JP2003018212A - Communication system, communication method, medium, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To solve the problem that it is impossible to communicate with a destination whose information is unknown in the case that a network like the Internet is used to perform real-time communication in video and voice. SOLUTION: When a first calling device which is one of a PC (A) 10, a PC (A) 8, or a telephone/facsimile (A) 7 calls a first destination device which is one of a PC (B) 16, a PC (B) 14, or a telephone/facsimile (B) 13 to perform real-time communication and ISP server 4 provides connection information of the first destination device for the first calling device, and the first calling device uses the provided connection information to call the first destination device.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication system, a communication method, a first device, a second device, a medium and a program for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using a network such as the Internet. .

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Telephone services using ordinary telephone line networks are widely used. In such a conventional telephone service, the side providing the telephone service gives identification information called a telephone number to the service subscriber who uses the telephone service. Then, the side providing the telephone service centrally provides directory services such as guidance of telephone numbers to service subscribers.

For example, if the service subscriber knows the name and address of the person he / she wants to call, but does not know the telephone number of the person he / she wants to call, he / she asks the person who provides the telephone service to request that person from the name / address. Will look up your phone number. In this way, even if the telephone number of the other party is unknown, if the directory service provided by the side providing the telephone service is used, the telephone number of the other party is checked and the person is called. On the other hand, with the recent spread of the Internet, communication called a so-called Internet telephone is in the limelight. Instead of using a normal telephone line network, the Internet is used as a communication line to perform bidirectional communication with the other party in real time using video and audio.

Various types of terminals such as PCs (personal computers, ordinary telephones, etc.) are used as terminals for making such Internet telephone calls.
There are a plurality of communication modes such as communication between C and PC, communication between PC and ordinary telephone, and communication between telephone and telephone.

For example, when a PC is used as an Internet telephone terminal, the PC may be connected to the Internet by an IP leased line, or may be connected to the Internet by dial-up connection using a telephone network. . Also, the Internet telephone can be used by connecting from the telephone to the Internet via the provider via the telephone line network.

[0006]

However, a plurality of types of terminal devices, such as the above-mentioned Internet telephone, which are not necessarily connected to the network in the same manner, use the network to make voice and / or video. In order to communicate with the other party when performing real-time communication with, at least what kind of terminal is the other party's terminal, and how to establish a connection with that terminal via the network etc. If the information of the communication partner is unknown, it is not possible to communicate with that partner.

That is, when real-time communication using video or audio is performed using a network such as the Internet, if the information of the communication partner is unknown, it is impossible to communicate with the partner (first problem). ).

In the case of communicating using a conventional telephone line network, if the telephone number of the called party is unknown, a directory service for guiding the called party's telephone number can be used. It is possible to know the phone number of and to communicate with the other party whose phone number is unknown. However, in an open network such as the Internet, the network itself is expanding in a self-proliferating manner, and the number of terminals connected to the network is also expanding. Under such circumstances, it is very difficult to provide a service, like the directory service in the telephone service, that teaches the information of the other party to communicate and enables the caller to establish communication with the other party. In other words, the number of terminals that can perform real-time communication is increasing at an accelerating rate, and since there are multiple types of terminals, it is necessary to update and manage the database for providing the service of teaching the communication destination information. This is because it takes time and cost.

That is, when performing real-time communication by video and voice using an open network such as the Internet that expands in a self-propagating manner, the information of the communication partner is taught so that communication with the partner can be established. There is a problem (second problem) that it is difficult to provide a service that does.

Further, the charge to be paid by communication differs depending on the type of the terminal of the other party. However, when the type of the destination of the terminal is unknown, it is not possible to correctly predict in advance how much of the fee will be applied at the caller before communicating.

That is, if the type of the other party's terminal is unknown, there is a problem (the third problem) that the calling side cannot predict how much the charge will be before the communication.

In consideration of the first problem described above, the present invention makes a communication with a communication partner at the time of performing real-time communication by video or audio using a network such as the Internet, even if the information of the communication partner is unknown. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system, a communication method, a first device, a second device, a medium, and a program that can be performed.

Further, in consideration of the above-mentioned second problem, the present invention, when performing real-time communication by video or audio using an open network that expands in a self-proliferating manner such as the Internet, information of a communication partner. For providing a communication system, a communication method, a first device, a second device, a medium, and a program capable of providing a service that enables the establishment of communication with a partner. Is.

Further, in consideration of the above-mentioned third problem, the present invention correctly predicts how much the communication charge will be, even before the communication, even if the type of the other terminal is unknown. Communication system, communication method,
It is intended to provide a first device, a second device, a medium and a program.

[0015]

In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, the first invention (corresponding to claim 1) is a communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using a network. A plurality of first devices that perform the real-time communication using the network and are not all connected in the same connection form to the network, and a connection including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. A second device for storing information, wherein the second device is a first device of any one of the plurality of first devices, and the calling first device is any one of the plurality of first devices. When calling the other party's first apparatus which is the first apparatus of the other party to perform the real-time communication, the connection information of the other party's first apparatus is provided to the calling first apparatus, Device utilizes the provided information, a communication system for calling the destination first device.

The second invention of the present invention (corresponding to claim 2)
Is a communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using a network, wherein the real-time communication is performed by using the network,
Used in a communication system including a plurality of first devices that are not all connected in the same connection form to the network, and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device A communication method according to claim 1, wherein a calling first device that is a first device of any of the plurality of first devices is a first partner device that is a first device of any of the plurality of first devices. When calling a device to perform the real-time communication, the second device provides the connection information of the destination first device to the calling first device, and the calling first device provides the provided information. It is a communication method for calling the first device of the other party by using the communication device.

A third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 3)
Uses the network for real-time communication,
The network is provided with a plurality of first devices that do not necessarily have the same connection form for connecting to the network, and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. A first device used in a communication system for performing real-time communication using voice and / or video, and calling a first destination device which is a first device of any one of the plurality of first devices. Is a first device including communication means for calling the first device of the other party by using the connection information of the first device of the other party provided from the second device when performing the real-time communication. .

A fourth invention (corresponding to claim 4)
Is the first apparatus according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the communication unit has a registration unit that enables the connection information for connecting to itself to be registered in the second device.

The fifth invention (corresponding to claim 5)
Is the first device according to the third aspect of the present invention, wherein the connection information further includes a type of service of the real-time communication that can be used by each of the plurality of first devices.

The sixth invention (corresponding to claim 6)
When the communication means calls the destination first device, the communication means uses the type of service available to the destination first device to automatically or in accordance with a user's selection of the communication means provide a communication service. It is the 1st apparatus as described in the 5th this invention to establish.

A seventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 7)
The connection information includes, when the destination first device has a plurality of call destinations, information specifying the plurality of call destinations and a priority indicating which of the call destinations is given priority. It is a 1st apparatus as described in the 3rd this invention which further contains the information shown.

The eighth invention (corresponding to claim 8)
When the communication means performs the real-time communication with the destination first device having the plurality of call destinations,
A seventh aspect of the present invention, wherein the communication unit determines a call destination for calling the other party's first device from the plurality of call destinations by using the information specifying the plurality of call destinations and the information indicating the priority. The first device described in 1.

The ninth invention (corresponding to claim 9)
The second device identifies I as the destination first device.
The first device according to the third aspect of the present invention, which holds D information, and wherein the second device has a search unit that searches the connection information of the destination first device using the ID information. is there.

In the tenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 10), the ID information means the name of the destination first device and / or the destination first device via a telephone line. When connecting to a network, the other party first
A first device according to the ninth invention, which is the telephone number of the device.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 11), the second device has calling means for calling the destination first device, and the calling first device sends the destination first device. If it is not possible to call the device directly,
The first device is the first device according to the third aspect of the present invention, which requests the calling means to call the destination first device.

Further, in a twelfth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 12), the second device, in accordance with the connection information, transmits the charging information that can be predicted when performing the real-time communication with the partner device, in the communication. It is the first device according to any one of the third to eleventh aspects of the present invention, which has a charging prediction unit that notifies the unit.

The thirteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 13) is to perform the real-time communication using a network, and to connect to the network, a plurality of first devices that are not all in the same connection form. A second device having database means for storing connection information including at least the connection mode and the type of the first device, and used for a communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using the network. A second device, wherein the database means is a first device of any one of the plurality of first devices, and a calling first device is a first device of any of the plurality of first devices. And providing the connection information of the destination first device to the calling first device when performing the real-time communication by calling the destination first device. It said call first device by using the provided information, which is the second device to invoke the destination first device.

In the fourteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 14), each of the plurality of first devices registers the connection information for connecting to itself in the database means. It is a second device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, which has a registration means that enables it.

Further, in a fifteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 15), the connection information further includes a type of the real-time communication service available to each of the plurality of first devices. 13 is a second device according to the present invention.

According to a 16th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 16), when the calling first device calls the destination first device, the type of the service available to the destination first device. Is a second device according to the fifteenth present invention, which establishes a communication service automatically or according to the selection of the user of the calling first device.

According to a seventeenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 17), the connection information is information for identifying a plurality of call destinations when the destination first device has a plurality of call destinations. The second device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, further comprising: and information indicating a priority indicating which one of the call destinations is to be preferentially called.

The 18th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 18) is that when the calling first device performs the real-time communication with the first device having the plurality of call destinations, the calling first device is used. The device according to the seventeenth aspect of the present invention, wherein the device determines a call destination for calling the call first device from the plurality of call destinations by using the information specifying the plurality of call destinations and the information indicating the priority. It is the second device.

According to a nineteenth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 19), the database means holds ID information for specifying the destination first device, and the database means stores the ID information. It is the second device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, which has a searching means for searching the connection information of the destination first device by using the searching device.

Further, in a twentieth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 20), the ID information means the name of the destination first device and / or the destination first device via a telephone line. When connecting to a network, the other party first
A second device according to the nineteenth invention, which is the telephone number of the device.

The 21st aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 21) includes calling means for calling the destination first device, and the calling first device does not directly call the destination first device. If possible, the first device is
A second device according to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention, which requests the calling means to call the destination first device.

In addition, the 22nd aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 22) notifies the calling first device of charging information that can be predicted when the real-time communication with the partner device is performed according to the connection information. It is the second device according to any of the 13th to 21st aspects of the present invention, which is provided with a charging prediction means.

A twenty-third aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 23) is a connection form of the communication system according to the first aspect of the invention, in which the network is used to perform the real-time communication and to connect to the network. A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of a plurality of first devices that are not all the same and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. It is a medium that is carried and can be processed by a computer.

The 24th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 24) is a partner of the first apparatus according to the 3rd aspect of the present invention, which is any one of the plurality of first apparatuses. First
All or part of communication means for calling the destination first device by using the connection information of the destination first device provided from the second device when calling the device and performing the real-time communication A medium that carries a program for causing a computer to function as, and is a medium that can be processed by a computer.

The 25th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 25) stores the connection information of the second device according to the 13th aspect of the present invention including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. , A first of any of the plurality of first devices
When the first device, which is a device, calls the destination first device, which is the first device of the plurality of first devices, and performs the real-time communication, the connection information of the first destination device A medium carrying a program for causing a computer to function as all or part of the database means for providing the calling first device.
A medium that can be processed by a computer.

A twenty-sixth aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 26) is a connection form of the communication system according to the first aspect of the invention, wherein the real-time communication is performed using the network and the connection is made to the network. A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of a plurality of first devices that are not all the same and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. is there.

The 27th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 27) is a partner of the first apparatus according to the 3rd aspect of the present invention, which is any one of the plurality of first apparatuses. First
All or part of communication means for calling the destination first device by using the connection information of the destination first device provided from the second device when calling the device and performing the real-time communication Is a program for operating a computer as.

The 28th aspect of the present invention (corresponding to claim 28) stores the connection information of the second device according to the 13th aspect of the present invention including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. , A first of any of the plurality of first devices
When the first device, which is a device, calls the destination first device, which is the first device of the plurality of first devices, and performs the real-time communication, the connection information of the first destination device Is a program for causing a computer to function as all or a part of the database means for providing the calling first device.

[0043]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) First, the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 1 shows an outline of the communication system of this embodiment.

The communication system of the present embodiment includes an ISP server 4 connected to the Internet 1, and a PC (A) 10 and a PC connected to the Internet 1 as terminals.
(A) 8 and modem 9, telephone / FAX (A) 7, PC
(B) 16, PC (B) 14, modem 15, telephone / F
AX (B) 13 and each terminal are connected to the Internet 1
As an access point for connecting to, the ISP access point A12, the ISP access point (for telephone) A11, the ISP access point B18, and the ISP access point (for telephone) B17.

When the terminal such as the PC (A) 10 and the terminal such as the telephone / FAX (B) 13 perform real-time video and audio communication with the terminal such as the telephone / FAX (B) 13 via the Internet 1, the ISP server 4 sends the communication to the other party. It is an internet service provider that provides the caller terminal with connection information of the other party's terminal when the way of connection is unknown, and allows the other party's terminal to call and communicate as necessary. IS
In order to realize the above functions, the P server 4 has a database 5 storing connection information of the other party, and the contents of the database 5 are provided to each terminal as a directory information display home page. The detailed configuration of the ISP server 4 will be described later.

The PC (A) 10 is connected to the Internet 1 via the Internet.
It is a personal computer that is always connected using a P dedicated line. Similarly, the PC (B) 16 is also a personal computer that is always connected to the Internet 1 using an IP dedicated line.

The PC (A) 8 is a personal computer that dials up to the Internet 1 by making a call from the public telephone line network A 2 to the ISP access point A 12 via the modem 9.

The ISP access point A12 is a PC
(A) An Internet service provider that enables a personal computer such as 8 connected to a public telephone network A2 to connect to the Internet 1 by dial-up connection.

Similarly, the PC (B) 14 is a personal computer that dials up to the Internet 1 by calling the ISP access point B 18 from the public telephone line network B 3 via the modem 15.

The ISP access point B18 is a PC
(B) An Internet service provider that enables a personal computer such as 14 connected to a public telephone network A3 to connect to the Internet 1 by dial-up connection.

The telephone / FAX (A) 7 is an analog telephone capable of performing image and voice communication and FAX transmission / reception using the public telephone line network A2.

ISP access point (for telephone) A11
Is an Internet service provider that enables the telephone / FAX (A) 7 to communicate with other terminal devices via the Internet 1. ISP access point 1
9 includes a modem 19 and an ISP server 20.

The telephone / FAX (B) 13 is an analog telephone capable of performing image and voice communication and FAX transmission / reception using the public telephone line network B3.

ISP access point (for telephone) B17
Is an Internet service provider that enables the telephone / FAX (B) 13 to communicate with other terminal devices via the Internet 1. The ISP access point B18 includes a modem 31 and an ISP server 30.

Next, the ISP server 4 will be described in detail as described above. FIG. 2 shows the configuration of the ISP server 4.

The ISP server 4 comprises a database 5, a management means 40, a web server 41, a calling means 42, a charge prediction means 43, and a search means 44.

The database 5 is a database that stores connection information including the type of each terminal and the connection mode indicating how each terminal connects to the Internet 1.

The web server 41 is a means for searching a called terminal stored in the database 5 and providing connection information of the called terminal as a home page.

The calling means 42 is means for establishing communication with the called terminal in place of the called terminal when the calling terminal cannot directly establish communication with the called terminal. .

The charging prediction means 43 is a means for predicting a charge when real-time communication is carried out by using images or voices using the Internet 1.

The search means 44 is means for searching the information of the other party with whom communication is desired.

The management means 40 is means for managing the database 5, the web server 41, the calling means 42, the charging prediction means 43, and the search means 44.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described.

The PC (A) 10, P of the present embodiment
C (A) 8, telephone / FAX (A) 7, PC (B) 16,
The PC (B) 14 and the telephone / FAX (B) 13 are examples of the first device of the present invention, and the PC (A) 10 and P of the present embodiment.
C (A) 8, telephone / FAX (A) 7, PC (B) 16,
The PC (B) 14 and the telephone / FAX (B) 13 are examples of the communication means of the present invention, the database 5 of the present embodiment is an example of the second device of the present invention, and the database 5 of the present embodiment. Is an example of the database means of the present invention, and the web server 41, the search means 44, and the management means 40 of the present embodiment.
Is an example of the registration means of the present invention, and is the ISP of the present embodiment.
The server 4 is an example of the second device of the present invention.

First, the operation of each terminal when the connection information for another terminal to connect to itself is registered in the database 5 will be described.

The operation when the PC (A) 10 registers its own connection information in the database 5 will be described. P in FIG.
6 shows a flowchart when the C (A) 10 registers its own connection information in the database 5.

PC (A) 10 is Internet 1 and IP
Since the connection is always made with a dedicated line, the user can use PC (A) 1
When the power of 0 is turned on and the PC (A) 10 is started, the Internet 1 is already connected.

The user operates the PC (A) 10 to activate the browser, and the directory information display home page 6
Specify the URL of. Then, the PC (A) 10
Directory information display homepage 6 on ISP server 4
Request to send. This request is received by the ISP server 4 via the Internet 1.

When receiving this request from the Internet 1, the web server 41 of FIG. 2 transfers the directory information display home page to the PC (A) 10. PC (A)
10 is a browser for displaying directory information homepage 6
Is read and displayed on the monitor (S1).

On the directory information display home page 6, a registration button for registering own connection information in the database is displayed. When this user clicks this registration button, the registration form is displayed on the web server 41.
Sent from.

The PC (A) 10 displays the registration form sent from the web server 41 by the browser, and the user inputs data to this registration form. That is, the user operates the PC (A) 10 to input information on one or more terminals, a user name, and a priority contact information in the registration form (S2).

When the input to the registration form is completed, the user operates the PC (A) 10 and clicks the input confirmation button on the registration form (S3). Then, the PC (A) 10 transmits the data entered in the registration form to the ISP server 4.

The web server 41 of the ISP server 4 is
When the data sent from C (A) 10 is received, P
The web page displaying the contents registered by the C (A) 10 is transferred to the PC (A) 10, the data is checked, and if the data sent is incomplete, re-enter the incomplete part. Request to the PC (A) 10.

The user confirms that the input contents are correct by the web page sent in this way (S
4). That is, if the input contents are correct, PC (A) 1
Operate 0 and click the confirmation button on this web page. When an error is found in the input contents or when the web server 41 requests re-input, the relevant part is re-input and the confirmation button is clicked as in the above.

When the web server 41 receives the correct data from the PC (A) 10 and the message that the confirmation button is pressed, the web server 41 outputs the data to the management means 40.

The management means 40 registers the data sent from the web server 41 in the database 5.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a database registered in this way.

The database 5 stores a user name 21, number of calls 22, call information 23, device information 24, second call information 25, and the like.

The user name 21 is disclosed to the outside, and the calling terminal selects a destination terminal based on the user name 21, and is, for example, a telephone number, an electronic mail address, a nickname, or the like.

The number of calls 22 indicates how many calling methods are available for calling a terminal.

The call information 23 is information for calling a terminal. When the terminal can be called as a telephone connected to the public telephone line network, the telephone number of the terminal is described. If the terminal can be called as a computer terminal connected to the Internet 1 and the terminal is assigned a dedicated IP address, the IP address of the terminal is described. Furthermore, when the terminal can be called as a computer terminal connected to the Internet 1, but the terminal is a dial-up connection using a public telephone network and does not have a dedicated IP address for connecting to the Internet 1. Is a PPP (Point to point) indicating a dial-up connection.
The point protocol and the telephone number of the callee are described.

The device information 24 is information about the terminal. For example, in FIG. 3, the description of PC (PPP) indicates that the terminal is a personal computer that connects to the Internet 1 by dial-up connection.

The second call information 25 is 22 calls.
The other calling methods are described in the order corresponding to the priority of the calling method by the number of the calling methods described in. That is, the calling information 23 and the second calling information 25 are described in order from the calling method having the highest priority by the number specified by the calling number 22.

Specific contents of the database will be described with reference to the example of FIG. That is, in the data registered from the terminal such as the PC (A) 10, the user name 21 is “Su
"Zuki". That is, the user who uses the PC (A) 10 can be identified by the name “Suzuki”. The number of calls 22 is three. That is, there are three ways to call the PC (A) 10. And the call information 23 is "TEL03-x
"xxx-yyyy", the calling method with the highest priority is to call "03-xxxx-yyyy" by telephone, and the second calling information 25 is "TEL.
“03-kkkk-zzzzz”, the next highest priority calling method is to call “03-kkkk-zzz” by telephone. Although not shown, the calling method with the second highest priority is "PPP03-
xxxx-yyyy ”. This is because the calling method with the third highest priority calls PC (A) 10 as a computer terminal, and the telephone number for dialing up the PC (A) 10 to the Internet 1 is "03-xxxx-yyy". It indicates that there is.

Further, in the case of PC (A) 10, it is always connected to the Internet 1 using an IP leased line.
(A) 10 is not directly connected to the public telephone line network A2 or the like. Therefore, the PC (A) 10 connects to the Internet 1 as a computer terminal and does not function as a telephone. In this case, the number of calls 22 is 1, and the IP information of the PC (A) 10 is described in the call information 23. Further, the calling method is not described after the second calling information.

When the registration of the connection information is completed in this way, the user of the PC (A) 10 ends the registration operation (S
5).

Next, the operation when the connection information is registered in the database 5 from the PC (A) 8 will be described. PC in Figure 6
(A) 8 shows a flowchart for registering its own connection information in the database 5.

The PC (A) 8 uses the modem 9 to make a call from the public telephone line network A2 to the ISP access point A12 to make a dial-up connection to the Internet 1. Therefore, unlike the PC (A) 10, it does not have a dedicated IP address. IP address is ISP access point A1 every time dial-up connection is made to Internet 1.
Allocated from 2.

That is, first, the PC (A) 8 calls the ISP access point A12 via the public telephone line network A2 (S6).

Next, the PC (A) 8 sends the PPP login name and password to the ISP access point 12,
C (A) 8 and ISP access point A (12) are PP
P connection is established (S7).

Further, in FIG. 5, S1 to S of the PC (A) 10 are
The PC (A) 8 performs the same operation as the operation of 5 (S8).

When the connection information can be registered in the database 5 in this way, the PC (A) 8 disconnects the PPP connection (S9).

In this way, the PC (A) 8 finishes the registration operation (S11).

Next, the operation of the telephone / FAX (A) 7 for registering its own connection information in the database 5 will be described. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart when the telephone / FAX (A) 7 registers its own connection information in the database 5. In addition, FIG. 8 shows a telephone / FA in the communication system of the present embodiment.
A part related to the operation of X7 to register its own connection information in the database 5 is shown.

The telephone / FAX (A) 7 is an analog telephone and can perform telephone communication using the public telephone line network A2, but cannot be connected to the Internet 1 as a computer terminal.

First, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 makes a telephone call to the ISP access point (for telephone) A11 through the public telephone line network A2 (S12).

Next, when the user inputs the password and the login ID into the telephone / FAX (A) 7, the telephone / FAX
X (A) 7 sends the password and login ID to ISP
It is sent to the access point (for telephone) A11, and the ISP access point (for telephone) A11 performs authentication processing (S
13).

The ISP server 20 and the modem 19 of the ISP access point (for telephone) A11 use the telephone / F
Voice guidance is given to AX (A) 7. The user operates the telephone / FAX (A) 7 according to this voice guidance to register the contents to be registered in the database 5 such as one or more terminal information, user name, and priority contact information (S1).
4).

Further, the ISP server 20 transfers the data thus registered from the telephone / FAX 7 to the ISP server 4, and the ISP server 4 registers the transferred data in the database 5 and updates the contents. (S1
5).

In this way, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 hangs up when the registration operation is completed (S16).

In this way, a PC (A) 10 or the like that is always connected to the Internet 1 by a dedicated line, or a PC (A) 10
(A) 8 or the like for dial-up connection from the public telephone network to the Internet 1 or telephone / FAX (A) 7
The connection information such as that which functions as a telephone and does not function as a computer terminal is registered in the database 5. Similarly, PC (B) 16, PC (B)
14, telephone / FAX (B) 13 connection information is also registered in the database 5.

That is, in the database 5, connection information of various terminals having different connection forms to the Internet 1 is registered.

Next, the operation of making a call from each terminal to the called terminal will be described.

First, from PC (A) 10 to PC
(B) The operation of making a call to 16 will be described. PC in Figure 9
The flowchart at the time of making a call from (A) 10 to PC (B) 16 is shown. Further, FIG. 10 shows a part related to the operation of making a call from the PC (A) 10 to the PC (B) 16 in the communication system of the present embodiment.

The PC (A) 10 launches a browser and refers to the directory information display home page 6 provided by the ISP server 4 (S17).

Then, the PC (A) 10 uses the input form provided on the directory information display home page 6 as
Enter your password and login ID. Web server 4
When receiving the input password and login ID, 1 performs authentication processing (S18).

When the authentication process is successful, the web server 41
Transfers a web page as shown in FIG. 4 to the PC (A) 10. The web page shown in FIG. 4 has a search screen 45.
And a search result screen 54.

The search screen 45 is a screen for searching the connection information of the terminal used by the user by inputting the user name.

The search result screen 54 is a screen for displaying the result of the above search.

First, the user operates the PC (A) 8 to input the user name of the other party in 46. And run 4
When 7 is clicked, the PC (A) 8 sends a request for searching the user name of the other party via the Internet 1 to the IS
It is transmitted to the P server 4.

When the web server 41 of the ISP server 4 receives the user name of the other party and the search request, the management means 40
Then, the management means 40 instructs the retrieval means 44 to retrieve the connection information of the destination terminal from the database 5 based on the destination user name.

In response to this, the search means 44 searches the database 5. The result of the search by the search means 44 is output from the management means 40 to the web server 41. The web server 41 transfers it as a web page to the PC (A) 10 as shown in the search result screen 54 of FIG.

The PC (A) 10 displays the search result screen 5 in FIG.
As shown in FIG. 4, the calling method of the other party can be known by referring to the column of the calling address 48. PC
If a user name using (B) 16 is entered and a search is performed, “PC (IP)” is displayed in the terminal information 50. This indicates that the personal computer is always connected to the Internet 1 by an IP dedicated line.
Then, the IP address of the PC (B) 16 is displayed in the column of the calling address 49.

Here, when there are a plurality of call destinations of the PC (B) 16, the call destination of high priority, that is, the call information 23 of FIG. 3 is called. Alternatively, the user may call the call information 23 or the second call information 25.
It is also possible to select a call destination from and call the selected call destination.

The user of PC (A) 10 thus obtains the IP address of PC (B) 16 which is the callee (S19).

Next, the calling PC (A) 10 makes a call request by designating the destination PC (B) 16 with the acquired IP address (S20).

When the call request is received from the PC (A) 10, the PC (B) 16 is supposed to respond to the call request. Then, the PC (A) 10 and the PC (B) 16 establish a call via the Internet 1, and users who use each other's terminals make a call by image or voice (S21).

Then, it is assumed that the call ends (S22).

Then, PC (A) 10 and PC (B)
16 disconnects the call (S23).

As described above, the PC (A) 10 searches the database 5 of the ISP server 4 to find out the connection information of the other party with whom the user wants to make a call, even if he / she does not know what terminal the other party with whom he / she wants to talk. It is possible to talk with the PC (B) 16 which is the other party's terminal by obtaining the.

Next, PC (A) 10 to PC (B) 14
The operation of making a call to will be described. PC (A) 1 in FIG.
The flowchart at the time of making a call from 0 to PC (B) 14 is shown. Further, FIG. 12 shows a part of the communication system of the present embodiment which is related to the operation of making a call from PC (A) 10 to PC (B) 14. PC as mentioned above
(B) 14 is a terminal that connects to the Internet 1 by dial-up connection.

First, the PC (A) 10 refers to the directory information display home page 6 provided by the ISP server 4 in the same manner as described above with reference to FIG. 9 (S24).

Then, the ISP server 4 performs the authentication processing in the same manner as described with reference to FIG. 9 (S2).
5).

Then, assuming that the authentication processing is successful, in the same manner as in the case of FIG.
The search means 44 searches the database 5 (S26).
Here, unlike the case of FIG. 9 above, as the search result,
The PC (A) 10 obtains a telephone number for calling the PC (B) 14 (S26).

Next, when the user operates the PC (A) 10 and clicks the connection 53 in the row in which the PC (B) 14 of the search result screen 54 shown in FIG.
A connection request is transmitted from (A) 10 to the web server 41.

When the web server 41 receives this connection request, it outputs it to the management means 40, and the management means 40 calls the calling means 42 to call the PC (B) 14 by telephone (S2).
7).

Then, when the PC (B) 14 responds to the telephone call, the calling means 42 sends the P (P) 14 to the PC (B) 14.
Request to establish a PP connection. In response to this, P
The C (B) 14 disconnects the call from the calling means 42, and then makes a PPP connection to the ISP access point B 18 (S28).

When the PPP connection is established, the PC (B) 14 notifies the ISP server 4 of the acquired IP address. The ISP server 4 sends the notified address to the PC
(A) Notify 10.

The PC (A) 10 is thus
(B) S2 of FIG. 9 based on the address acquired by 14
0, S21, S22, and S23 are performed (S2
9).

When the call ends, the PC (B) 14 sets PP
P connection is disconnected (S30), and ISP access point B
The call to 18 is ended (S31).

Next, call from the PC (A) 10 / fax
(B) The operation of making a call to 13 will be described. P in FIG.
The flowchart at the time of making a call from the C (A) 10 to the telephone / FAX (B) 13 is shown. In addition, FIG. 14 shows a telephone / F from the PC (A) 10 in the communication system of the present embodiment.
The portion related to the operation of making a call to the AX (B) 13 is shown.

The operations of S32, S33 and S34 are the same as S17, S18 and S19 of FIG. However, S34
At the phone / FAX (B) 1 instead of the IP address
Get the phone number of 3.

Next, the ISP server 4 makes a telephone / FAX (B) call through the ISP access point (for telephone) B17.
13 is called (S35).

Then, the ISP server 30 uses the telephone / FA
The voice processing of X (B) 13 and the daemon program for redirecting to PC (A) 10 are activated (S36).

Further, the ISP server 30 uses the PC (A)
10 is notified of the IP address of the ISP server 30.

The PC (A) 10 starts the call using the IP address notified from the ISP server 30 (S38).

When the call is completed, the IPS server 30 terminates the daemon program and executes the analog line disconnection process (S39).

The PC (A) 10 disconnects the communication with the ISP server 30 (S40).

Next, the operation of making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 16 will be described. FIG. 15 shows a flowchart for making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 16. Further, FIG. 16 shows a part of the communication system of the present embodiment which is related to the operation of making a call from PC (A) 8 to PC (B) 16.

First, the PC (A) 8 calls the ISP access point A12 by telephone to establish a PPP connection (S41).

Next, the same processing as S17 to S21 of FIG. 9 is performed (S43).

It is assumed that the call ends (S43).

Then, PC (A) 8 and PC (B) 1
6 disconnects the communication, and the PC (A) 8 disconnects the PPP connection (S44).

Next, the operation of making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 14 will be described. FIG. 17 shows a flowchart for making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 14. Further, FIG. 18 shows a part related to the operation of making a call from PC (A) 8 to PC (B) 14 in the communication system of the present embodiment.

First, the PC (A) 8 establishes a PPP connection through the ISP access point 12 (S45).

Next, the same operation as S24 to S30 of FIG. 11 is performed (S46).

Then, it is assumed that the call ends (S4).
7).

Then, the PC (A) 8 disconnects the PPP connection (S48).

Next, the operation of making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 16 will be described. FIG. 19 shows a flowchart for making a call from the PC (A) 8 to the PC (B) 16. Further, FIG. 20 shows a part related to the operation of making a call from PC (A) 8 to PC (B) 16 in the communication system of the present embodiment.

First, the PC (A) 8 establishes a PPP connection through the ISP access point 12 (S49).

Next, the same operation as S32 to S40 of FIG. 13 is performed (S50).

Then, it is assumed that the call ends (S5).
1).

Then, the PC (A) 9 disconnects the PPP connection (S52).

Next, telephone / FAX (A) 7 to PC
(B) The operation of making a call to 16 will be described. FIG. 21 shows a flowchart for making a call from the telephone / FAX (A) 7 to the PC (B) 16. In addition, FIG. 22 shows a telephone / FAX (A) 7 to a PC in the communication system of the present embodiment.
(B) shows a part related to the operation of making a call to 16.

First, the ISP access point (for telephone) from the telephone / FAX (A) 7 through the public telephone line network A2.
Call A11 by telephone (S53).

Next, ISP access point (for telephone)
When A11 responds, the user inputs the password and login ID from the telephone / FAX (A) 7. The ISP server 20 performs an authentication process based on the input password and login ID (S54).

If the authentication is successful, the ISP server 20
Voice guidance is sent to the telephone / FAX (A) 7. That is, the ISP server 20 makes a search request to the ISP server 4 according to an instruction from the telephone / FAX (A) 7,
The telephone / FAX (A) 7 is notified of the search result by the ISP server 4 by voice guidance. In this way, phone /
The FAX (A) 7 determines the callee (S55).

Next, the ISP server 20 makes a call / fax.
The voice processing of (A) 7 and the Internet daemon program for redirecting voice to the PC (B) 16 are activated (S56).

Then, the ISP server 2 is connected to the PC (B) 16.
The IP address of 0 is notified (S57).

In this way, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 and P
A call is started with C (B) 16 (S58).

When the call ends, the ISP server 20
Terminate the daemon program and execute the analog line disconnection process.

Finally, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 is ISP
The call with the access point (for telephone) A11 is terminated (S60).

Next, telephone / FAX (A) 7 to PC
(B) The operation of making a call to 14 will be described. FIG. 23 shows a flowchart for making a call from the telephone / FAX (A) 7 to the PC (B) 14. In addition, in FIG. 24, a telephone / FAX (A) 7 to a PC in the communication system of the present embodiment
(B) shows a part related to the operation of making a call to 14.

The operations of S61 to S63 are the same as S53 of FIG.
It is the same as the operation of S55. However, as the call destination, the telephone number for calling the PC (B) 14 by telephone is acquired.

Next, the ISP server 4 uses the PC (B) 14
Telephone call to ISP access point B18 and PP
Instruct to make P connection. PC (B) 14 is ISP
According to the instruction from the server 4, a PPP connection is established with the ISP access point B18 (S64).

Then, the ISP server 20 uses the telephone / FA
The voice processing of X (A) 7 and the Internet telephone daemon program for redirecting voice to the PC (B) 14 are activated (S65).

Further, the ISP server 20 uses the PC (B)
14 is notified of the IP address of the ISP server (20) (S66).

In this way, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 and P
A call is started with C (B) 14 (S67).

When the call ends, the ISP server 20
The daemon program is terminated and the analog line disconnection process is executed (S68).

Finally, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 is ISP
The call with the access point (for telephone) A11 is terminated (S69).

Next, telephone / FAX (A) 7 to telephone / F
The operation of making a call to the AX (B) 13 will be described. Figure 25
Shows a flowchart for making a call from the telephone / FAX (A) 7 to the telephone / FAX (B) 13. In addition, FIG.
Among the communication systems of the present embodiment, telephone / FAX
The part related to the operation of making a call from (A) 7 to the telephone / FAX (B) 13 is shown.

The operations of S70 to S72 are the same as S53 of FIG.
It is the same as the operation of S55. However, as a call destination, a telephone number for calling the telephone / FAX (B) 13 is acquired.

Next, the ISP server 20 makes a call / fax.
(A) The voice processing of 7 and the Internet telephone daemon program for redirecting the voice to the ISP access point (for telephone) B17 are activated (S73).

Then, the ISP access point (for telephone) B17 activates a daemon program for redirecting to the telephone / FAX (B) 13 (S74).

Further, the ISP server 30 notifies the ISP server 20 of the IP address of the ISP server 30 (S75).

Further, the ISP server 20 notifies the ISP server 30 of the IP address of the ISP server 20 (S76).

In this way, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 and the telephone / FAX (B) 13 start a telephone call (S77).

When the call ends, the ISP server 20
The daemon program is terminated and the analog line disconnection process is executed (S78).

Finally, the telephone / FAX (A) 7 is ISP
The call with the access point (for telephone) A11 is terminated (S79).

As described above, the connection information registered in the database 5 and the ISP server 4 can be sent from each terminal without knowing how each terminal connects to the Internet 1.
By using the function of, it is possible to know how to connect to the other party's terminal, and to perform real-time communication with the other party's terminal by image or voice.

The information registered in the database 5 of this embodiment is not limited to the information shown in FIG. PC
The type of server such as (A) 10 that can be used by the terminal registered in the database 5 may also be registered. For example,
When the PC (A) 10 is capable of both image communication and voice communication, the fact that image communication and voice communication are possible is registered in the database. And
The terminal calling the PC (A) 10 or the like determines the service to be used in the communication automatically or by the user's selection by referring to the information on the service available to the terminal registered in the database 5.
The communication service should be established.

Furthermore, the present invention causes a computer to execute the functions of all or part of the means (or devices, elements, circuits, units, etc.) of the communication system or the first device or the second device of the present invention described above. And a program that operates in cooperation with a computer.

Further, the present invention is a program for causing a computer to execute all or some of the steps (or steps, operations, actions, etc.) of the above-described communication method of the present invention, and cooperates with the computer. It is a program that works and operates.

Further, the present invention is a medium carrying a program for causing a computer to execute all or some of the operations of all or some of the steps of the above-described communication method of the present invention, which is readable by the computer and The read program is a medium that executes the operation in cooperation with the computer.

Further, the present invention is a medium carrying a program for causing a computer to execute all or part of the functions of all or part of the communication system or the first device or the second device of the present invention described above. The computer-readable medium is a medium in which the read program cooperates with the computer to execute the function.

Note that some means (or devices, elements, circuits, sections, etc.) of the present invention, and some steps (or steps, operations, actions, etc.) of the present invention are those plural means. Or means a number of means or steps within a step or one of the means or steps
It means some functions or some operations.

Further, a computer-readable recording medium in which the program of the present invention is recorded is also included in the present invention.

Further, one usage form of the program of the present invention may be a mode in which the program is recorded in a computer-readable recording medium and operates in cooperation with the computer.

Further, one use form of the program of the present invention may be a form in which the program is transmitted through a transmission medium, read by a computer, and operates in cooperation with the computer.

The recording medium includes a ROM and the like, and the transmission medium includes the transmission medium such as the Internet,
Light, radio waves, sound waves, etc. are included.

The computer of the present invention described above is
The hardware is not limited to pure hardware such as a CPU, and may include firmware, an OS, and peripheral devices.

As described above, the configuration of the present invention may be realized by software or hardware.

[0195]

As is apparent from the above description, the present invention makes use of a network such as the Internet for real-time video and audio communication even if the information of the other party is unknown. Communication system, communication method, first device, second device
A device, medium and program can be provided.

Further, according to the present invention, when performing real-time communication by video or voice using an open network such as the Internet which expands in a self-proliferating manner, the information of the communication partner is taught and the communication with the partner is communicated. It is possible to provide a communication system, a communication method, a first device, a second device, a medium, and a program that can provide a service that enables establishment.

Further, according to the present invention, even if the type of the other party's terminal is unknown, it is possible to accurately predict how much the communication will cost before the communication. , The first device, the second device, the medium, and the program can be provided.

[Brief description of drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a configuration of an ISP server according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of a database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a diagram showing an example of a directory information display home page 6 according to the first mode of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart diagram showing an operation in which a PC constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line registers in a database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flow chart diagram showing an operation in which a PC dial-up connected to the Internet registers in a database according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of registering in the database by the analog telephone in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a portion related to an operation of registering an analog telephone in a database in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call from a PC that is always connected to the Internet by a dedicated line to a PC that is always connected to the Internet by a dedicated line according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Diagram showing the part related to the operation of making a call from a PC to a PC that is always connected to the Internet with a dedicated line

FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call from a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line to a PC that is dial-up connected to the Internet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Diagram showing the part related to the operation of making a call from a PC to dial-up connection from the Internet

FIG. 13 is a flow chart diagram showing an operation of making a call to an analog telephone from a PC that is always connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Diagram showing the part related to the operation to call an analog telephone from the

FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call from a PC dial-up connected to the Internet to a PC always connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a P for dial-up connection to the Internet in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Diagram showing the part related to the operation of making a call from C to a PC that is always connected to the Internet by a dedicated line

FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call from a PC dialing up to the Internet to a PC dialing up to the Internet in the first embodiment of the invention.

FIG. 18 is a P for dial-up connection to the Internet in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure which shows the part which is related to the operation which makes the telephone from the PC which dials up to the Internet from C

FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call to an analog telephone from a PC dial-up connected to the Internet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating a dial-up connection P to the Internet in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
The figure which shows the part which is related to the operation which calls the analog telephone from C

FIG. 21 is a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet from the analog telephone according to the first embodiment of the present invention by a dedicated line.
Flowchart showing the operation of making a phone call

FIG. 22 is a diagram showing a part related to an operation for making a call from an analog telephone to a PC that is constantly connected to the Internet by a dedicated line in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 illustrates a dial-up connection P from the analog telephone to the Internet according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Flowchart diagram showing the operation to call C

FIG. 24 is a diagram showing a portion related to an operation of making a call from an analog telephone to a PC dial-up connected to the Internet in the communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart showing an operation of making a call from the analog telephone to the analog telephone according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart diagram showing a part relating to an operation of making a call from an analog telephone to the analog telephone in the communication system according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Internet 2 Public telephone network A 3 Public telephone network B 4 ISP server 5 database 6 Directory information display homepage 7 Telephone / FAX (A) 8 PC (A) 9 modem 9 10 PC (A) 11 ISP access point (for telephone) A 12 ISP access point A 13 Telephone / FAX (B) 14 PC (B) 15 modem 16 PC (B) 17 ISP access point (for telephone) B 18 ISP access point B 19 modem 20 ISP server 30 ISP server 31 modem 40 Management means 41 Web server 42 Calling means 43 Charge Prediction Means 44 Search method

Front page continuation (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04M 11/00 302 H04L 13/00 303B F term (reference) 5K015 AB01 GA08 GA09 5K024 AA76 BB04 CC01 CC07 CC08 CC09 CC10 DD02 FF01 FF05 GG03 5K030 GA17 HA01 HA08 HB01 HB04 HC01 HC02 HD03 JT01 JT03 JT05 KA01 KA04 KA13 5K034 AA19 BB06 CC02 CC05 DD03 EE10 EE12 FF06 HH01 HH02 HH06NN21NN17 NN21 NN17 NN02 MM00 KK02 LL00 KK02 KK04 KK04 KK04 KK04 KK04 KK04 KK04 KK04

Claims (28)

[Claims] 1. A communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using a network, wherein the connection forms for performing the real-time communication by using the network and connecting to the network are all the same. A plurality of first devices that are not limited, and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection mode and the type of the first device, wherein the second device is one of the plurality of first devices. When the calling first device that is the first device calls the destination first device that is any one of the plurality of first devices and performs the real-time communication, the destination first device Of the connection information to the calling first device, and the calling first device uses the provided information to call the destination first device. Beam. 2. A communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using a network, wherein the connection forms for performing the real-time communication by using the network and connecting to the network are all the same. A communication method used in a communication system, comprising: a plurality of first devices that are not limited; and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device. A call being a first device of any one of the devices, the first device calling a destination first device which is a first device of the plurality of first devices to perform the real-time communication; The second device provides the connection information of the destination first device to the calling first device, and the calling first device uses the provided information. Te, calls the destination first device communication method. 3. A plurality of first devices that perform real-time communication using a network and are not all connected in the same connection form to the network, and a connection including at least the connection form and the type of the first device A first device used in a communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using the network, the second device storing information, Using the connection information of the destination first device, which is provided from the second device when calling the destination first device that is any one of the first devices and performing the real-time communication, the destination A first device comprising a communication means for calling the first device. 4. The first device according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit has a registration unit that enables the connection information for connecting to itself to be registered in the second device. 5. The first device according to claim 3, wherein the connection information further includes a type of service of the real-time communication that can be used by each of the plurality of first devices. 6. The communication means, when calling the destination first device, using the type of service available to the destination first device, automatically or in accordance with a user's selection of the communication means. The first device according to claim 5, which establishes a communication service. 7. The connection information indicates, when the destination first device has a plurality of call destinations, information specifying the plurality of call destinations and which of the call destinations is to be preferentially called. The first device according to claim 3, further comprising information indicating a priority. 8. The communication means, when performing the real-time communication with the destination first device having the plurality of call destinations, the communication means includes information for identifying the plurality of call destinations and the priority. 8. The first device according to claim 7, wherein a call destination for calling the destination first device is determined from the plurality of call destinations by using information indicating the. 9. The second device holds ID information that identifies the destination first device, and the second device uses the ID information to connect the destination first device. The first device according to claim 3, further comprising a search unit that searches for information. 10. The ID information is the name of the destination first device and / or the destination first device when the destination first device is connected to the network via a telephone line. 10. The first device according to claim 9, wherein the first device is a telephone number. 11. The second device has calling means for calling the destination first device, and when the calling first device cannot directly call the destination first device, the second device 4. The first device according to claim 3, wherein one device requests the calling means to call the destination first device. 12. The charging prediction unit for notifying the communication unit of the charging information that can be predicted when performing the real-time communication with the partner device according to the connection information. The first described in any of
apparatus. 13. A plurality of first devices that perform the real-time communication using a network and are not all connected in the same connection form to the network, and include at least the connection form and the type of the first device. A second device having a database means for storing connection information, the second device being used in a communication system for performing real-time communication by voice and / or video using the network, wherein the database means is Calling a first device of any one of the plurality of first devices, the first device calls a destination first device which is a first device of the plurality of first devices to perform the real-time communication. When performing, the connection information of the destination first device is provided to the calling first device, and the calling first device is provided with the connection information. Using the information, the second device to invoke the destination first device. 14. The registration means for enabling each of the plurality of first devices to register the connection information for connecting to the first device in the database means. Second device. 15. The second device according to claim 13, wherein the connection information further includes a type of service of the real-time communication available to each of the plurality of first devices. 16. The calling first device, when calling the destination first device, uses the type of service available to the destination first device to automatically or automatically call the calling first device. The second device according to claim 15, wherein the communication service is established according to a user's selection. 17. The connection information indicates, when the destination first device has a plurality of call destinations, information identifying the plurality of call destinations and which of the call destinations is to be preferentially called. The second device according to claim 13, further comprising information indicating a priority. 18. The call first device, when performing the real-time communication with the first device having the plurality of call destinations, the call first device includes information for identifying the plurality of call destinations and the information. The second device according to claim 17, wherein a call destination for calling the call first device is determined from the plurality of call destinations by using information indicating a priority. 19. The database means holds ID information for identifying the other party's first device, and the database means uses the ID information to obtain the connection information of the other party's first device. 14. The second device according to claim 13, further comprising a searching means for searching. 20. The ID information is the name of the destination first device and / or the destination first device when the destination first device is connected to the network via a telephone line. 20. The second device according to claim 19, which is a telephone number of. 21. Calling means for calling the destination first device, wherein if the calling first device cannot directly call the destination first device, the first device calls the calling means. 14. The second device according to claim 13, wherein the second device is requested to call the destination first device. 22. A charging prediction unit for notifying the calling first device of charging information that can be predicted when performing the real-time communication with the destination device according to the connection information. The second device according to 1. 23. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the real-time communication is performed using the network,
A computer as a whole or a part of a plurality of first devices that are not all connected in the same connection form to the network and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device A medium that carries a program for causing the computer to function and that can be processed by a computer. 24. The second device when the real-time communication is performed by calling a partner first device, which is the first device of any one of the plurality of first devices, of the first device according to claim 3. A medium carrying a program for causing a computer to function as all or part of communication means for calling the first destination device by using the connection information of the first destination device provided from the device. A medium that can be processed by a computer. 25. The connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device of the second device according to claim 13, is stored, and the connection information is stored in any one of the plurality of first devices. When a certain calling first device calls a destination first device which is a first device of any of the plurality of first devices and performs the real-time communication, the destination first device
A medium carrying a program for causing a computer to function as all or part of database means for providing the connection information of the device to the calling first device, the medium being processable by the computer. 26. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the real-time communication is performed using the network,
A computer as a whole or a part of a plurality of first devices that are not all connected in the same connection form to the network and a second device that stores connection information including at least the connection form and the type of the first device A program to make the function. 27. The second device when the real-time communication is performed by calling a partner first device, which is one of the plurality of first devices, of the first device according to claim 3. A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of communication means for calling the first destination device, using the connection information of the first destination device provided from the device. 28. The connection information of at least the connection form and the type of the first device of the second device according to claim 13 is stored, and the connection information is stored in any one of the plurality of first devices. When a certain calling first device calls a destination first device which is a first device of any of the plurality of first devices and performs the real-time communication, the destination first device
A program for causing a computer to function as all or part of database means for providing the connection information of a device to the calling first device.