JP2002335328A - Internet phone support system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an Internet phone support system by which even a general user poor in the technical knowledge can readily utilize an Internet phone. SOLUTION: In the system 10 that is provided with a user communication terminal 14, a center server 12 connected to the terminal 14 via the Internet 16 and a plurality of gateway servers 30, the center server 12 is provided with a user database 41 that stores telephone numbers of callers in cross-reference with each user, a data shaping section 34 that extracts a required telephone number when the communication terminal 14 outputs a display request of telephone directory information and transmits the telephone number to the communication terminal 14, a database 44 that stores charge system information of each communication carrier, and a speech processing section 38 that determines a communication carrier whose speech charge is cheapest when the communication terminal 14 outputs a call request, identifies any gateway server 30 connected to a telephone line network of the communication carrier and brings the call to a telephone number of a called party.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an Internet telephone system, and more particularly, to an Internet telephone support system capable of providing Internet telephone users with various conveniences.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, due to the rapid progress of Internet-related technologies and the improvement of communication speed due to the development of communication infrastructure, Internet telephone services using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) technology have become practical. It is coming. When this Internet telephone system first appeared, it was assumed that telephone calls could be made between personal computers connected to the Internet using microphones and headphones, and the call quality was significantly inferior to ordinary telephones using switched lines. I was On the other hand, recently, it has become possible to make calls from a telephone connected to a personal computer, connect to a public telephone network via a gateway server installed on the Internet, and receive calls to ordinary telephones.
Moreover, the call quality has reached a level that can be fully used.

[0003] If this Internet telephone is used, it is possible to avoid as much as possible a paying public line network between the calling side and the called side, and it is possible to dramatically reduce the call charge. For example, if you call the United States from Japan, the call charges will be only the local call charges in Japan and the local calls in the United States, and you can save the most expensive international call charges on the way. .

[0004]

As described above, it is possible to expect a great savings in telephone bills by utilizing it well, and to expect further improvement in communication quality with future technological development and infrastructure development. Therefore, it can be said that Internet telephony has great potential as a next-generation communication means. For this reason, some corporate users have begun to fully adopt the Internet telephone system for communication between the head office and branch offices, and as a result, a significant reduction in annual communication costs has been realized.

[0005] However, the threshold of Internet telephone is still high for general users, and there is no chance to use it casually as in ordinary telephones. The main reason is that it is still a developing communication method,
It is conceivable that a service system that can be easily used by general users with little technical knowledge is not prepared.
Certainly, the call quality and stability of Internet telephones are currently inferior to ordinary telephones, but if they are used only for specific purposes or for other parties, they are still valuable to general users, If a value-added system other than a backup system and reduced call charges is prepared, it can be expected to spread at a stretch.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been devised to solve the above-mentioned problems of the conventional Internet telephone system, and provides a support system for enabling general users with little technical knowledge to easily use the Internet telephone. It is intended to provide.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, an Internet telephone support system according to a first aspect of the present invention includes a center server connected to a user-side communication terminal having a telephone call function via the Internet. An Internet telephone system comprising a telephone line network of each communication carrier and a plurality of gateway servers connected to the center server, wherein the center server comprises:
A telephone directory information storage unit for storing the telephone number of the called party transmitted from the communication terminal of the user in association with the user and the called party, and a display request of the telephone directory information output from the communication terminal of the user via the Internet. If so, a means for extracting a telephone number associated with the user from the telephone directory information storage means, and transmitting at least information specifying a called party associated with the telephone number to the user's communication terminal; The storage means storing the charge system information of the communication carrier, and when an outgoing call request for a specific callee is output from the communication terminal of the user, the area specified by the telephone number of the callee is charged to each communication carrier. A gateway connected to the telephone network of the communication carrier that determines the communication carrier with the lowest call charge by applying to the system Means for identifying the over bar, is coming from the gateway server to the telephone number, it is characterized in that a means for establishing a communication path between the communication terminal of the user and the called party communication device.

As a result, the user can use the Internet telephone by registering the other party who makes the Internet telephone call as telephone directory information in the system in advance, and calling this via the Internet and designating the called party. Becomes Moreover, since the system selects the communication carrier with the lowest call charge, there is an advantage that the call charge of the Internet telephone can be reduced to the utmost.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Internet telephone support system comprising: a moving image advertisement storing unit storing moving image advertisement information; and a moving image advertisement distribution unit, when a moving image advertisement distribution request is output from a user's communication terminal. Means for extracting predetermined video advertisement information and transmitting it to the communication terminal of the user; means for storing predetermined points in predetermined storage means in association with the user based on distribution of the video advertisement information; Means for calculating a call charge by measuring the call time between the communication terminal and the communication device on the receiving side and applying the call time to the charge system of the communication carrier; and storing points corresponding to the call charge in the storage means. Means for subtracting from the user's point balance stored in the user. As a result, the user can earn points by watching the moving image advertisement and apply the points to the call fee, so that the user can use the Internet telephone free of charge.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided an Internet telephone support system, wherein a telephone advertisement storage means for storing a telephone number associated with a telephone advertisement, and a display request for information related to the telephone advertisement from the communication terminal of the user via the Internet. Is output, means for extracting predetermined information about each telephone advertisement from the telephone advertisement storage means and transmitting the information to the communication terminal of the user, and a call request for a specific telephone advertisement from the communication terminal of the user is output. In that case, the area specified by the telephone number associated with the telephone advertisement is applied to the fee structure of each communication carrier, the communication carrier with the lowest call charge is determined, and the telephone line network of the communication carrier is determined. Means for identifying the connected gateway server, and receiving the telephone number via the gateway server. Means for establishing a communication path between the communication terminal of the user and the communication device of the called party, and measuring a communication time between the communication terminal of the user and the communication device of the called party, and measuring the communication time. It is characterized by comprising means for calculating a call charge by applying to the carrier's charge system, and means for storing the call charge information in a predetermined storage means in association with the called party. As a result, the user can obtain the advertisement information for free by using the Internet telephone. In addition, the provider of the advertisement information information can provide the advertisement information to the user using the Internet telephone, so that the call charge can be reduced.

[0011]

FIG. 1 shows an overall image of an Internet telephone support system 10 according to the present invention. A center server 12 managed by an operator of the system 10 and a user of the system 10 owns the center server 12. Are connected to the network via the Internet 16. Further, a mobile phone 18 having an Internet connection function possessed by each user is connected to the Internet 16 via a packet switching network 20 and a gateway server 22 of a communication carrier.

The center server 12 has a WWW (World Wid
e Web) It has a server function, a mail server function, a name server function, an application server function, a database server function, and the like, and is actually configured by connecting a plurality of workstations and personal computers to a network.

The user's communication terminal 14 corresponds to a personal computer 24 having an Internet connection function, and each personal computer 24 is connected to a telephone 26 dedicated to Internet calls. The user can make a call via the telephone 26 while the personal computer 24 is connected to the Internet 16. Of course, instead of using the dedicated telephone 26, it is also possible to connect a microphone and headphones or speakers to the sound board of the personal computer 24 and make a call via these.

Each user can receive an incoming call from the communication terminal 14 to a general telephone. That is, in this system 10, a telephone network gateway server 30 is installed for each communication carrier between the Internet 16 and the telephone line network 28 in each region, and via the gateway server 30, the Internet 16 The incoming call to the general telephone 32 connected to the telephone line network 28 is realized. As described above, since the Internet 16 is interposed between the communication terminal 14 of the user who is the caller and the telephone 32 of the callee, even if the callee is located at a remote place or outside the country, the call charge is reduced. Local call charges from your home to the ISP (Internet Service Provider) access point,
Only local call charges in the area where the called party resides will be incurred. When the telephone set 32 on the receiving side is installed near the center server 12, the telephone line network 28 is directly transmitted from the gateway server 30a without passing through the Internet 16.
a dial signal is sent to the communication terminal 14 of the calling user.
A communication path is established between the telephone and the called telephone 32.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a main functional configuration of the system 10. The center server 12 includes a data shaping unit 34, an authentication unit 35, a user data management unit 36, and a point management unit 37. , Call processing unit 38, video advertisement distribution unit 39
And a billing processor 40, a user database 41, a telephone advertisement database 42, a billing database 43, a communication carrier database 44, and a video advertisement database 45. The data shaping unit 34, the authentication unit 35, the user data management unit 36, the point management unit 37, the call processing unit 38, the video advertisement distribution unit 39, and the charging processing unit 40 are configured as follows: It is realized by executing necessary processing according to the OS or a dedicated program. The user database 41, telephone advertisement database 42, billing database 43, communication carrier database 44, and moving image advertisement database 45 are stored in the hard disk of the computer.

A person who wants to use the Internet telephone support system 10 needs to perform user registration in advance and secure a record for storing his / her data in the user database 41. Specifically, the center server 12 is connected from the personal computer 24 via the Internet 16.
Go to the website and select "New Registration" from the service menu displayed on the computer screen. As a result, a new registration form is transmitted from the Web site (not shown). Enter your name,
By entering and transmitting the desired password, address, telephone number, e-mail address, mobile phone number, gender, age, etc., the user database is transmitted via the user data management unit 36.
Registered as a new user in 41.

FIG. 3 shows an example of data items set in the user database 41. A password, a name, an address, a telephone number, an e-mail address, a mobile telephone number, a gender, an age, with a user ID at the top. , Advertisement browsing history, accumulation points, call history, telephone directory data, and the like. Needless to say, these data items can be increased or decreased as needed.

Hereinafter, a specific method of using the Internet telephone support system 10 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. First, in order for a registered user to enjoy the service of the support system 10, the user accesses the Web site of the center server 12 from his / her personal computer 24 via the Internet 16 and requests login to the service. The center server 12 that has received this (S10 in FIG. 4) transmits a form requesting the input of the user ID and password (S11). On the other hand, the user inputs his / her ID and password and transmits. In the center server 12 receiving this (S12), the authentication unit 35 determines whether or not the password stored in the user database 41 matches the transmitted password (S13).

When the authenticity of the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, a Web page 46 shown in FIG. 7 is transmitted from the Web site of the center server 12 to the user's personal computer 24 (S15). This Web page 46 is a dedicated page for receiving free Internet telephone service, and includes a display window 47 imitating a display of a mobile phone, an input button 48 imitating a numeric keypad of a mobile phone, and a “user telephone directory”.
A column 49 and a “free telephone advertisement” column 50 are displayed.

Each user of the system 10 receives distribution of the moving image advertisement from the system 10 in advance, obtains certain points by browsing the advertisement, and can make free calls corresponding to the point balance. It has a mechanism. For example, when a user resident in Japan makes an international call to a family resident in the United States, the point balance (123 points in this case) displayed on the display window is checked. If enough points remain, the user clicks the input button 48 as is, inputs the telephone number of the called party, and clicks the connect button to transmit a call request.

In response to this, the center server 12 (S1
6) The call processing unit 38 confirms the point balance of the user recorded in the user database 41 (S).
17). Here, if it is determined that the point balance of the user is less than the set point (for example, 5 points) (S
18), this call is rejected because of the point balance shortage (S19). On the other hand, if it is confirmed that the point balance of the user is equal to or more than the set point, the call processing unit
The telephone number of the receiving side input from the user's personal computer 24 is compared with the data in the communication carrier database 44 by 38, and the gateway server 30 to be in charge is specified (S20).

That is, the communication carrier database 44 stores time-based and region-specific fee structure data for each communication carrier, and includes a country code included in the telephone number of the called party transmitted from the user. By applying the called party's residence area and current time calculated from the area code and the current time to the above fee structure, the communication carrier with the lowest call charge at the present time is specified. As a result, the ID of the gateway server 30 connected to the telephone network of the communication carrier in the area where the called party resides is automatically specified.

The call processing unit 38 transmits the telephone number data of the called party to the gateway server 30 specified here, and instructs a call. Upon receiving this, the gateway server 30
The telephone number data is output to the exchange of the telephone line network 28,
A communication path is established between the called telephone 32 and the calling user's communication terminal 14 (S21). Thereafter, the call processing unit 38 monitors the state of the call between the communication terminal 14 of the calling user and the called telephone 32, accumulates the call charges by applying the call time to the charge system of the communication carrier (S22 in FIG. 5). ). The calculation result of the call fee is sequentially output to the point management unit 37.

The point management section 37 refers to a table in which the correspondence between the call charges and the points is described, and performs a point subtraction process corresponding to the call charges (S23). The result of the subtraction process is reflected on the accumulation point item in the user database 41 via the user data management unit 36. When the value of the accumulation point item decreases, the data
34 detects this, and transmits the point balance to the user's communication terminal 14 (S24). As a result, the number of remaining points is subtracted and displayed on the user's personal computer screen together with the talk time.

There is no problem if the call ends before the remaining points reach the bottom (S25), but if the call continues even though the remaining points are low (S2).
6) The call processing unit 38 sends a warning message such as "The call will be disconnected in about one minute" to the calling user's personal computer 24 (S27) and displays it on the screen. Here, the call should normally be terminated spontaneously (S2
8) If the call continues and the point balance becomes zero, the call processing unit 38 forcibly disconnects the call path (S29).

In order for the user to accumulate new points in preparation for the next call, it is necessary to receive distribution of the moving image advertisement information from the center server 12 and view it. That is, the user clicks the "save points" button 51 on the Web page 46 of FIG. 7, and outputs a distribution request of the moving image advertisement information. In the center server 12 receiving this (S30 in FIG. 6), the video advertisement distribution unit 39 sequentially extracts the video advertisement information stored in the video advertisement database 45,
The data is transmitted to the user's personal computer 24 via the Internet 16 (S31).

The user's personal computer 24 has a dedicated moving image reproduction program installed in advance, and upon receiving the moving image advertisement information, a moving image reproduction window 52 is opened as shown in FIG. Is performed (S32). The user views this moving image advertisement on a personal computer screen. Just before a video ad ends,
The "Confirm" button 53 is displayed for a few seconds in the moving image generation window (S33), and the user immediately clicks it. The selection operation of the “confirm” button 53 by the user is output to the center server 12 via the Internet 16. Upon detecting this (S34), the point management unit 37 stores points set in advance for the video advertisement in the user database 41 in association with the user (S35).

At the same time, the charging processing section 40 is activated, and the amount information corresponding to the point is associated with the advertisement provider (advertising agency or advertiser), and then the charging database 43 is provided.
(S36). At a later date, a bill in which a predetermined system usage fee is added to the amount of money recorded in the charging database 43 will be charged to the advertisement provider.

The moving image advertisement distribution unit 39 continues to distribute a plurality of moving image advertisements in accordance with a predetermined program until receiving a stop request from the user (S37). Points can be accumulated intensively. Then, after accumulating a certain number of points, the user can make an Internet call again. If the user continues to watch the video advertisement during the call, the addition process is executed in parallel with the point subtraction process, and the user can enjoy the call for a long time.

In the above description, an example in which the user inputs the telephone number of the called party by clicking the numeric keypad button 48 has been described. However, this system 10 has a user's personal telephone directory function, You can call a registered phone number with one click. That is, the "user telephone directory" column 49 is provided on the Web page 46 as described above, and a list of telephone numbers for each called party is displayed. The telephone directory data is a data in which the user himself / herself inputs a called party name and a telephone number from the keyboard of the personal computer 24 and is registered in the user database 41 through the user data management unit 36. Shaping part 34
Is extracted and transmitted.

When the user positions the mouse pointer on the name of the called party in the list and clicks, a call request for the called party is output. In the center server 12 receiving this, the call processing unit 38 specifies the gateway server 30 based on the telephone number associated with the called party,
A call command is output to the gateway server 30. As a result, a communication path between the called party's telephone 32 and the user's communication terminal 14 via the gateway server 30 is established.

When the user registers new telephone directory data, a "edit telephone directory" button 54 on the Web page 46 is displayed.
Click to call the phonebook edit form. Upon receiving this, an edit form (not shown) is transmitted from the center server 12 and displayed on the user's personal computer screen.
Here, the user inputs the name (name, abbreviation, etc.) and telephone number of the other party, and clicks a “register” button to transmit the input data. In the center server 12 receiving this, the input data is registered in the user database 41 by the user data management unit 36.

When the telephone number of the called party is changed or the data itself is deleted, the editing form is called on the personal computer screen in the same procedure as described above, and the necessary editing work is performed, and then transmitted to the center server 12. I do. The edited data is stored in the user database via the user data management unit 36.
Updated registration within 41.

If the user has existing telephone directory data input by using another address book program, the telephone directory data can be registered collectively using this. In this case, the user converts the existing telephone directory data into a general-purpose file format such as CSV and transmits the data to the center server 12. In the center server 12 receiving this, the necessary conversion processing is performed on the transmitted telephone directory data in the user data management unit 36, and then the telephone directory data is registered in the user database 41.

As described above, by providing the telephone directory function of each user on the Web page 46 for providing the Internet free telephone service, the user can call a desired destination with one click, Because of its convenience, it is expected that the frequency of using Internet telephones will increase, and that the audience rating of video advertisements will increase.

Once the user has stored the telephone number of the other party in the user database 41 through the Web page 46, the user can use the mobile phone 18 equipped with the Internet connection function, for example, an i-mode (registered (Trademark) can also use the telephone directory data.

That is, when the user uses the Internet connection function of the mobile phone 18, the i-mode dedicated W
When the user accesses the eb site and clears the authentication step by the authentication unit 35, a service menu is displayed on the display of the mobile phone 18 (not shown). When “use of MY phonebook” is selected from among these, the data shaping unit 34 extracts the phonebook data of the user from the user database 41,
Transfer phonebook data optimized for mobile phones to the Internet
16 → gateway server 22 → transmit to the user's mobile phone 18 via the packet switching network 20. As a result, as shown in FIG. 9, a list of telephone directory data (character strings associated with the telephone number of the called party) is displayed on the display 55 by the browser program installed in the mobile phone 18.

Here, when the user selects an arbitrary destination, for example, "
When "Home" is selected and the enter button is pressed, the automatic dial function (Phone To function) mounted on the mobile phone 18 causes "
Call to the phone number associated with "Home"
A call from the mobile phone 18 can be made. The call in this case is not an Internet phone call, so the user must bear the normal mobile phone fee. However, the phone book data registered for the Internet phone can be used effectively as the phone book of the mobile phone, and the phone book can be used effectively. There is an advantage that duplication of data can be omitted.

This system further has a free telephone advertisement function. Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the telephone advertisement function will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. That is, in the "free telephone advertisement" column 50 of the Web page 46, a list of company names, product names, and service names extracted from the telephone advertisement database 42 by the data shaping unit 34 is displayed. The company name, product name, and service name displayed here are associated with the telephone number of the company providing the telephone advertisement.

When the user clicks on one of these,
The request for listening to the telephone advertisement is output to the center server 12. In response to this, the center server 12 (S4
0), the corresponding telephone number is read by the call processing unit 38, and is compared with the data of the communication carrier database 44, whereby the gateway server 30 in charge is specified in the same procedure as described above (S41). Next, the call processor
38 instructs the gateway server 30 to make a call to the telephone number, and establishes a communication path between the user's personal computer 24 and the telephone 32 or communication device of the telephone advertisement providing company (S4).
2). As a result, the user can listen to the advertisement information on the company, product, or service of interest via the Internet telephone.

In the meantime, the call processing unit 38 executes a process of accumulating the call charge based on the call time (S43). When the call related to the advertisement information is completed (S44), the call processing unit 38 sends the call information according to the call time. The charge is output to the charge processing unit 40, and is stored in the charge database 43 after being associated with the provider of the advertisement information (S45). At a later date, a bill will be issued to the advertisement information provider regarding the above-mentioned call fee and advertisement distribution fee. It should be noted that the telephone advertisement information usually corresponds to automatically playing a pre-recorded voice, but it is naturally also possible for a person in charge of a company to explain the product live. As a result, it is possible for a company to use the service as a freephone.

In the above description, a business model in which a user accumulates points by watching a moving image advertisement and applies this to a call charge to make an Internet call free of charge has been exemplified, but the present invention is not limited to this. It is not something to be done. For example, the call charge and the predetermined fee calculated by the call processing unit 38 are stored in the charging database 43 and the user database 41 via the charging processing unit 40, and a bill is issued at a later date to request a deposit. It can also be used. Of course, the point system based on the viewing of the video advertisement and the billing system for the call charges can be used in combination. In other words, if there is a balance of points, use this to make a free call, and if points are insufficient or if the call runs out during the call, switch to the billing method, enabling flexible operation. Become. After the call fee is once imposed for the reason of the point depletion, if the user gains points by watching the moving image advertisement, it is naturally possible to reduce the call fee by applying the points.

The Internet telephone support system 10 according to the present invention can be effectively used as a tool for attracting customers to a Web site operated by a company. In other words, each company is currently planning to enclose existing users or potential users by converting its Web site into a portal site. Providing attractive content is of paramount importance in order to use this company website as a portal site for each user, and various information has been provided or fortune-telling corners and electronic bulletin boards have been installed. However, now that these contents have become popular, it is difficult to differentiate from other companies. On the other hand, by providing the above-mentioned “free Internet telephone service by applying the points accumulated by watching video advertisements” and “telephone directory management service” on the company's website, it is possible to build a novel website It becomes possible.

FIG. 11 shows an example of a Web page on such a company Web site. In addition to the dialer 56 for Internet telephone and the user telephone directory 49,
A moving image playback window 57 is provided. In addition, an advertisement display column 58 or an information selection column 59 related to the product or service of the company is provided.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing an example of a functional configuration for realizing such a service. The center server 12 includes a data shaping unit 34, an authentication unit 35, a user data management unit 36, A management unit 37, a call processing unit 38,
It includes a video advertisement distribution unit 39, a charging processing unit 40, a user database 41, a company information database 60, a charging database 43, a communication carrier database 44, and a video advertisement database 45. The data shaping unit 34, the authentication unit 35, the user data management unit 36, the point management unit 37, the call processing unit 38, the video advertisement distribution unit 39, and the charging processing unit 40 are configured as follows: O
It is realized by executing necessary processing according to S or a dedicated program. In addition, the user database 4
1, company information database 60, billing database 43, communication carrier database 44, and video advertisement database
45 is stored on the computer's hard disk.

A user who wishes to use the Internet telephone support system 10 performs user registration with a specific company that is an operator of the center server 12, and stores a record for storing his / her data in the user database 41. It is necessary to secure it. Specifically, the user accesses the company's website from the personal computer 24 via the Internet 16 and selects "new registration" from the service menu displayed on the personal computer screen. As a result, a new registration form is transmitted from the Web site (not shown). Enter your name, desired ID, desired password, birthday, gender, marriage (married / unmarried), use environment (home, school, company), occupation, field of interest, postal code, etc. The user is registered as a new user in the user database 41 via the user data management unit 36 by inputting and transmitting.

The company information database 60 stores advertisement information and content information of the company. In the moving image advertisement database, moving image advertisement information on the company and other companies is stored.

The registered user accesses the company's Web site from his / her personal computer 24 via the Internet 16 and requests a login to the service. Upon receiving this, a form for inputting the user ID and password is transmitted from the center server 12 (not shown). On the other hand, the user inputs his / her ID and password and transmits. In response to this, the center server 12 authenticates 35
It is determined whether or not the password stored in the user database 41 matches the transmitted password.

When the authenticity of the user is authenticated by the authentication unit 30, the data shaping unit of the center server 12 transmits the data shown in FIG.
The web page 61 shown in FIG. 1 is transmitted to the user's personal computer 24. At this time, the data shaping unit 34 sends the user database 41
By referring to the information of the user recorded in, a Web page 61 dedicated to the user is generated. For example, the combination of products and services listed in the advertisement display column 58 is optimized according to the age and gender of the user, or the type of information listed in the information selection column 59 is optimized according to the field of interest of the user. That is applicable. Of course, the number of remaining points of the user is displayed in the display window 47 of the dialer 56, and the destination registered by the user himself is displayed in the user telephone directory section 49.

Here, when sufficient points are left for the user, the input button 48 is clicked as it is,
Alternatively, a call request is transmitted by selecting one destination from the list in the user telephone directory section 49. In the center server 12 receiving this, the call processing unit 38 checks the point balance of the user recorded in the user database 41. Here, if the point balance of the user is equal to or more than a certain point, the telephone number of the receiving side input from the user's personal computer 24 by the call processing unit 38 or the telephone number associated with the destination selected by the user. Collation with the data in the communication carrier database 44 is performed, and the gateway server 30 to be in charge is specified. Next, the call processing unit 38 transmits the telephone number data of the called party to the gateway server 30 specified here,
Order a call. Gateway server 30 receiving this
Outputs the telephone number data to the exchange of the telephone line network 28, and establishes a communication path between the called telephone 32 and the communication terminal 14 of the calling user. Thereafter, the call processing unit 38 monitors the state of the call between the communication terminal 14 of the calling user and the called telephone 32,
The call time is applied to the charge system of the communication carrier to calculate the call charge. The calculation result of the call fee is sequentially output to the point management unit 37. In the point management unit 37,
With reference to a table in which the correspondence between call charges and points is described, point subtraction processing corresponding to the call charges is performed.
The result of the subtraction process is reflected on the accumulation point item in the user database 41 via the user data management unit 36. When the value of the accumulation point item decreases, the data shaping unit 34 detects this, and transmits the point balance to the communication terminal 14 of the user. As a result, the number of remaining points is subtracted and displayed on the user's personal computer screen along with the talk time. The user can enjoy a free call with the destination until the point balance becomes zero.

When the point balance becomes very small, the user clicks the "save points" button in preparation for the next call.
Click 51 to output a video advertisement information distribution request.
In response to this, the center server 12 sends the video advertisement distribution unit 39
Thus, the moving image advertisement information stored in the moving image advertisement database 45 is sequentially extracted and transmitted to the user's personal computer 24 via the Internet 16. At this time, the video advertisement distribution policy
By referring to the user information (attribute information, usage history information, and the like) recorded in the user database 41, the 39 can preferentially distribute the moving image advertisement information most suitable for the user.

As a result, the reproduction of the moving image and the sound is started in the moving image reproduction window 57 in the Web page 61. The user views this moving image advertisement on the personal computer screen, and clicks the “confirm” button 53 to indicate the already-viewed intention. The point management unit 37 receiving this stores the points set for the video advertisement in the user database 41 in association with the user.

The moving image advertisement distribution unit 39 continues to distribute a plurality of moving image advertisements according to a predetermined program until receiving a stop request from the user. , Points can be accumulated intensively. Of course, if the user continues to watch the video advertisement during the call, the addition process is executed in parallel with the point subtraction process, and the call can be performed for a long time.

It should be noted that the reproduced moving image advertisement is not limited to that of the company hosting the Web site, and it is also possible to reproduce moving image advertisements of other companies. In this case, the charging processing unit 40 is activated, and the amount information of the points obtained by the user viewing the video advertisement is associated with the advertisement provider (advertising agency or advertiser), and the charging database 43 Registered within. At a later date, a bill will be issued to the advertisement provider in which a predetermined system usage fee is added to the amount of money recorded in the charging database 43.

In addition to watching video advertisements, the user
When purchasing a product or service through the web page 61 or participating in a specific event, predetermined points can be obtained. For example, if the user
bOpen the menu on page 61 and get to the product purchase page, where you place an order for a specific product.
A point giving command is output from 37 to the user data management unit 36, and the points in the user database 41 are increased.

[0056]

According to the Internet telephone support system of the present invention, each user registers in advance the other party who makes an Internet telephone call as telephone directory information in the system, calls this via the Internet and calls the called party. By simply specifying, you can easily make an Internet call. Moreover, since the system automatically selects the communication carrier with the lowest call charge, there is an advantage that the call charge for Internet telephone calls, which originally only requires a local call charge, can be reduced to the utmost.

According to the Internet telephone support system according to the second aspect, each user earns points by watching the video advertisement, and can apply the points to the call charge, and uses the Internet telephone free of charge. There are advantages that can be.

According to the third aspect of the present invention, the user can obtain free telephone advertisement information by using the Internet telephone. In addition, since the advertisement information provider can provide the telephone advertisement to the user using the Internet telephone, the call charge can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing an overall image of an Internet telephone support system according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the system.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram showing an example of data items set in a user database.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure related to an Internet free telephone service in this system.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to an Internet free telephone service in this system.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to distribution of a moving image advertisement and provision of points in this system.

FIG. 7 is a layout diagram showing an example of a Web page for providing an Internet free telephone service.

FIG. 8 is a layout diagram illustrating an example of a moving image playback window.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram showing a state in which telephone directory data is displayed on a display of a mobile phone.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure relating to a free telephone advertisement service in this system.

FIG. 11 is a layout diagram showing an example of a Web page for providing an Internet free telephone service hosted by a company.

FIG. 12 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration for realizing an Internet free telephone service hosted by a company.

[Explanation of symbols]

 10 Internet telephone support system 12 Center server 14 Communication terminal 16 Internet 18 Mobile phone 20 Packet switching network 22 Gateway server 24 PC 26 Dedicated telephone 28 Telephone network 30 Telephone network gateway server 32 Telephone on the receiving side 34 Data shaping unit 35 Authentication unit 36 User data management part 37 Point management part 38 Call processing part 39 Video advertisement distribution part 40 Billing processing part 41 User database 42 Telephone advertisement database 43 Billing database 44 Communication carrier database 45 Video advertisement database 46 Web page 47 Display window 48 Input button 49 “ "User Phonebook" field 50 "Free Phone Ads" field 51 "Points earn" button 52 Video playback window 53 "Confirm" button 54 "Edit phonebook" button 55 Display 56 Internet phone dialer 57 Video playback window 58WARNING display column 59 information selection field 60 corporate information database 61 Web page

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on front page F term (reference) 5K015 AB01 GA00 5K025 AA07 AA08 AA09 BB08 BB10 FF17 FF27 GG16 KK08 5K051 BB01 BB02 CC01 CC02 FF16 GG03 JJ13 5K101 LL00 MM07 NN21 NN48 PP03 PP09 RR04

Claims (3)

[Claims] 1. A center server connected to a user-side communication terminal having a call function via the Internet, a telephone line network of each communication carrier, and a plurality of gateway servers connected to the center server. An Internet telephone system, wherein the center server stores telephone directory information of a called party transmitted from a user's communication terminal in association with the user and the called party; When a display request for telephone directory information is output from the communication terminal via the Internet, the telephone number associated with the user is extracted from the telephone directory information storage unit, and at least the called party associated with the telephone number is extracted. A means for transmitting the information to be specified to the user's communication terminal, and a record for storing the charge system information of each communication carrier. When a call request for a specific receiver is output from the communication terminal of the user, the area specified by the telephone number of the receiver is applied to the charge system of each communication carrier, and the call charge is reduced. Means for determining the least expensive communication carrier, specifying a gateway server connected to the telephone network of the communication carrier, and causing the telephone number to be received from the gateway server,
Means for establishing a communication path between the communication terminal of the user and the communication device of the called party. 2. A moving picture advertisement storing means for storing moving picture advertisement information, and when a request for distributing a moving picture advertisement is outputted from a user's communication terminal, predetermined moving picture advertisement information is extracted from the moving picture advertisement storing means. Means for transmitting to the user's communication terminal; means for storing a predetermined point in the predetermined storage means in association with the user based on the distribution of the moving image advertisement information; and Means for calculating a call charge by applying the call time to the communication carrier, and calculating a call charge corresponding to the call charge. The point balance of the user stored in the storage means is stored in the storage means. 2. The Internet telephone support system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for subtracting from. 3. A telephone advertisement storage means for storing a telephone number associated with a telephone advertisement, and a telephone advertisement information output request from the user's communication terminal via the Internet, Means for extracting predetermined information relating to each telephone advertisement from the advertisement storage means and transmitting the information to the communication terminal of the user; and when a call request for a specific telephone advertisement is output from the communication terminal of the user, the telephone advertisement By applying the area specified by the telephone number associated with the communication carrier to the charge system of each communication carrier, the communication carrier with the lowest call charge is determined, and the gateway server connected to the telephone network of the communication carrier is specified. Means for making a call to the telephone number via the gateway server, the communication terminal of the user and the communication device of the called party Means for establishing a communication path between the communication terminal and the communication terminal of the user and communication equipment of the called party, and calculating the communication charge by applying the measurement to the charge system of the communication carrier. The Internet telephone support system according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: (a) storing the call charge information in a predetermined storage unit in association with a callee.