ID correspondence database
When a connection is received from the P communication terminal device 1 (step S51 in FIG. 8), a unique connection ID is generated, and correspondence data between the notified general telephone number and the connection ID is registered (step S52 in FIG. 8). I do.

When the server 3 of the first embodiment receives a request for connection of a caller to a non-caller, the server 3 inquires of the IP address / phone number correspondence database about the telephone number. In the embodiment, the telephone number / connection ID
Inquire against the corresponding database (step S in FIG. 8)
53).

According to the fourth embodiment described above, in addition to the advantages of the first embodiment, it is possible to call using the connection ID even in an environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from outside. is there. The environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from the outside means that the TCP / IP communication terminal device 2
Terminal ID of masquerade, NAT, proxy server, etc.
A situation that is inside a firefall of the type that transforms.

(Fifth Embodiment) Next, a fifth embodiment will be described. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to a fifth embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described by explaining the differences from the second embodiment with reference to these drawings. Except for these points, the present embodiment operates in the same manner as the second embodiment, and the obtained advantages are also the same.

In this embodiment, a connection ID generation unit 53 is added to the server 3 provided in the second embodiment.

While the server 3 of the second embodiment has an IP address / telephone number correspondence database, in the present embodiment, the telephone number / telephone number as shown in the example of Table 2 is used.
TCP / I for caller with connection ID correspondence database
When a connection is received from the P communication terminal device 1 (step S51 in FIG. 10), a unique connection ID is generated, and correspondence data between the notified general telephone number and the connection ID is registered (FIG. 1).
0 step S52).

When the server 3 of the second embodiment receives a request for connection of a caller to a non-caller, the server 3 inquires of the IP address / phone number correspondence database about the telephone number. In the embodiment, the telephone number / connection ID
An inquiry is made to the correspondence database (step S53 in FIG. 10).

According to the fifth embodiment described above, in addition to the advantages of the second embodiment, it is possible to call using the connection ID even in an environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from outside. is there. The environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from the outside means that the TCP / IP communication terminal device 2
Terminal ID of masquerade, NAT, proxy server, etc.
A situation that is inside a firefall of the type that transforms.

(Sixth Embodiment) Next, a sixth embodiment will be described. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a network configuration example according to a sixth embodiment to which the data communication method of the present invention is applied. FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating the operation of the communication system according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the system of the present embodiment will be described by describing the differences from the third embodiment with reference to these drawings. Except for these points, the present embodiment operates in the same manner as the third embodiment, and obtains the same advantages.

In this embodiment, a connection ID generation unit 53 is added to the server 3 provided in the third embodiment.

While the server 3 of the third embodiment has an IP address / telephone number correspondence database, in the present embodiment, the telephone number / telephone number as shown in the example of Table 2 is used.
Caller terminal 1 having a connection ID correspondence database
When a connection is received from the TCP / IP communication unit 14 of FIG. 3 (step S51 in FIG. 12), a unique connection ID is generated, and correspondence data between the notified general telephone number and the connection ID is registered (FIG. 12). Step S52).

When the server 3 of the third embodiment receives a request for connection of a caller to a non-caller, the server 3 inquires of the IP address / telephone number correspondence database about the telephone number. In the embodiment, the telephone number / connection ID
An inquiry is made to the correspondence database (step S53 in FIG. 12).

According to the sixth embodiment described above, in addition to the advantages of the third embodiment, it is possible to call using the connection ID even in an environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from outside. is there. The environment where the terminal ID of the non-caller cannot be specified from the outside means that the TCP / IP communication terminal device 2
Terminal ID of masquerade, NAT, proxy server, etc.
A situation that is inside a firefall of the type that transforms.

(Seventh Embodiment) Next, a seventh embodiment will be described. The seventh embodiment is a case where the servers 3 are distributedly operated. The distributed operation of the server 3 refers to a case where a database table, such as the example of Table 1 or Table 2, is managed by a plurality of servers 3 distributed on a network, or a telephone number and a callee The terminal IDs are not directly associated with each other, and the terminal for the called party is managed by another name once, and the server side device that manages the correspondence between the alias and the terminal ID for the called party is separately prepared. To manage the correspondence between the telephone number and the called party terminal ID.

The general telephone line used in the above description is a telephone line used in ordinary telephone communication including mobile communication, and does not indicate only a telephone line provided by a specific company. Absent.

It should be noted that the data communication system of each embodiment described above, the server and each communication terminal, etc. constituting the data communication system include a CPU or MPU, RAM,
It is configured by a ROM or the like, and can be realized by operating a program stored in the RAM or the ROM.

As described above, the present invention can also be realized by recording a program for causing a computer to perform the above functions on a recording medium such as a CD-ROM and reading the program. As a recording medium for recording the above program, a floppy (registered trademark) disk, a hard disk, a DVD, a magnetic tape, a magneto-optical disk, a nonvolatile memory card, or the like can be used in addition to the CD-ROM.

Further, not only the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized by the computer executing the supplied program, but also the OS (operating system) or other application software running on the computer. When the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized in cooperation with the computer, or when all or a part of the processing of the supplied program is performed by a function expansion board or a function expansion unit of a computer, the functions of the above-described embodiment are realized Such a program is also included in the embodiment of the present invention.

The data communication system according to the present embodiment is used in a network environment, and all or a part of the program may be executed by another computer.

Each of the above-described embodiments is merely an example of the embodiment for carrying out the present invention, and the technical scope of the present invention is interpreted in a limited manner. It must not be. That is, the present invention can be embodied in various forms without departing from the spirit or main features thereof.

For example, in the above embodiments, an example in which one-to-one data communication is performed between terminals has been described. However, the present invention can be applied to one-to-many, many-to-one, and many-to-many data communication. is there.

[0076]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, a caller can establish a method of using a general telephone and memorize the telephone number to establish a remote terminal directly connected to the TCP / IP network. Call communication can be performed. Not only that, but the other terminal is TCP / IP
Even if you are not directly connected to the network, you can automatically connect to a part or all of the communication paths using a general telephone line. Can be called. Also in this case, communication can be performed at the lowest possible cost by appropriately using the TCP / IP network for some of the routes.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a first embodiment.

FIG. 2 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of the communication system according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a communication system according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a communication system according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a communication system according to a fourth embodiment.

FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a communication system according to a fifth embodiment.

FIG. 11 is a block diagram illustrating a functional configuration example of a communication system according to a sixth embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating an operation example of a communication system according to a sixth embodiment.

[Explanation of symbols]

Reference Signs List 1 TCP / IP communication terminal device for caller 2 TCP / IP communication terminal device 3 Server side device 4 TCP / IP line network 5 Database search unit 6 Database registration unit 7 IP address / telephone number correspondence database 8 General telephone terminal device 9 General Telephone line network 10 Called person's house 11 General telephone communication unit 12 Called general telephone terminal device 13 Caller terminal device 14 TCP / IP communication unit 15 General telephone communication unit 53 Connection ID generation unit

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page F term (reference) 5K015 AA05 HA00 HA01 5K024 CC01 CC09 CC14 GG03 5K030 HC02 HC09 HD05 JT01 JT03 JT05 JT09 LB09 5K051 CC01 FF01 HH18 JJ04 5K101 LL01 MM07 QQ03 RR05

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A network terminal ID for specifying a terminal device of a called party who receives a call for data communication or data communication using a TCP / IP network, and a telephone number for a general telephone line including mobile communication. The above TCP / IP in which a server-side device having a table associated with is present
In a network environment, when a caller tries to connect the called party to the terminal device via the TCP / IP network by using the telephone number for the general telephone line from a calling terminal device, The server side device is inquired of the registration of the called party or the terminal device using the telephone number and the network terminal ID of the terminal device.
A communication system characterized in that the terminal device for the called party existing on the / IP network is specified and connected to the terminal device for the calling party to enable a telephone call or data communication. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller's terminal device, and
When an attempt is made to connect the called party to the terminal device via a P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server-side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. If the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, connect using the general telephone line using the telephone number. If the network terminal ID can be confirmed, confirm the TCP.
The data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic switching function so as to connect via a / IP network. 3. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device and uses the TC.
When an attempt is made to connect the called party to the terminal device via a P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server-side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. If the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, the terminal device for the caller is notified that the network terminal ID of the called party cannot be confirmed. 2. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the caller terminal device has a function of calling the callee's general telephone terminal using the general telephone line. 4. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller's terminal device, and
When an attempt is made to connect the called party to the terminal device via a P / IP network, whether the called party or the terminal device is registered in the server-side device or the network terminal ID is determined by using the telephone number. 2. The method according to claim 1, wherein, if the network terminal ID cannot be confirmed, the server-side device connects to the general telephone terminal of the called party using the general telephone line. Data communication system. 5. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the server-side devices are operated in a distributed manner. 6. When a terminal device of a called party who receives a call for data communication or data communication using a TCP / IP network connects to a server-side device, a unique connection ID for specifying the connection is provided. In the TCP / IP network environment where there is a server-side device having a table in which the telephone numbers for the general telephone lines are associated, a caller can call from the terminal device for the caller the telephone numbers for the general telephone lines. When the terminal device of the called party is connected to the terminal device of the called party via the TCP / IP network using the telephone number, the terminal device of the called party is already connected to the server device by using the telephone number. A query is made to the side device as to whether or not the connection has been made. If the connection has been made, the connection ID is obtained, and the terminal for the called party existing on the TCP / IP network Communication system, characterized in that to establish a connection location and the caller terminal device, enabling a call or data communication. 7. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller terminal device and uses the TC
When an attempt is made to connect to the terminal device of the called party via the P / IP network, the terminal device of the called party is already connected to the server device using the telephone number. Inquire whether or not the connection is established. If not connected, connect using the general telephone line using the telephone number. If connected to the server-side device, connect via the TCP / IP network.
The data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising an automatic switching function. 8. The system according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the terminal device to perform the TCP / IP.
When an attempt is made to connect to the terminal device of the called party via the network, the server device uses the telephone number to determine whether the terminal device of the called party has already been connected to the server device. In the case of no connection, the terminal device for the caller is notified to the terminal device for the caller that the terminal device of the callee is not connected, and the terminal device for the caller receives the notification. The data communication system according to claim 1, further comprising a function of connecting to the general telephone terminal of the called party using the general telephone line. 9. The method according to claim 1, wherein the caller uses the telephone number for the general telephone line from the caller's terminal device, and
When an attempt is made to connect to the terminal device of the called party via the P / IP network, the terminal device of the called party is already connected to the server device using the telephone number. 2. The data communication system according to claim 1, wherein the server side device connects to the called party's general telephone terminal using the general telephone line when the connection is not established. 10. The communication system according to claim 6, wherein the server-side devices are operated in a distributed manner. 11. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein communication of character data is performed. 12. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein facsimile transmission and reception are performed. 13. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein transmission and reception of still images are performed. 14. The transmission / reception of a moving image.
The communication system according to claim 10. 15. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein voice communication and transmission and reception of a moving image are performed simultaneously. 16. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the voice communication and the transmission and reception of the moving image and the character data are simultaneously performed. 17. The method according to claim 1, further comprising an answering machine function for recording a message when the call partner is absent and for receiving the message later. Communications system. 18. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein one-to-many communication or many-to-many communication is performed. 19. A data processing device comprising the communication processing method according to claim 1. Description: 20. A data communication method comprising the communication processing method according to claim 1. Description: 21. Software comprising the communication processing method according to claim 1. Description: