JP2003087422A - Program revision method for communication device, customer center and user system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To relieve the load of cost imposed on users, to decrease a time required for revision, and to relieve the cost and labor imposed on a customer center. SOLUTION: In the case of adding a new function to a key telephone system BT, first, a user PC of a user transmits a control program revision request to the customer center CC. The request includes information denoting a function desirably added, credit number, and a telephone number of the key telephone system. Then the customer center CC accesses the key telephone system BT via a public network on the basis of the telephone number to acquire function information of the key telephone system BT and discriminates the propriety of the added function based on the function information. When the addition is possible, the customer center transmits update control program data to the key telephone system BT of the user via the public network to additionally set the function.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method of changing the program of a communication device used when rewriting control program data accompanying a function change of, for example, an electronic private branch exchange, a key telephone device, and other office communication devices, and The present invention relates to a customer center that executes this control program data change control, and a user system that includes the communication device.

[0002]

[Prior Art] In offices, schools, offices, etc.,
Electronic private branch exchanges, key telephones, facsimile machines,
Office communication devices such as copying machines are widely used. When purchasing and using these office communication devices, the user generally selects a device having the required function at that time.

However, after the start of use, it may be necessary to add the function of the device or to delete the unnecessary function according to the increase of the number of personnel or the change of the work content. In such a case, conventionally, for example, the user notifies the customer's customer center of the fact that the function is desired to be added, and the maintenance service representative travels to the place where the communication device is installed according to the content and the user I am trying to do the setting work to add the desired function to the communication device.
In this case, the storage element storing the old control program data is discarded and replaced with a storage element storing the new control program data.

[0004]

However, in such a conventional program changing method, most of the work from the acceptance of the program change request from the user to the program changing work for the communication device is performed by the maintenance service person in charge of the customer center. It is done by artificial work. For this reason, it takes a lot of time and effort from when the user notifies the program change request until the program change is completed.

Therefore, the user cannot immediately use the function according to the new program, and must pay not only the consideration of the additional function but also the business trip cost and construction cost of the maintenance service staff. However, the cost burden becomes large, and all functions of communication equipment must be stopped during construction, especially for equipment that requires continuous operation such as button telephone equipment and other communication equipment. Very disadvantageous. On the other hand, for the customer center, it is necessary to predict the number of occurrences of function change requests and secure a person in charge of maintenance service to meet this number, which is costly and the quality of work may vary depending on the personnel. There was a problem that there was.

An object of the present invention is to allow rewriting of control program data accompanying a function change to be performed quickly and appropriately without requiring human labor, and without requiring a long stoppage of existing functions, thereby reducing user costs. (EN) It is possible to provide a method for changing a program of a communication device, a customer center and a user system which can reduce the burden and the change required time, and can reduce the cost and the labor in the customer center.

[0007]

In order to achieve the above object, the present invention changes the program according to the following procedure.

(1) First and second stored control program data and initial start program data describing a procedure for changing the control program data, respectively.
And a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage parts, and A method for changing control program data of a communication device by connecting a customer center for performing operation support work via a communication network and exchanging information between the user system and the customer center. The system sends to the customer center a function change request including the function change contents of the communication device and the subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network, and the customer service center receives the function change request. Based on the subscriber information included in the The communication device, obtain information indicating the function from the communication device, create update control program data based on the information indicating the function acquired from the communication device, and the content of the function change included in the function change request. The center transmits update control program data to the corresponding communication device via the communication network, and in the communication device, the processor is based on the control program data of either the first storage unit or the second storage unit. A processor downloads the update control program data coming from the customer center and rewrites the control program data stored in the other storage unit into the update control program data while executing the communication processing. Is.

Therefore, according to the invention of (1), all the steps from the control program data rewriting request accompanying the function change by the user to the control program data rewriting processing in the communication device of the user can be performed without human labor. It will be done automatically via the communication network. Therefore, the maintenance service personnel do not need to make any business trips or change operations manually. Therefore, it becomes possible for the user to change the function of his / her own communication device within a short time and at a low cost while minimizing the downtime of the existing function, while for the customer center, the control program data can be rewritten. It is possible to significantly reduce the required labor and cost.

(2) First and second control program data, and initial start program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described.
And a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage parts, and A customer center that performs operation support work is connected by a communication network, and it is associated with the individual identification information given in advance to the user system, and the subscriber information and communication equipment assigned to the communication equipment from the communication network are assigned. In a system equipped with a user database that stores secret device identification information that has been previously given and information that represents the function of a communication device,
A method for changing control program data of a communication device by exchanging information between a user system and a customer center, in which the function change of the communication device and the user's own individual information are transmitted from the user to the customer center. A function change request including identification information is transmitted, and at the customer center, based on the individual identification information of the user included in the function change request received from the user system, the subscriber information and the function of the corresponding communication device are registered from the user database. Each of the information indicating the above is read, and the update control program data is created based on the information indicating the function read from the user database and the function change content included in the function change request, and the customer center communicates with the corresponding communication device. Sending control program data for update via the network In addition, while the processor is executing the communication processing based on the control program data of either the first storage unit or the second storage unit, the processor stores the update control program data coming from the customer center. The control program data that is downloaded and stored in the other storage unit is rewritten to update control program data.

Therefore, according to the invention of (2), (1)
Similar to the invention described in 1 above, it becomes possible to shorten the time required for function change, reduce the user's cost burden, and significantly reduce the labor and cost required for function change at the customer center. Moreover, since the communication between the customer center and the communication device and whether or not the function can be changed are determined using the information about the user's communication device stored and managed in the user database, the information indicating the function from the communication device is displayed each time. It is possible to perform an appropriate function change process by a simple procedure without acquiring the.

(3) The first and second control program data, which store the control program data and the initial start program data which describes the procedure for changing the control program data, respectively.
And a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage parts, and A customer center that performs operation support work and a dealer that mediates support work between the user system and the customer center are connected by a communication network, and information is exchanged between the user system, the customer center, and the dealer. A method for changing the control program data of a communication device by means of a function including the contents of function change of the communication device from the user system to the dealer and the subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network. The change request is sent and the function change request from the user system is received from the dealer. The information is transferred to the center, and the customer center accesses the corresponding communication device via the communication network based on the subscriber information included in the function change request transferred from the dealer, and the information indicating the function from the communication device. The control center program for update is created based on the information indicating the function acquired from the communication device and the function change content included in the function change request, and the customer center sends the update control program data to the corresponding communication device via the communication network. And transmits the control program data for update by the processor, and in the communication device, while the processor is executing the communication processing based on the control program data of either the first storage unit or the second storage unit, the processor The control program data for update that came from the customer center is downloaded and stored in the other storage unit. Program data is obtained so as to rewrite the update control program data.

Therefore, in addition to the effect described in (1) above, the present invention can be applied to a system including a dealer.

(4) First and second control program data and initial start program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described, respectively.
And a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage parts, and A customer center that performs operation support work and a dealer that mediates the support work between the user system and the customer center are connected by a communication network, and are associated with the individual identification information given in advance to the user system. In a system provided with a user database that stores subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network, secret device identification information given in advance to the communication device, and information indicating the function of the communication device, a user system and a customer By exchanging information between the center and dealer, A method for changing the RAM data, in which the user system sends a function change request including the function change content of the communication device and the individual identification information of the user to the dealer, and the function change request arrived from the user system. From the dealer to the customer center, and at the customer center, based on the individual identification information of the user included in the function change request transferred from the dealer, the subscriber information and the function of the corresponding communication device are acquired from the user database. Each of the information is read out, and update control program data is created based on the information indicating the function read from the user database and the function change content included in the function change request, and the customer center sends the communication network to the corresponding communication device. The control program data for update is transmitted via the Then, the processor downloads the update control program data coming from the customer center while the processor is executing the communication processing based on the control program data of either the first storage unit or the second storage unit. However, the control program data stored in the other storage unit is rewritten to the update control program data.

Therefore, according to the invention of (4), the effect described in (2) and the effect described in (3) can be obtained.

(5) In the inventions of (1) to (4), when the customer center and the payment clearing organization can be connected via a communication network, the user provides the customer center with credit identification information of the user. In response to the request for rewriting the control program data to the communication device of the user, payment processing is executed between the customer center and the payment settlement organization via the communication network, and the control program data is sent when the payment is completed. The rewriting is done. (6) In the invention of (3) or (4), when the dealer and the payment settlement institution are connectable via a communication network, the user transmits credit identification information of the user to the dealer, and the user concerned. In response to the control program data rewriting request for the communication device, the payment processing is executed between the dealer and the payment settlement organization via the communication network, and the control program data is rewritten when the payment settlement ends. It is a thing.

Therefore, according to the inventions of (5) and (6), the communication network is utilized between the customer center or the dealer and the payment settlement organization for the payment of the control program data rewriting. Can be done automatically.

(7) In the invention of (1) or (3), the customer center obtains from the communication device, together with the information indicating the function thereof, the device identification information secretly given to the communication device in advance, and the update control is performed. In the process of transmitting the program data, the update control program data is encrypted by using the acquired device identification information, the encrypted update control program data is transmitted from the customer center to the communication device, and The update control program data sent from the customer center is decrypted in the communication device using its own device identification information, and the decrypted update control program data is initially activated and stored in a storage unit other than the one being accessed by the processor. According to the program data, writing is permitted in the control program data storage area.

(8) In the invention of (2) or (4), the customer center reads the device identification information of the corresponding communication device from the user database based on the individual identification information of the user, and transmits the function change information. The process of encrypting the update control program data is performed by using the acquired device identification information, the encrypted update control program data is transmitted from the customer center to the communication device, and transmitted from the customer center. The updated control program data is decrypted by the communication device using its own device identification information in the communication device, and the existing control program data is decrypted according to the initial startup program data stored in the storage unit other than during access. The data is rewritten.

Therefore, these (9) and (10)
According to the invention, when the update control program data is transferred from the customer center to the communication device, it is encrypted by the device identification information acquired from the communication device. For this reason,
When the update control program data is accidentally transferred to a different communication device, or when another user intentionally steals the update control program data addressed to another communication device and rewrites the control program data of his own communication device. Even in such a case, it is possible to prevent erroneous program modification or unauthorized program modification.

(9) In any one of the inventions (1) to (4), in the communication device of the user system, the control program data is changed in one of the first and second storage units. In this case, the processor switches the storage unit being accessed by the processor to the storage unit in which the changed control program data exists. Therefore, the processor of the communication device can stop its own operation only for the time required for the restart, and can switch to the operation of the new control program in the shortest time.

(10) In the invention of (9), in the communication device of the user system, when the processor does not operate normally after being switched to the storage section in which the changed control program data exists, the storage before switching is stored. The connection between the department and the processor is restored, and a resend request is transmitted to the customer center.

Therefore, if a mistake or abnormality in the downloaded control program data is detected, there is no concern that the mistake or abnormality will spread to the processor, thereby preventing a system down from occurring. , It is possible to repeat the download again.

[0024]

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a support system for implementing the program changing method according to the first embodiment, where CM is a user system and CC.
Indicates a customer center, and CR indicates a credit company.

The user system CM is a key telephone device B.
T and a personal computer PC for maintenance. The key telephone device BT has a basic function of performing a switching connection between a plurality of extension terminals (not shown) and between these extension terminals and a subscriber line of the public network PNW in accordance with a call origination and reception. It has a plurality of optional service functions related to processing. The optional service function includes, for example, a call pickup function, a call forward function, and a multi-appearance function.

All programs for realizing these optional service functions are stored in advance in a program memory, which will be described later, in the key telephone device BT.

Personal computer PC for maintenance
Is connected to the Internet INW via the provider ISP, and is further connected to the customer center CC from the Internet INW.

The customer center CC includes a reception / charging server CSV1, a license server CSV2, and a router CR.
T and T are connected to each other via a LAN. The reception / charging server CSV1 is connected to the Internet INW via the router CRT and receives a control program change request coming from the maintenance personal computer PC of the user system CM. Further, the reception / charging server CSV1 is connected to the credit company CR via, for example, a dedicated line, and performs settlement processing of the price required for rewriting the control program data in the button telephone device BT with the credit company CR.

The license server CSV2 is a public network PN.
It is connected via W to the key telephone device BT of the user system CM. The license server CSV2 has a function of obtaining a device identification number (system ID) uniquely assigned to each key telephone device and function information of the key telephone device BT from the key telephone device BT, and a function of acquiring the function information of the key telephone device BT. On the other hand, it has a function of sending control program data for updating and performing additional setting of the function.

Next, a procedure for adding a function to the key telephone device BT in the above system will be described. Figure 2
3 shows a maintenance personal computer PC (user PC) of the user system CM and a customer center CC.
FIG. 6 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an information transmission / reception operation between the credit card and the credit company CR.

When the function of the key telephone unit BT is added, the user uses the maintenance personal computer PC to access the customer center CC via the Internet INW.
, And enter the necessary information regarding the function addition according to the instructions on the screen downloaded from the customer center CC. The necessary items to be input are the information indicating the function to be added, the credit number, and the telephone number or IP address assigned to the key telephone device BT from the public network PNW. Then, when the input of these necessary items is completed, a function addition request including these pieces of information is transmitted to the customer center CC.

Upon receiving the function addition request, the customer center CC first accesses the credit company CR through a dedicated line and inquires about the credit of the user based on the credit number of the user. In response to this inquiry, the credit company CR determines whether or not there is an account corresponding to the credit number, whether or not the expiration date of the credit is within the expiration date, and whether or not suspension of use is set. Then, the answer is returned to the customer center CC.

The customer center CC is a credit company C
The user's trust is judged based on the reply from R, and if there is no problem, the user's button telephone device BT is accessed through the public network PNW based on the telephone number included in the function addition request. , And obtains the function information and system ID from the key telephone device BT.

Then, the customer center CC accesses the credit company CR and requests settlement of the function additional charge. At that time, the customer center CC calculates the billing amount for each function that the user wants to add and has actually set to be usable, and creates an electronic billing statement.
Then, the electronic bill statement is included in the settlement request information and transmitted to the credit company CR.

Upon receipt of this payment request information, the credit company CR performs payment processing for payment based on the electronic bill statement included in the payment request information. After the settlement acceptance process is completed, a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted is returned to the requesting customer center CC.

The customer center CC is a credit company C
When receiving the reception response of the settlement request from R, the control program data for update is created based on the acquired function information and the function addition request, and is sent to the user's button telephone device BT via the public network PNW. , Update control program data is transmitted. At this time, the update control program data is encrypted by the system ID previously acquired from the key telephone device BT.

The key telephone unit BT is a customer center C.
When the update control program data is received from C, the update control program data is first decoded using the system ID of the own device. Then, the decrypted update control program data is overwritten in the control program data storage area in accordance with the initial startup program data of the memory other than the one being accessed. When the control program data rewriting process is completed, the key telephone device BT returns information indicating that the control program data rewriting process is completed normally to the customer center CC.

The customer center CC uses the key telephone device B
When the control program data rewriting end notification is received from T, the line with the key telephone device BT is disconnected, and the settlement request information is transmitted to the user's maintenance personal computer PC and displayed.

The structure of each part of the support system for realizing the above-described program changing method is as follows. FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the functional configuration of the maintenance personal computer PC, the key telephone device BT, and the customer center CC.

The maintenance personal computer PC is
The screen information receiving unit 11, the request information transmitting unit 12, the external output unit 13, the external input unit 14, and the input information storage unit 15 are provided.

Of these, the screen information receiving means 11 receives and displays various screen information downloaded from the customer center CC during execution of the function addition procedure. The request information transmitting means 12 includes the information indicating the additional function input by the user, the credit number, and the telephone number of the key telephone device BT or I.
The P address is inserted in the request information and transmitted to the customer center CC.

The key telephone device BT has a function information storage means 21, a button telephone system connection receiving means 22, a button telephone system automatic response transmitting means 23, a system ID request receiving means 24, as functions related to the present invention. System ID transmitting means 25 and function information request receiving means 26
, Function information transmitting means 27, control program data receiving means 28, system ID confirmation means 29, control program data decoding means 30, and function information setting means 31.
A function validation means 32, a normal end transmission means 33,
A system ID (hardware unique information) storage unit 34 is provided.

Of these, the function information storage means 21 is shown in FIG.
4 and the function information shown in FIG. 25 are stored. In addition, the system ID storage unit 34 stores a unique system ID fixedly assigned to the device. As the system ID, for example, the serial number of the key telephone device is used.

The key telephone system connection receiving means 22 and the key telephone system automatic response transmitting means 23 receive and respond to an incoming call from the customer center CC. System ID request receiving means 24 and system I
The D transmission means 25 sends the system I from the customer center CC.
When an acquisition request for D arrives, the reception and system I
Send D. When the function information request receiving unit 26 and the function information transmitting unit 27 receive a function information acquisition request from the customer center CC, the function information request receiving unit 26 and the function information transmitting unit 27 receive the function information request and transmit the function information list.

The control program data decoding means 30 is
The license code received by the control program data receiving means 28 is decrypted using the system ID of the own device. The control program data rewriting unit 31 overwrites the decrypted control program data in the control program data area of the memory according to the initial activation program data stored in the memory other than the memory being accessed.

The customer center CC has a function list storage means 41, a screen information transmission means 42, a request information reception means 43, a user information confirmation means 44, a data list creation means 45, and a button telephone system connection means 46. , Key telephone system response receiving means 47, system ID requesting means and system ID receiving means 48, function information requesting means 49, function information receiving means 50, required function determining means 51, and calculation of additional function amount. Means 52, control program data encryption means 53, control program data transmission means 54, normal end reception means 55, and charge request means 5
6 and a cutting means 57.

Of these, the screen information transmitting means 42 is a screen for inputting and transmitting a function addition request to the maintenance personal computer PC when there is access from the maintenance personal computer PC of the user. Send information. The request information receiving means 43 receives the function addition request information sent from the maintenance personal computer PC. The user information confirmation unit 44 accesses the credit company CR based on the credit number included in the received function addition request information, and inquires about the credit of the user.

The button telephone system connecting means 46 and the button telephone system response receiving means 47 access the button telephone device BT through the public network PNW based on the telephone number included in the received function addition request information, Receive the response. The system ID requesting means and the system ID receiving means 48 send the system ID to the key telephone device BT.
And a system ID is received from the key telephone device BT.

The function information requesting means 49 and the function information receiving means 50 send a function information transmission request to the key telephone device BT and receive the function information from the key telephone device BT. The required function determination means 51 determines whether the requested function can be added based on the received list of function information. The additional function amount calculation means 52 calculates the charge for the additional function based on the list of the function list.

The control program data encrypting means 53 and the control program data transmitting means 54 encrypt the control program data using the system ID obtained from the button telephone device BT, and the encrypted control program data is transferred to the button telephone device BT. Send to. The normal termination receiving means 55 receives the normal termination signal sent from the key telephone device BT after the function addition processing, and transmits the fact to the maintenance personal computer PC. The billing means 56 is
After receiving the normal end signal, the charge for the charge calculated by the function addition amount calculation means 52 is transmitted to the credit company CR.

FIG. 5 is a flow chart showing the operation of the customer center CC, and the processing operation for adding a function is performed according to the procedure shown in steps 5a to 5n.

That is, the customer center CC determines in step 5a that the maintenance personal computer PC of the user.
When a function addition request is received from the Internet via the Internet INW, the credit company CR is first accessed to confirm the credit information in step 5b. If not, the process proceeds from step 5c to step 5d to notify the requesting maintenance personal computer PC of an error in the credit execution information.

On the other hand, if yes, the process proceeds from step 5c to step 5e, and the key telephone device B sent from the user.
The telephone number or mail address of T is used to access the user's button telephone device BT,
Information and system I currently licensed from
Get D. If the result of the access is that access is not possible, the process moves from step 5f to step 5g to notify the user that access is not possible.

Next, the customer center CC proceeds to step 5h.
In step 1, the charge amount is calculated from the function requested by the user and the function information acquired from the key telephone device BT, and the name of the function to be newly added and the charge amount are notified to the maintenance personal computer PC of the user. , Inquire whether or not to execute. When the user sends an execution request in response to this inquiry, the customer center CC moves from step 5i to step 5i1 and sends the payment request information of the previously calculated billing amount to the credit company CR. Then, when the credit company CR returns a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 5j and the system ID of the additional function and the key telephone device BT.
The control program data is created from the above, and this control program data is sent to the key telephone device BT in step 5k.

When the rewriting of the control program data is completed in the key telephone device BT, the customer center CC indicates in step 5n that the rewriting of the control program data has been completed for the maintenance personal computer PC of the requesting user. To notify.

Next, it is a circuit block diagram showing a schematic configuration of a central control unit of the key telephone device BT for realizing the program changing method. Reference numeral 100 in the figure denotes a central control unit 100.

The central control unit 100 includes a multitasking MPU 101 and a flash memory (FLASH MECH).
MORY1) 102 and flash memory (FLASH)
MEMORY2) 103, D-RAM 104, S
A RAM 105, an address decoder circuit 106, and an external interface unit (RS232C I / F) 107 are provided, which are connected to each other via a control bus 108 including an address bus and a data bus.

The MPU 101 is a flash memory 10
2, 103, the D-RAM 104, and the S-RAM 105, the operation as the key telephone main unit 1 is realized by controlling the respective parts of the key telephone main unit 1 based on the control data. The button telephone system connection receiving means 22 to the normal termination transmitting means 32 shown in FIG.
It is provided in the PU 101.

Each of the flash memories 102 and 103 has a plurality of storage blocks each capable of storing a predetermined amount of data (not necessarily a fixed amount), and the data stored in units of the storage blocks. It is a well-known device that can be rewritten, and stores control program data and the like used by the MPU 101.

The D-RAM 104 temporarily stores various data necessary for the MPU 101 to perform various processes. The S-RAM 105 stores customer data, system setting data, and the like. The external interface unit 107 exchanges data with an external device. The function information storage means 21 stores the S
-It is provided in the RAM 105.

The address decoder circuit 105 includes the MPU1
01 based on the address signal given from MPU1
01 is the flash memory 102, 103, D-RAM1
04 and the S-RAM 105 are selectively connected.

By the way, in this embodiment, the flash memory 102, the D-RAM 104, and the S-RAM 105.
In the address space (32 bits) of the MPU 101, as shown in FIG. 7, is set as the first storage area for normal operation, and the flash memory 103 also functions in the address space, for example, as a spare. Is set in the second storage area. Also, flash memory 1
In 02, initial start-up program data describing a procedure for changing or downloading control program data is stored in the address head area, and control program data is stored in the subsequent address areas. Furthermore, the flash memory 103 stores the same initial startup program data and control program data as the stored contents of the flash memory 102.

Next, the operation in the above configuration will be described by taking the connection relationship between the flash memories 102 and 103 and the address decoder circuit 106 as an example. Note that FIG.
FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a circuit configuration of an address replacement circuit 109 provided in the address decoder circuit 106.

The address replacement circuit 109 is composed of a D latch circuit 109a, AND circuits 109b to 109e, and OR circuits 109f and 109g. Here, when the address signal (1H to 10000H) assigned to the flash memory 102 is generated from the MPU 101, the data signal (DATA) is given to the D terminal of the D latch circuit 109a, and the D latch circuit 109a is supplied.
Is output to the AND circuits 109b and 109e.
Then, a signal of logical code 1 is applied to one input terminal of each of the AND circuits 109b and 109d. Then, the signal of logical code 1 is output from the AND circuit 109b and given to the chip select terminal of the flash memory 102 via the OR circuit 109f.

Further, the MPU 101 is the flash memory 1
02 is being accessed, the D latch circuit 109a
Reset signal (Rese
t) is input, the output of the D latch circuit 109a is
It is applied to AND circuits 109c and 109d, respectively.
Then, the signal of logical code 1 is output from the AND circuit 109d, and the flash memory 1 is output via the OR circuit 109g.
03 chip select terminal.

Therefore, the MPU 101 will access the flash memory 103 in the state where the address signal assigned to the flash memory 102 is generated.

On the contrary, the MPU 101 accesses the flash memory 102 when the reset signal from the MPU 101 is given to the D latch circuit 109a while the address signal assigned to the flash memory 103 is generated. .

By the way, in the MPU 101, the following correspondence control is performed at the time of downloading. FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing the control procedure.

First, the MPU 101 executes known operation processing based on the control program data stored in the flash memory 102. Then, at the time of downloading, the update control program data is transferred from the customer center CC to the key telephone device BT (step 9).
a), the MPU 101 accesses the existing area of the flash memory 103, in which the initial boot program data is stored, while accessing the existing area of the control program data of the flash memory 102, and based on the initial boot program data, the MPU 101 The update control program data provided from the center CC via the external interface unit 107 is fetched, and this control program data is overwritten in the control program data existing area of the flash memory 103 (step 9b).

Subsequently, the MPU 101 determines whether or not writing of all control program data has been completed (step 9c), and repeatedly executes the processing of steps 9b and 9c until completion.

Then, when the writing of all the control program data is completed (Yes), the MPU 101 gives a switching instruction to the address replacement circuit 109 to execute switching to the flash memory 103 (step 9).
d), restart the system in the test mode (step 9e).

Incidentally, the MPU 101 is provided with a recovery function for recovering the connection with the storage area before the address replacement when the address replacement circuit 109 does not normally start the address replacement.

That is, after restarting, the MPU 101 determines whether or not it has been normally started (step 9f), and when it does not start normally (No), gives a switching instruction to the address replacement circuit 109 to make the flash memory The connection with 102 is restored (step 9g), the system is restarted (step 9h), and the customer center CC is requested to retransmit the update control program data (step 9).
i) Then, the processes of steps 9b to 9f are executed again.

When the MPU 101 normally starts in step 9f (Yes), it operates based on the update control program data (step 9j), and when it determines that it is operating normally (step 9k). After the test mode is finished and the system is restarted (step 9l), a normal processing operation is started.

As described above, according to the function changing method of the first embodiment, from the transmission of the control program data rewriting request accompanying the function changing by the user, the control program data writing in the key telephone device BT of the user is performed. A series of procedures from the replacement processing to the fee settlement processing are all automatically performed through the communication network without human labor. Therefore, it is not necessary for the billing staff to charge the cost, including the business trip of the maintenance staff and the manual change work.

On the other hand, in the key telephone device BT, the flash memory 102, the D-RAM 104, and the S-RAM.
105 is set as the first storage area, and the flash memory 10
3 is set in a second storage area having an address value different from that of the first storage area, and the flash memory 102, 103 stores initial startup program data and control program data having the same content as each other. When downloading data, the MPU 101 accesses the existing area of the initial boot program data in the flash memory 103 while accessing the existing area of the control program data in the flash memory 102, and executes the flash based on this initial boot program data. The control program data stored in the memory 103 is changed to new control program data fetched from the customer center CC via the external interface unit 107.

Therefore, it becomes possible for the user to change the function of his or her own key telephone device BT within a short time and at a low cost with the downtime of the existing function minimized. Therefore, the labor and cost required for rewriting the control program data can be significantly reduced.

Further, when the update control program data is transferred from the customer center CC to the key telephone device BT, it is encrypted by the system ID acquired from the key telephone device BT. Therefore, when the update control program data is erroneously transferred to a different key telephone device BT, or when another user intentionally steals the update control program data addressed to another key telephone device BT, his / her own key telephone Even if an attempt is made to change the function of the device BT, it is possible to prevent an erroneous function change or an illegal function change process from being performed.

Further, since the telephone number, function information, etc. of the user's button telephone device BT are acquired from the user or the button telephone device BT, it is necessary to provide a user database for storing and managing these user information. There is also an advantage that the user management can be simplified and the system configuration can be simplified accordingly.

In the key telephone device BT, when the change of the control program data for the flash memory 103 is completed, the MPU 101 switches the flash memory 102 being accessed to the flash memory 103 by the address replacement circuit 109. Therefore, the MPU 101 can control the key telephone device BT based on the downloaded control program data without stopping its own operation, and the address replacement is performed on the address replacement circuit 109 side. Since the processing load on the MPU 101 is reduced, an inexpensive processor can be used by reducing the load. Since the control program address is swapped only when the initial startup program is executed, the control program address is not swapped even if the used program designated storage element is rewritten due to a bug or noise after the startup processing. Therefore, the program itself does not run out of control.

Further, the MPU 101 further has a recovery function for recovering the connection with the flash memory 102 before the address replacement if the MPU 101 does not operate normally after the address replacement by the address replacement circuit 109 is executed. When an error or abnormality in the downloaded control program data is detected, there is no concern that the error or abnormality will spread to the MPU 101. This will prevent a system down from occurring and request the download again. You can

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 10 is a schematic block diagram of a support system for realizing the second embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The customer center CC is provided with a user database DB. In this user database DB, the system ID, function information, and telephone number of the button telephone device BT owned by this user are stored in association with the individual identification number (user ID) assigned to each user. .

Customer Center CC Reception / Charging Server C
When the control program change request arrives from the user, the SV1 or the license server CSV2 accesses the user database DB based on the user ID included in the control program change request, and the key telephone device BT owned by the user. The system ID, function information and telephone number of are read. Then, using the read information, it is determined whether or not the user desires to add a function, access to the key telephone device BT, and transmission of the update control program data.

Next, a procedure for rewriting the control program data for the key telephone device BT in the above system will be described. 11 and 12 are schematic sequence diagrams showing signal transmission / reception operations among the maintenance personal computer PC (user PC) of the user system CM, the customer center CC, and the credit company CR.

When a function is added to the key telephone unit BT, the user is required to maintain the personal computer PC for maintenance.
To access the home page of the customer center CC via the Internet INW
Follow the on-screen instructions downloaded from to enter the necessary information about adding functions. The necessary items to be input are the information indicating the function to be added, the user ID, and the credit number. When the input of these necessary items is completed, a control program change request including these pieces of information is sent to the customer center CC.

Upon receiving the control program change request, the customer center CC first accesses the credit company CR via a dedicated line and inquires about the credit of the user based on the credit number of the user. In response to this inquiry, the credit company CR determines whether or not there is an account corresponding to the credit number, whether or not the expiration date of the credit is within the expiration date, and whether or not suspension of use is set. Then, the answer is sent to the customer center CC.
Return to.

Customer center CC is credit company C
The user's trust is judged based on the response from R, and if there is no problem, the user database DB is accessed based on the user ID included in the control program change request sent from the user, and the user The system ID, function information and telephone number of the own key telephone device are read out. Then, based on this function information, it is determined whether or not the function requested by the user can be added, and the determination result, the function already available, the function requested to be added, and the charge The user's maintenance personal computer P
Send to C.

When the confirmation response from the user is received in response to this notification, the customer center CC accesses the user's key telephone device BT via the public network PNW based on the telephone number read from the user database DB. At the same time, the credit company CR is accessed to request payment of the additional function charge. At that time, the customer center CC calculates the billing amount for each function that the user desires to add and is actually set to be usable,
Create an electronic bill. Then, the electronic bill statement is included in the settlement request information and transmitted to the credit company CR.

Upon receipt of the payment request information, the credit company CR performs payment acceptance processing for the price based on the electronic bill statement included in the payment request information. After the settlement acceptance process is completed, a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted is returned to the requesting customer center CC.

The customer center CC is a credit company C
When receiving the reception response of the settlement request from R, the control program data for update is transmitted to the key telephone device BT. At this time, the update control program data is encrypted by the system ID read from the user database DB.

The key telephone unit BT is a customer center C
When the update control program data is received from C, the update control program data is first decoded using the system ID of the own device. Then, the decrypted update control program data is overwritten in the control program data storage area of the memory according to the initial startup program data of the memory other than the one being accessed. When the control program data rewriting process is completed, the key telephone device BT returns information indicating that the control program data rewriting process is completed normally to the customer center CC.

The customer center CC uses the key telephone device B
When the control program data rewriting end notification is received from T, the line with the key telephone device BT is disconnected, and the settlement request information is transmitted to the user's maintenance personal computer PC and displayed.

The structure of each part of the support system for realizing the above-described program changing method is as follows. FIG. 13 shows a maintenance personal computer PC,
It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a key telephone device BT, a customer center CC, and a user database DB. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The user database DB is provided with a user information storage means 61, a user information reading / receiving means 62, a reading result transmitting means 63, a function information update receiving means 64, and an update completion transmitting means 65.

Among these, in the user information storage means 61, the system ID of the button telephone device BT owned by this user is associated with the unique user ID for each user.
The function information and the telephone number are stored respectively. The user information reading / receiving unit 62 and the reading result transmitting unit 63 are the reception / charging server CSV1 or the license setting server CS.
The corresponding stored information is read in response to the access from V2, and the read stored information is returned to the reception / charging server CSV1 or the license setting server CSV2 of the access source.

The function information update receiving means 64 and the update completion transmitting means 65, when the setting of the function addition to the key telephone device BT is completed, the license setting server CSV2.
Update the corresponding function information according to the access from.
Then, the update completion is returned to the license setting server CSV2.

The customer center CC is newly provided with a user information reading / transmitting means 66, a reading result receiving means 67, a function information update transmission controlling means 68 and an update completion receiving means 69, which are functions for accessing the user database DB. There is.

The user information reading / transmitting means 66 and the reading result receiving means 67 access the user database DB with the user ID as an address, and receive the stored information read from the user database DB in response to this access. The function information update transmission control means 68 and the update completion receiving means 69 give the changed function information to the user database DB to update the storage information after the completion of the setting of the function addition to the key telephone device BT, and the update completion notification. To receive.

FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing the operation of the customer center CC, and the processing operation for rewriting the control program data described above is performed in accordance with the procedure shown in steps 14a to 14m.

That is, the customer center CC, in step 14a, operates the maintenance personal computer P of the user.
When a function addition request is received from C via the Internet INW, the credit company CR is first sent in step 14b.
To check credit information. If it is not possible, an error in the credit execution information is notified to the requesting maintenance personal computer PC in steps 14c to 14d.

On the other hand, if yes, the process proceeds from step 14c to step 14e, and the user database DB is accessed based on the user ID sent from the maintenance personal computer PC of the user to acquire the user information.
This user information includes the function information of the key telephone device owned by the user. If the access is not possible as a result of the above access, the process proceeds from step 14f to step 14g to notify the maintenance personal computer PC of the user of the error of the user ID.

Next, the customer center CC proceeds to step 1
In 4h, the charge amount is calculated from the function requested by the user and the function information read from the user database DB, and the function name to be newly added and the charge amount are notified to the user's maintenance personal computer PC. ,
Inquire whether to execute. When the user sends an execution request in response to this inquiry, the customer center CC proceeds from step 14i to step 14i1 and sends the settlement request information of the previously calculated billing amount to the credit company CR. Then, when the credit company CR returns a response indicating that the payment request has been accepted,
Move to step 14j and add function and key telephone device B
The updating control program data is created from the system ID of T, and the updating control program data is transmitted to the key telephone device BT in step 14k.

When the rewriting of the control program data is completed in the key telephone device BT, the customer center CC informs the rewriting of the control program data to the maintenance personal computer PC of the requesting user in step 14m. To notify.

On the other hand, the key telephone device BT executes the processing procedure as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the program changing method of the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment,
Since a series of steps from the user's request for adding a function to the control program data rewriting process in the key telephone device BT of the user is automatically performed through the communication network without requiring any human labor, the control program data writing is performed. It is possible to shorten the time required for replacement, reduce the user's cost burden, and significantly reduce the labor and cost required for changing the function in the customer center CC.

Further, since it is determined whether or not the function can be added based on the function information of the key telephone device BT, an appropriate control program data rewriting process can be performed without error for each key telephone device BT. it can. Further, since the control program data is encrypted by the system ID of the key telephone device BT and transferred to the key telephone device BT, it is possible to prevent erroneous function change or unauthorized function change processing. .

In the second embodiment, the user information accumulated and managed in the user database DB is used to determine whether or not the communication between the customer center CC and the key telephone device BT can be changed or the function can be changed. Therefore, it is not necessary to acquire the information indicating the function from the key telephone device BT each time, and as a result, the appropriate control program data rewriting process can be executed by a simple procedure.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 15 is a schematic block diagram of a support system for carrying out the program changing method according to the third embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

A dealer DL is newly provided in the support system of this embodiment. The dealer DL includes a reception / billing / transmission server DSV and a router DRT. Reception / billing / transmission server DSV is router DRT
To connect to the Internet INW, and from the Internet INW to the maintenance personal computer PC of the user system CM and the customer center CC. Then, the information necessary for the function addition processing is exchanged between the maintenance personal computer PC and the customer center CC.

Further, the reception / charging / transmission server DSV is connected to the credit company CR or the bank BK via a dedicated line. Then, with respect to the credit company CR or the bank BK, an inquiry about the credit of the user and a request for a proxy fee required for rewriting the control program data are performed.

Next, a procedure for adding a function to the key telephone device BT in the above system will be described. Figure 1
6, FIG. 17 and FIG. 18 are a maintenance personal computer PC (user PC) of the user system CM, a dealer DL, a customer center CC, and a credit company CR.
FIG. 7 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an operation of transmitting and receiving information between the two.

When adding the function of the key telephone device BT, the user accesses the dealer DL home page via the Internet INW using the maintenance personal computer PC, and follows the instructions on the screen downloaded from the dealer DL. , Input the necessary information about the function addition. The necessary items to be input are information indicating the function to be added, the user's credit number, and the telephone number or IP address assigned to the key telephone device BT from the public network PNW. Then, when the input of these necessary items is completed, a control program change request including these pieces of information is transmitted to the dealer DL.

Upon receipt of the control program change request, the dealer DL first accesses the credit company CR via a leased line and inquires about the credit of the user based on the credit number of the user. In response to this inquiry, the credit company CR determines whether or not there is an account corresponding to the credit number, whether or not the expiration date of the credit is within the expiration date, and whether or not suspension of use is set. Then, the answer is returned to the dealer DL.

The dealer DL judges the user's credit based on the reply from the credit company CR, and if there is no problem, transfers the control program change request sent from the user to the customer center CC via the Internet INW.

Upon receiving the control program change request, the customer center CC itself receives the credit company CR.
To request a credit check of the user. If there is no problem, the key telephone device BT of the user is accessed through the public network PNW based on the telephone number included in the control program change request, and the function information and system ID of the key telephone device BT are accessed from the key telephone device BT. To get.
Then, based on the acquired function information, it is determined whether or not the function desired by the user to be added is already in use, and whether or not the function can be added if not in use.

Then, based on this determination result, the dealer DL is notified of a list of functions that are already in use and functions that can be added and a table that shows the fee required for adding the functions, via the Internet INW. The dealer DL transfers the notified function list and charge list to the user's maintenance personal computer PC via the Internet INW. Also, in response to the notification of this function list and price list,
Upon receiving the confirmation response from the user, the customer center C
A function download request is sent to C.

Upon receiving the function download request from the dealer DL, the customer center CC accesses the credit company CR and requests settlement of the function additional charge. At that time, the customer center CC calculates the billing amount for each function that the user wants to add and has actually set to be usable, and creates an electronic billing statement. Then, the electronic bill statement is included in the settlement request information and transmitted to the credit company CR.

Upon receipt of this settlement request information, the credit company CR performs settlement processing for the payment based on the electronic bill statement included in the settlement request information. After the settlement acceptance process is completed, a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted is returned to the requesting customer center CC.

Customer center CC is credit company C
When receiving the receipt response of the settlement request from R, the public network P
The update control program data is transmitted to the user's key telephone device BT via the NW. This update control program data is encrypted by the system ID previously acquired from the key telephone device BT.

The key telephone unit BT is the customer center C.
When the update control program data is received from C, the update control program data is first decoded using the system ID of the own device. Then, the decrypted update control program data is overwritten in the control program data storage area of the memory according to the initial startup program data of the memory other than the one being accessed. When the control program data rewriting process is completed, the key telephone device BT returns information indicating that the control program data rewriting process is completed normally to the customer center CC.

The customer center CC uses the key telephone device B
When the control program data rewriting end notification is received from T, the line with the key telephone device BT is disconnected, and then the dealer DL is notified of the information that the control program data rewriting is completed. When the dealer DL receives the processing end notification, the dealer DL charges the credit company CR for a proxy fee.

The request for credit check of the user from the credit company CR by the customer center CC itself may be omitted, and the customer DL does not request the billing work of the cost but the dealer DL collectively performs the request. You may In addition, the credit settlement company CR
It may be performed in the bank BK instead of.

The configuration of each part of the support system for implementing the above-described program changing method is as follows, for example. FIG. 19 shows a maintenance personal computer PC,
It is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of a key telephone device BT, a dealer DL, and a customer center CC. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIG. 4 are designated by the same reference numerals and detailed description thereof will be omitted.

The dealer DL uses the screen information transmission means 71.
A user information confirmation means 72 and a request information reception means 73
A function addition request transmission unit 74, an additional function information reception unit 75, a function download transmission unit 76, a function registration completion reception unit 77, and a fee billing unit 78.

Of these, the screen information transmitting means 71 is accessed by the maintenance personal computer PC of the user when the maintenance personal computer P is accessed.
A series of screen information for requesting addition of function is transmitted to C. The user information confirmation unit 72 accesses the credit company CR based on the credit number included in the received function addition request information and inquires about the credit of the user. The request information receiving means 73 receives information on the function addition request sent from the maintenance personal computer PC.

The function addition request transmitting means 74 transfers the information of the function addition request coming from the maintenance personal computer PC of the user to the customer center CC. The additional function information receiving means 75 receives the additional function notification information sent from the customer center CC and transfers this information to the maintenance personal computer PC of the requesting user. The function download transmitting means 76 responds to the transfer of the additional function notification information by the maintenance personal computer P.
If an acknowledgment is sent back from C, customer center C
A function download request is sent to C.

The function registration completion receiving means 77 receives the function registration completion notification sent from the customer center CC. After receiving the function registration completion notification, the fee billing means 78
The credit company CR is requested to charge the cost required for adding the function.

The customer center CC uses the dealer DL
As means for transmitting and receiving information to and from, function addition request receiving means 79, additional function information transmitting means 80, function download receiving means 81, and function registration completion transmitting means 8
2 and.

Of these, the function addition request receiving means 79 receives the function addition request information sent from the dealer DL, that is, the control program change request information. The additional function information transmission means 80 sends the function information acquired from the key telephone device BT to the dealer DL. When the function download request is sent from the dealer DL, the function download receiving means 81 receives the request and starts the function download process for the key telephone device BT, that is, the update control program data transmission process. Function registration completion transmitting means 8
2 transmits a function registration completion notification to the dealer DL after rewriting the control program data to the key telephone device BT and finishing the billing work for the credit company CR.

FIG. 20 is a flow chart showing the processing operation of the customer center CC, and the processing operation for rewriting the update control program data described above is executed in accordance with the procedure shown in steps 20a to 20k. .

That is, when the customer center CC receives the user's function addition request from the dealer DL via the Internet INW in step 20a, step 20a.
First, in b, the credit company CR is accessed to check the credit information. If not, the process proceeds from step 20c to step 20d to notify the requesting maintenance personal computer PC of an error in the credit execution information.

On the other hand, if yes, the process proceeds from step 20c to step 20e, and the button telephone device BT of the user is accessed using the telephone number or mail address of the button telephone device BT sent from the user, The information on the function currently permitted to be used and the system ID are acquired from the BT.

Next, the customer center CC proceeds to step 20.
In f, the billing amount is calculated from the function requested from the dealer DL and the function information obtained from the key telephone device BT, and the name of the function to be newly added and the billing amount are notified to the dealer DL and executed. Inquire whether it is good or not. When the dealer DL sends an execution request in response to this inquiry, the customer center CC proceeds from step 20g to step 20g1 and sends the settlement request information of the previously calculated billing amount to the credit company CR. Then, when the credit company CR returns a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 20h to create update control program data from the additional function and the system ID of the key telephone device BT, Step 20
In i, the update control program data is transmitted to the key telephone device BT.

When the rewriting of the control program data is completed in the key telephone device BT, the customer center CC notifies the dealer DL in step 20k that the rewriting of the control program data is completed.

On the other hand, FIG. 21 is a flow chart showing the processing operation of the dealer DL, and a series of processing operations for rewriting the control program data is executed in accordance with the procedure shown in steps 21a to 21p.

That is, the dealer DL uses the step 21a.
When a function addition request is received from the user's maintenance personal computer PC via the Internet INW, the user first accesses the credit company CR to confirm credit information in step 21b. If not, the process proceeds from step 21c to step 21d to notify the requesting maintenance personal computer PC of an error in the credit execution information.

On the other hand, if yes, the dealer DL shifts from step 21c to step 21e, where it accesses the customer center CC and obtains the information related to the function addition, that is, the function and the amount of money required to be added. Request.
Then, in step 21f, the process waits for a notification from the customer center CC.

In this state, when the function addition information is sent from the customer center CC, the dealer DL makes a step 21g.
From step 21h, the customer center C
The function addition information notified from C, that is, the function name to be newly added and the charge amount thereof is notified to the maintenance personal computer PC of the user and inquired whether or not the function can be executed. When the user sends a function addition execution request in response to this inquiry, steps 21i to 21k
Then, the function addition execution request is transmitted to the customer center CC. Then, in step 21k1, the settlement request information of the previously calculated billing amount is transmitted to the credit company CR. When the credit company CR returns a response indicating that the settlement request has been accepted, step 2
At 1 m, the customer center CC waits for notification.
When the user sends a function addition stop request, the process moves from step 21i to step 21j to notify the customer center CC of the function addition stop.

When the function addition information arrives from the customer center CC, the dealer DL receives this information in step 21n and moves to step 21p to complete the addition of the function to the maintenance personal computer PC of the requesting user. Notify that you have done it.

On the other hand, the key telephone device BT executes the processing procedure as shown in FIG.

As described above, according to the program changing method of the third embodiment, the dealer DL is interposed between the user and the customer center CC, and the user's button telephone call is issued from the user's request to change the control program. Since a series of steps up to the control program data rewriting process in the device BT are automatically performed through the communication network without requiring any labor, the time required for rewriting the control program data is reduced and the user's cost burden is reduced. Reduction,
Also, the labor and cost required for rewriting the control program data in the dealer DL or the customer center CC can be significantly reduced.

Further, the button telephone device BT to which the function is added
Since it is determined whether or not the function can be added based on the function information obtained from the above, it is possible to perform an appropriate function addition process without error for each key telephone device BT. Further, since the control program data is encrypted by the system ID of the key telephone device BT and transferred to the key telephone device BT, it is possible to prevent erroneous function change or unauthorized function change processing. .

(Fourth Embodiment) FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a support system for carrying out the function changing method according to the fourth embodiment. In the figure, the same parts as those in FIGS. 10 and 15 are designated by the same reference numerals.

A dealer DL is newly provided in the support system of this embodiment. The dealer DL includes a reception / billing / transmission server DSV and a router DRT. Reception / billing / transmission server DSV is router DRT
To connect to the Internet INW, and further connect from the Internet INWPNW to the maintenance personal computer PC of the user system CM and the customer center CC. Then, between the maintenance personal computer PC and the customer center CC,
It exchanges the information necessary for function addition processing.

The reception / charging / transmission server DSV is connected to the credit company CR or the bank BK via a dedicated line. Then, with the credit company CR or the bank BK, it inquires about the credit of the user and requests the proxy fee required for adding the function.

On the other hand, the customer center CC is provided with a user database DB. In this user database DB, the system ID, function information and telephone number of the button telephone device BT owned by this user are stored in association with the unique user ID given to each user.

Customer Center CC Reception / Charging Server C
SV1 or license server CSV2 is a dealer DL
When the user's control program change request is transferred from the user, the user database DB is accessed based on the user ID included in the request, and the system ID, function information, and telephone of the key telephone device BT owned by the user are accessed. Read the number. Then, using this read information,
The user determines whether or not the function addition is desired, accesses the key telephone device BT, and transmits the update control program data.

Next, a procedure for adding a function to the key telephone device BT in the above system will be described. Figure 2
3 and FIG. 24 are a personal computer PC (user PC) for maintenance of the user system CM and a dealer DL.
FIG. 4 is a schematic sequence diagram showing an information transmission / reception operation between the customer center CC and the credit company CR.

When adding the function of the key telephone device BT, the user accesses the dealer DL home page via the Internet INW using the maintenance personal computer PC, and follows the instructions on the screen downloaded from the dealer DL. Enter the necessary information for adding a function. The necessary items to be input are the information indicating the function to be added, the user ID and the credit number. When the input of these necessary items is completed, a function addition request including these pieces of information is transmitted to the dealer DL.

When the above function addition request is received, the dealer D
L first accesses the credit company CR via a dedicated line, and inquires about the credit of the user based on the credit number of the user. In response to this inquiry, the credit company CR determines whether or not there is an account corresponding to the credit number, whether or not the expiration date of the credit is within the expiration date, and whether or not suspension of use is set.
Then, the answer is returned to the dealer DL.

The dealer DL judges the user's credit based on the response from the credit company CR, and if there is no problem, the function addition request sent from the user, that is, the control program change request is sent to the customer center via the Internet INW. Transfer to CC.

When the customer center CC receives the function addition request, it also accesses the credit company CR and requests a credit check of the user. When it is confirmed that there is no problem, the user database DB is accessed based on the user ID included in the function addition request, and the system ID and function information of the button telephone device BT owned by the user are accessed. And read the phone number.

Next, it is judged whether or not the function requested by the user can be added based on the read function information, and based on the result of this judgment, the functions already in use and the functions that can be added are judged. The list and the table showing the fee required for adding the function are notified to the dealer DL via the Internet INW. The dealer DL transfers the notified function list and charge list to the user's maintenance personal computer PC via the Internet INW. In addition, when a confirmation response from the user is received in response to the notification of the function list and the charge list, the function download request is transmitted to the customer center CC.

When the customer center CC receives the function download request from the dealer DL, based on the telephone number of the button telephone device BT read from the user database DB, the user's button telephone device via the public network PNW. While calling the BT, the credit company CR is accessed to charge the fee required for rewriting the control program data. Then, upon receiving a response from the credit company CR indicating that the settlement request has been accepted, the control program data for update is transmitted to the key telephone device BT. At this time, the update control program data is the key telephone device B previously read from the user database D.
It is encrypted by the system ID of T.

The key telephone unit BT is the customer center C.
When the update control program data is received from C, the update control program data is first decoded using the system ID of the own device. Then, the decrypted update control program data is overwritten in the control program data storage area of the memory according to the initial startup program data of the memory other than the one being accessed. When the control program data rewriting process is completed, the key telephone device BT returns information indicating that the control program data rewriting process is completed normally to the customer center CC.

The customer center CC uses the key telephone device B
When the control program data rewriting end notification is received from T, the line with the key telephone device BT is disconnected, and then the dealer DL is notified of the information that the control program data rewriting process is completed. When the dealer DL receives the processing end notification, the dealer DL charges the credit company CR for a proxy fee.

Thus, the function that the user desires to add is set in a state in which it can be used in the key telephone device BT, and as described in the third embodiment, the customer center CC itself does not operate the credit company CR. The request for the credit check of the user may be omitted, and the charge of the cost may be collectively performed by the dealer DL without the customer center CC. Further, the expense settlement business may be performed in the bank BK instead of the credit company CR.

The structure of each part of the support system for carrying out the function changing method described above is as shown in FIG. 25, for example. Since the functional configuration shown in FIG. 25 is the same as the configuration shown in FIGS. 13 and 19 described in the second and third embodiments, the description thereof is omitted here.

FIG. 26 is a flow chart showing the processing operation of the customer center CC, step 26a.
The processing operation for rewriting the update control program data described above is executed according to the procedure from step 26o to step 26o.

That is, when the customer center CC receives the user function addition request from the dealer DL via the Internet INW in step 26a, step 26
First, in b, the credit company CR is accessed to check the credit information. If not, the process proceeds from step 26c to step 26d to notify the dealer DL of an error in the credit execution information. On the other hand, if yes, the process proceeds from step 26c to step 26e, and the user information is obtained by accessing the user database DB based on the user ID sent from the dealer DL. This user information includes the key telephone device B owned by the user.
The function information of T is included. As a result of the above access,
If the access is not possible, the process proceeds from step 26f to step 26g to notify the dealer DL of an error in the user ID.

Next, the customer center CC proceeds to step 2
In 6h, the billing amount is calculated from the function requested by the dealer DL and the function information read from the user database DB, and the function name to be newly added and the billing amount are notified to the dealer DL and executed. Inquire whether it is good or not. When the dealer DL sends an execution request in response to this inquiry, the customer center CC executes step 26.
i from step i to step 26i1, and credit company C
The payment request information of the billed amount calculated previously is transmitted to R. When the credit company CR returns a response to the effect that the settlement request has been accepted, the process proceeds to step 26j and the system ID of the additional function and the key telephone device BT.
The update control program data is created from the above, and the update control program data is transmitted to the key telephone device BT in step 26k.

When the rewriting of the control program data is completed in the key telephone device BT, the customer center CC notifies the dealer DL that the rewriting of the control program data is completed in step 26m.

As described above, according to the function changing method of the fourth embodiment, as in the third embodiment, the user control is performed while the dealer DL is interposed between the user and the customer center CC. Since a series of processes from the request for program change to the control program data rewriting process in the key telephone device BT of the user is automatically performed through the communication network without requiring human labor, the control program data rewriting is performed. It is possible to shorten the time required, reduce the cost burden on the user, and significantly reduce the labor and cost required for rewriting the control program data in the dealer DL or the customer center CC.

Further, similarly to the second embodiment, the user information accumulated and managed in the user database DB is used to determine whether communication between the customer center CC and the key telephone device BT or whether the function can be changed. Is done. For this reason,
It is not necessary to acquire the information indicating the function from the key telephone device BT each time, and as a result, an appropriate function changing process can be executed by a simple procedure.

(Other Embodiments) In the second and fourth embodiments, the case where the user database DB is installed in the customer center CC has been described as an example, but the user database DB may be installed in the dealer DL. It may be provided in a third party organization other than the customer center CC and the dealer DL.

In each of the above embodiments, the credit number is transmitted from the user when the control program change request is transmitted. However, without being limited to this, the credit number is stored in the user database DB in association with the user ID, and the customer center CC or the dealer DL accesses the user database DB based on the user ID sent from the user to access the credit number. May be acquired. By doing so, the user's credit number has to be transmitted only when the user information is registered in the user database DB, and as a result, there is no concern that the credit number is stolen on the communication network when the control program change request is transmitted. Security can be enhanced.

Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the program for executing various optional service functions is stored in advance in the key telephone device BT, and its availability / inability is managed by the flag in the service information table, A license code is sent from the center CC and the flag is changed to "usable" to set the function addition. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a program that executes a function that the user desires to add may be downloaded from the customer center CC to the key telephone device BT and executed.

Furthermore, in each of the above-described embodiments, the case of adding a function has been described as an example, but the same can be done when deleting a function in use.

In addition, the control program data rewriting procedure and its contents, the configuration of the support system and its operation contents, the type of communication equipment, etc. can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the scope of the present invention.

[0172]

As described above in detail, according to the present invention,
The control program data can be rewritten according to the function change quickly and appropriately without the need to rewrite the existing functions, and the existing function can be quickly and appropriately relieved, thereby reducing the user's cost burden and the time required for the change. To provide a method for changing a program of a communication device, a customer center and a user system that can reduce the cost and labor in the customer center.

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system for implementing a program changing method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining the program changing method according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each unit of the system shown in FIG.

5 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the customer center of the system shown in FIG. 1 and its contents.

6 is a block diagram showing a hardware configuration of a key telephone device of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 7 is a flash memory and D-RA shown in FIG.
The figure which shows an example of the memory address map of M and S-RAM.

8 is a circuit configuration diagram showing a configuration of the address replacement circuit shown in FIG.

9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure at the time of downloading the MPU shown in FIG.

FIG. 10 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system that implements a program changing method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a function changing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a function changing method according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

13 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of the system shown in FIG.

14 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the customer center of the system shown in FIG. 10 and its contents.

FIG. 15 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system that implements a program changing method according to a third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 16 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

19 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of the system shown in FIG.

20 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the customer center of the system shown in FIG. 15 and its contents.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure and the contents of the dealer of the system shown in FIG.

FIG. 22 is a schematic configuration diagram of a system that implements a program changing method according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 24 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a program changing method according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 25 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of the system shown in FIG. 22.

FIG. 26 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure of the customer center of the system shown in FIG. 22 and its contents.

[Explanation of symbols]

CC ... Customer Center, CSV1 ... Reception / Billing Server, CSV2 ... License Setting Server, DB ... User Database, CM ... User System, BT ... Button Telephone Device, PC ... User Maintenance Personal Computer, CR ... Credit Company, BK ... Bank, DL ... Dealer, DSV ... Reception / billing / transmission server, INW ... Internet, ISP ... Provider, PNW ... Public line network (PSTN), 100 ... Central control unit, 101 ... MPU, 102,103 ... Flash memory ( FLASHMEM
ORY1, 2), 104 ... D-RAM, 105 ... S-RAM, 106 ... Address decoder circuit, 107 ... External interface unit (RS232CI /
F), 108 ... Control bus, 109 ... Address replacement circuit.

─────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuation of front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification code FI theme code (reference) H04Q 3/58 107 G06F 9/06 630C 610Q 660A F term (reference) 5B076 AA02 AB02 BA05 BB16 BB17 EA17 EA18 FA00 FA05 FB01 FC10 5K049 AA08 BB05 GG11 HH06 5K101 LL00 MM03 MM07 NN21 NN48

Claims (21)

[Claims] 1. A first storage unit and a second storage unit, which store control program data and initial start-up program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described, respectively, and the first and second storage units. A communication system is provided between a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the two and a customer center that performs an operation support task for the communication device. A method for changing control program data of the communication device by connecting and receiving information between the user system and the customer center, wherein the user system notifies the customer center of the communication device. Function changes and additions assigned to the communication device from the communication network. Personal information and a process of transmitting a function change request, and at the customer center, access the corresponding communication device through the communication network based on the subscriber information included in the function change request received from the user. Creating update control program data based on the process of acquiring information indicating the function from the communication device, the information indicating the function acquired from the communication device, and the function change content included in the function change request. A process of transmitting the update control program data from a customer center to a corresponding communication device via the communication network, and in the communication device, the processor is one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. While performing communication processing based on one of the control program data, whether the processor is a customer center or not. A method for changing a program of a communication device, comprising the step of downloading the update control program data coming from the other and rewriting the control program data stored in the other storage unit to the update control program data. 2. A first and a second storage section for storing control program data and initial startup program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described, respectively. The first and second storage sections are provided. A communication system is provided between a user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the two and a customer center that performs an operation support task for the communication device. Subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network in association with the individual identification information pre-assigned to the user system, secret device identification information pre-assigned to the communication device, and the communication device In a system including a user database that stores information indicating functions, the user A method for changing the control program data of the communication device by exchanging information between the system and the customer center, wherein the user changes the function of the communication device and the user's own control to the customer center. In the process of transmitting a function change request including individual identification information, and in the customer center, based on the individual identification information of the user included in the function change request received from the user system, from the user database, the corresponding communication device The update control program data is created based on the process of reading the subscriber information and the information indicating the function, the information indicating the function read from the user database, and the function change content included in the function change request, From the center to the corresponding communication device via the communication network, Transmitting a control program data for use, and in the communication device, when the processor is performing a communication operation based on one of the control program data of the first storage unit and the second storage unit, The communication device is characterized in that the processor downloads the update control program data coming from the customer center and rewrites the control program data stored in the other storage unit with the update control program data. How to change the program. 3. A first and a second storage section for storing control program data and initial startup program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described, respectively, and these first and second storage sections are provided. A user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in any one of them, a customer center for performing operation support work for the communication device, and the user system and the customer. The control program data of the communication device can be changed by connecting a dealer, which mediates support work with the center, by a communication network, and exchanging information between the user system, the customer center and the dealer. A method of performing communication device communication from the user system to the dealer. A step of transmitting a function change request including the contents of change and subscriber information assigned from the communication network to the communication device, and a step of transferring the function change request coming from the user system from a dealer to a customer center. At the customer center, based on the subscriber information included in the function change request transferred from the dealer, the corresponding communication device is accessed through the communication network, and the information indicating the function is transmitted from the communication device. An update control program data is created based on the acquisition process, the information indicating the function acquired from the communication device, and the function change content included in the function change request, and the customer center sends the update to the corresponding communication device. Transmitting the update control program data through a communication network, and the communication In the container, the processor receives an update control program from a customer center while the processor is performing a communication operation based on the control program data of one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. And a step of downloading the data and rewriting the control program data stored in the other storage unit into the update control program data. 4. A first storage unit and a second storage unit, which store control program data and initial startup program data in which a procedure for changing the control program data is described, respectively, and the first and second storage units. A user system having a communication device in which a processor performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in any one of them, a customer center for performing operation support work for the communication device, and the user system and the customer. A communication network is used to connect to a dealer who mediates support work with the center, and the communication device is assigned from the communication network in association with the individual identification information given in advance to the user system. Represents subscriber information, secret device identification information given in advance to communication devices, and communication device functions A method for changing control program data of the communication device by exchanging information between the user system, a customer center, and a dealer in a system including a user database that stores information. From the dealer to the dealer, the function change request including the contents of the function change of the communication device and the user's own individual identification information, and the step of transferring the function change request coming from the user system from the dealer to the customer center And a step of reading, from the user database, subscriber information and information indicating the function of the corresponding communication device based on the individual identification information of the user included in the function change request transferred from the dealer, at the customer center. , The function read from the user database Of the function change request and the function change content included in the function change request, update control program data is created, and the update control program data is sent from the customer center to the corresponding communication device via the communication network. In the process of transmitting, and in the communication device, when the processor is executing a communication process based on the control program data of either the first storage unit or the second storage unit, the processor is a customer. A method of changing a program of a communication device, comprising the step of downloading update control program data coming from a center and rewriting the control program data stored in the other storage unit with the update control program data. 5. A process of transmitting credit identification information of a user from a user system to a customer center when the customer center and a payment clearing organization are connectable via a communication network, and communication of the user system. In response to a request for rewriting control program data to the device, a process of executing payment processing between the customer center and the payment settlement organization via a communication network, and rewriting the control program data when the payment settlement ends. 5. The method for changing a program of a communication device according to claim 1, further comprising: 6. A process of transmitting credit identification information of a user from a user system to a dealer when the dealer and the payment settlement institution are connectable via a communication network, and a communication device of the user system. In response to a control program data rewriting request, a process of performing payment processing between the dealer and the payment settlement organization via a communication network, and a process of rewriting the control program data when the payment settlement is completed. 5. The communication device program changing method according to claim 3, further comprising: 7. The method further comprises a step of a customer center acquiring, from the communication device, information indicating a function of the communication device and device identification information previously given to the communication device, and a step of transmitting the update control program data. A step of encrypting the update control program data using the acquired device identification information, transmitting the encrypted update control program data from a customer center to a communication device, and rewriting to the update control program data Is
The communication device decodes the update control program data sent from the customer center by using its own device identification information, and the existing control program data is read according to the initial startup program data stored in the storage unit other than the one being accessed by the processor. The program change method for a communication device according to claim 1 or 3, wherein the control program data for decryption is rewritten. 8. The customer center further comprises the step of reading the device identification information of the corresponding communication device from the user database based on the individual identification information of the user, and the process of transmitting the update control program data. Encrypts the update control program data by using the device identification information read from the user database, transmits the encrypted update control program data from the customer center to the communication device, and updates the update control program data. The process of rewriting to program data is
The communication device decrypts the update control program data sent from the customer center by using its own device identification information, and decrypts the existing control program data according to the initial startup program data stored in the storage section other than the one being accessed. 5. The communication device program changing method according to claim 2, wherein the updating control program data is rewritten. 9. In the communication device of the user system, in one of the first and second storage units, a storage unit being accessed by the processor when the control program data is changed. 5. The method for changing a program of a communication device according to claim 1, further comprising a step of switching to a storage unit in which the changed control program data exists. 10. In the communication device of the user system, when the processor does not operate normally after being switched to the storage unit in which the changed control program data exists, the connection between the storage unit and the processor before the switching is performed. 10. The communication device program changing method according to claim 9, further comprising the step of restoring and transmitting a re-sending request of the update control program data to the customer center. 11. A user system comprising a communication device that performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage units, is connected via a communication network, and A customer center for changing control program data of the communication device by exchanging information with the user system, the function change content of the communication device transmitted from the user system, and the communication device On the other hand, based on the subscriber information included in the function change request received by the function change request receiving means, the function change request receiving means for receiving the function change request including the subscriber information assigned from the communication network. , Access the relevant communication device through the communication network, and obtain the information indicating the function from the communication device. A function information acquisition unit, a creation unit that creates the update control program data based on the information indicating the function acquired by the function information acquisition unit, and the function change content included in the function change request; 2. A customer center, comprising: a control program data transmitting means for transmitting the update control program data created by the above to the corresponding communication device via the communication network. 12. A user system provided with a communication device that performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage units, is connected via a communication network, and A customer center for changing control program data of the communication device by exchanging information with a user system, which is associated with the individual identification information previously given to the user system, A user database that stores subscriber information assigned from the communication network, secret device identification information assigned in advance to the communication device, and information indicating the function of the communication device, and the function of the communication device sent from the user system. Function change request reception that receives a function change request including the changed content and individual identification information of the user system And means, the individual identification information of the user system included in the received feature changes required by this function change request receiving means based on,
Means for respectively reading subscriber information and information indicating the function of the corresponding communication device from the user database, updating based on the information indicating the function read from the user database and the function change content included in the function change request Creating means for creating control program data for use, and creating by the creating means by accessing the corresponding communication device based on the subscriber information of the communication device read from the user database via the communication network. And a control program data transmitting means for transmitting the update control program data. 13. A user system provided with a communication device that performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage units, is connected via a communication network, and A customer center for changing control program data of the communication device by exchanging information with a user system via a dealer, in association with individual identification information previously given to the user system, A user database that stores subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network, secret device identification information given in advance to the communication device, and information indicating the function of the communication device, and the dealer system from the user system. Function change contents of communication device and individual identification information of user system sent via Based the function change request receiving means for receiving the function change request, the individual identification information of the user system included in the received feature changes required by this function change request receiving means including,
Means for respectively reading subscriber information and information indicating the function of the corresponding communication device from the user database, updating based on the information indicating the function read from the user database and the function change content included in the function change request Creating means for creating control program data for use, and creating by the creating means by accessing the corresponding communication device based on the subscriber information of the communication device read from the user database via the communication network. And a control program data transmitting means for transmitting the update control program data. 14. A user system and a dealer system provided with a communication device that performs a predetermined communication process based on control program data stored in one of the first and second storage units, is connected via a communication network. Is
A customer center for changing control program data of the communication device by exchanging information with the user system via a dealer system, the user center being sent from the user system via the dealer system, Function change request receiving means for receiving a function change request including the function change content of the communication device and subscriber information assigned to the communication device from the communication network, and the function received by the function change request receiving means. Based on the subscriber information included in the change request, a function information acquisition unit that accesses the corresponding communication device via the communication network and acquires information indicating the function from the communication device, and the function information acquisition Information indicating the function of the communication device acquired by the means, and the function change content included in the function change request, And a control program data transmitting unit for transmitting the update control program data generated by the generating unit to the corresponding communication device via the communication network. Customer center characterized by 15. When the payment settlement institution can be connected via a communication network, a rewriting execution request of control program data to the communication device is sent to the payment settlement institution via a communication network. The customer center according to any one of claims 11 to 14, further comprising means for executing payment processing of the price. 16. The apparatus further comprises means for acquiring from the communication device information indicating the function of the communication device and device identification information previously given to the communication device, wherein the control program data transmitting means is the acquired device identification information. 14. The customer center according to claim 11 or 13, wherein the update control program data is encrypted by using, and the encrypted update control program data is transmitted to a communication device. 17. The apparatus further comprises means for reading out the device identification information of the corresponding communication device from the user database based on the individual identification information sent from the user system, wherein the control program data transmission means is for the user. 15. The encryption control program data for update is encrypted using the device identification information read from the database, and the encrypted update control program data is transmitted to a communication device. Customer Center. 18. The user system connected to the customer center according to claim 11, wherein the control program data describing the procedure for performing a predetermined communication process and the control program data are changed. The first that stores the initial startup program data that describes the procedure
Of the first storage unit, a second storage unit storing the same contents as the first storage unit, and a predetermined program based on the control program data stored in one of the first and second storage units. Processor for executing the communication processing of the above, a receiving means for receiving the update control program data sent from the customer center, and the processor for controlling the control program of any one of the first storage unit and the second storage unit. Control program data rewriting means for rewriting the control program data stored in the other storage unit to the update control program data received from the customer center while the processor is performing communication processing based on the data. A user system characterized by the above. 19. The control program data in which the storage unit being accessed by the processor is changed is present in one of the first and second storage units when the control program data is changed. 19. The user system according to claim 18, further comprising a switching unit that switches to a storage unit that performs the operation. 20. After switching to the storage section in which the control program data changed by the switching means exists,
When the processor does not operate normally, it further comprises a resend request sending unit that restores the connection between the storage unit before switching and the processor and sends a resend request of the update control program data to the customer center. 20. The user system according to claim 19. 21. The control program data rewriting means decrypts the update control program data sent from the customer center by using the device identification information of the communication device, and stores the initial data stored in a storage unit other than during access. 19. The user system according to claim 18, wherein the existing control program data is rewritten to the updated control program data in accordance with the start program data.