JP2004147062A - Communication network switching device, communication network reporting method, communication network reporting program and computer readable recording medium having the program recorded thereon - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To report a communication network where a fault is occurred to a user. <P>SOLUTION: A communication network switching device comprises: a connection means provided between a plurality of communication networks and a telephone set for connecting the telephone set to one of the plurality of communication networks; an access detection means for detecting access from the telephone set; a communication state detection means (S02) for detecting the connection propriety of each of the plurality of communication networks; voice message output means (S05, S08, S12) for outputting a voice message to the telephone set; and a control part for making the voice message output means output the voice message for reporting the communication network for which connection impossibility is detected by the communication state detection means in response to the detection of the access by the access detection means (YES in S01). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication network switching device, a communication network notification method, a communication network notification program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program, and more particularly to a communication network switching device provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal. The present invention relates to a communication network notification method executed by such a communication network switching device, a communication network notification program, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, a connection service of an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone has been started. An IP telephone uses a digital line as a communication network, and is connected to a telephone of the other party via the Internet to enable conversation. When a digital line uses an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) using the same line (communication medium) as a conventional subscriber line (PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network). There are many.
[0003]
The handset used as an interface with the user in the IP telephone is the same handset used in a telephone using PSTN (hereinafter referred to as "analog telephone"). For this reason, the handset is connected to a communication network switching device (also called an integrated access device (IAD)), and the communication network is switched to either PSTN or ADSL by the communication network switching device. When a user originates a call, the communication network switching device normally selects ADSL as a communication network and causes the handset to function as an IP telephone. However, if there is any failure in ADSL and communication is not possible, the communication network is switched to PSTN and transmitted. Make the handset function as an analog phone.
[0004]
Prior art document information related to the invention of this application includes the following.
[0005]
[Non-patent document 1]
Hideki Ito and Joichi Hasegawa, "The Complete View of BB Phones", "Telecommunications", published by Rickte Telecom Co., Ltd., June 2002; 22-25
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described communication network switching device, when communication cannot be performed by ADSL, the communication network is automatically switched to the PSTN, so that the user cannot know that the communication network has been switched to the PSTN. Therefore, contrary to the intention of the user who believes that the communication is performed by the IP telephone, the communication is actually performed by the analog telephone. If the communication network is switched to PSTN contrary to the user's will, the user may be disadvantaged. Normally, different companies provide services for IP telephones and analog telephones, so communication fees also differ. When the communication charge of the analog telephone is higher than the communication charge of the IP telephone, the user recognizes that the communication network is switched to PSTN contrary to the intention of the user who believes that the communication is performed by the IP telephone. You will have to pay a higher analog telephone communication fee than the IP telephone communication fee.
[0007]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION An object of the present invention is to provide a communication network switching device and a communication network capable of notifying a user of a communication network in which a failure has occurred. An object of the present invention is to provide a notification method, a communication network notification program for realizing the method, and a computer-readable recording medium recording the program.
[0008]
Still another object of the present invention is to provide a communication network switching device capable of notifying a user of a communication network to be connected, a communication network notification method, a communication network notification program for realizing the method, and a recording of the program. A computer-readable recording medium is provided.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
According to one aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication network switching device provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks. Means, access detection means for detecting access from the terminal, communication state detection means for detecting whether or not each of the plurality of communication networks can be connected, voice message output means for outputting a voice message to the terminal, and access by the access detection means. And control means for outputting, to the voice message output means, a voice message for notifying the communication network in which the connection failure has been detected by the communication state detecting means in response to the detection of the communication network.
[0010]
According to the present invention, in response to the detection of the access from the terminal, a voice message for notifying the communication network in which the connection failure has been detected is output to the terminal. A communication network that cannot be connected can be known by voice. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network switching device capable of notifying a user of a communication network in which a failure has occurred.
[0011]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication network switching device is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks, and the terminal transmits. The receiving means for receiving the calling number, the storing means for storing in advance a correspondence table defining the correspondence between the calling signal and the communication network, and searching the correspondence table using the received calling signal to connect the terminal. Determining means for determining a communication network; voice message output means for outputting a voice message to the terminal to the terminal; and voice message for notifying a communication network to be connected in response to reception of the calling number by the receiving means. Control means for causing the output means to output.
[0012]
According to the present invention, the correspondence table is searched using the calling number transmitted by the terminal, the communication network to which the terminal is to be connected is determined, and a voice message for notifying the communication network to be connected is output to the terminal. . Therefore, the user of the terminal can know the communication network to be connected by voice by inputting the calling number. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network switching device capable of notifying the user of a communication network to be connected to when the user inputs a transmission signal.
[0013]
Preferably, a communication state detecting means for detecting whether or not each of the plurality of communication networks can be connected, and a communication network to be connected when the communication state determined by the determining means is detected as unreachable by the communication state detecting means. Communication network switching means for switching from the determined communication network to another connectable communication network.
[0014]
According to the present invention, the connection possibility of each of the plurality of communication networks is detected, and when the determined communication network is detected as being unreachable, another communication network to be connected can be changed from the determined communication network to another connection network. Is switched to a new communication network. Then, a voice message for notifying the switched another connectable communication network is output to the terminal. Thus, the user can know the switched communication network by voice, and can interrupt the connection if the user does not want to connect to the communication network. As a result, it is possible to prevent connection of a communication network not intended by the user.
[0015]
Preferably, the control means, when switched to another communication network by the communication network switching means, outputs a voice message to the voice message output means for confirming whether to permit connection with another communication network. Further, the connection means is connected to another communication network on condition that an allowable signal is input.
[0016]
According to the present invention, when the connection is switched to another communication network, a voice message for confirming whether or not connection with another communication network is permitted is further output, and an allowance signal is input. The terminal is connected to another communication network under the condition. For this reason, since the communication network is connected after the user's intention is confirmed, the user can be surely recognized that the communication network has been switched.
[0017]
Preferably, the voice message is a compressed digital signal, and the voice message output means includes a storage means for storing the voice message in the form of an IP packet.
[0018]
According to the present invention, since the voice message is a compressed digital signal and is stored in the form of an IP packet, the voice message can be output using a voice decoding circuit used in a communication network communicating with the IP packet. it can. Further, since the data is compressed and stored, the storage capacity can be reduced.
[0019]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication network notification method is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and has a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks. In the communication network notification method executed in the step, detecting the access from the terminal, detecting the connection availability of each of the plurality of communication networks, and according to the detected access by the access detection step, Outputting a voice message to the terminal to notify the communication network in which the connection failure has been detected in the communication state detecting step.
[0020]
According to the present invention, in response to the detection of the access from the terminal, a voice message for notifying the communication network in which the connection failure has been detected is output to the terminal. A communication network that cannot be connected can be known by voice. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network notification method capable of notifying a communication network in which a failure has occurred by voice.
[0021]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication network notifying method is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks, and a communication method for transmitting an outgoing signal. A communication network notification method executed by a communication network switching device having a storage means for preliminarily storing a correspondence table defining a correspondence with a network, comprising: a step of receiving a transmission number transmitted by a terminal; A step of determining a communication network to which the terminal is to be connected by searching the correspondence table using the signal, and a voice message for notifying the communication network to be connected to the terminal in response to the reception of the calling number in the receiving step. Outputting.
[0022]
According to the present invention, the correspondence table is searched using the calling number transmitted by the terminal, the communication network to which the terminal is to be connected is determined, and a voice message for notifying the communication network to be connected is output to the terminal. . Therefore, the user of the terminal can know the communication network to be connected by voice by inputting the calling number. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network notification method capable of notifying the connected communication network by voice when the user inputs the transmission signal.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication network notification program is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and has a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks. A communication network notification program readable by a computer, the method comprising: detecting an access from a terminal; detecting whether or not each of a plurality of communication networks can be connected; and detecting an access by the access detection step. And outputting to the terminal a voice message for notifying the communication network of which the connection failure has been detected in the communication state detecting step.
[0024]
According to the present invention, in response to the detection of the access from the terminal, a voice message for notifying the communication network in which the connection failure has been detected is output to the terminal. A communication network that cannot be connected can be known by voice. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network notification program capable of notifying a communication network in which a failure has occurred by voice, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program.
[0025]
According to another aspect of the present invention, a communication network notification program is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks, A computer-readable communication network notification program executed by a communication network switching device having a storage means for storing in advance a correspondence table defining correspondence with a network, the method comprising: receiving a transmission number transmitted by a terminal; A step of searching a correspondence table using the received transmission signal to determine a communication network to which the terminal is to be connected, and a voice for notifying the communication network to be connected according to the reception of the transmission number in the reception step And outputting the message to the terminal.
[0026]
According to the present invention, the correspondence table is searched using the calling number transmitted by the terminal, the communication network to which the terminal is to be connected is determined, and a voice message for notifying the communication network to be connected is output to the terminal. . Therefore, the user of the terminal can know the communication network to be connected by voice by inputting the calling number. As a result, it is possible to provide a communication network notification network notification program capable of notifying a connected communication network by voice when a user inputs a transmission signal, and a computer-readable recording medium storing the program. it can.
[0027]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. Note that the same reference numerals in the drawings denote the same or corresponding members, and overlapping description will not be repeated.
[0028]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a connection state between a communication network switching device, a terminal, and a communication line according to one embodiment of the present invention. Referring to FIG. 1, a communication network switching device (also referred to as an IAD (Integrated access device)) 100 is connected to telephones 102A and 102B. Here, an example in which two telephones 102A and 102B are connected is shown. However, the number of telephones that can be connected to the communication network switching apparatus 100 is not limited to this, and it is sufficient if one or more telephones are connected.
[0029]
The communication network switching device 100 is connected to a telephone line 105 via a splitter 101. The telephone line 105 serves both as a subscriber line (PSTN: Public Switched Telephone Network) and an asymmetric digital subscriber line (ADSL: Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line). The signal carried by the PSTN and the signal carried by the ADSL have different frequency bands. The splitter 101 is a device for separating or combining a signal in a frequency band carried by the PSTN and a signal in a frequency band carried by the ADSL. Between the communication network switching apparatus 100 and the splitter 101, a signal in the frequency band carried by the PSTN 107 and a signal in the frequency band carried by the ADSL 106 are transmitted and received separately. Further, the communication network switching device 100 is connected to a local area network (LAN) 104.
[0030]
A personal computer (PC) 108 and a gateway (G / W) 109 are connected to the LAN 104. The G / W 109 is connected to a wide area network (WAN). Thus, the communication network switching device 100 can communicate with the PC 108 via the LAN 104. Further, the communication network switching device 100 can be connected to a WAN via the LAN 104 and the G / W 109. Therefore, it is possible to communicate with another IP telephone connected to the WAN. Note that the ADSL 106 can also connect to the WAN.
[0031]
The communication network switching device 100 selects a communication network for connecting to a communication partner of the telephones 102A and 102B from among three communication networks. The first communication network is the PSTN 107, which can transmit and receive analog voice signals. The second communication network is the ADSL 106, which transmits and receives digital signals obtained by converting analog audio signals. The third communication network is the LAN 104, which transmits and receives digital signals obtained by converting analog audio signals.
[0032]
In this embodiment, ADSL 107 will be described as an example of an IP telephone communication network. However, the IP telephone communication network is not limited to this, and a communication network such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) is added. Alternatively, a LAN 104 and a WAN may be used.
[0033]
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a schematic configuration of hardware of communication network switching device 100 in the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 2, communication network switching apparatus 100 includes control section 110 for controlling communication network switching apparatus 100 as a whole, and a storage section for storing a correspondence table defining correspondence between telephone numbers and communication networks. 119, a subscriber line interface circuit (SLIC: Subscriber Line Interface Circuit) 112A, 112B, a subscriber line audio processing circuit (SLAC: Subscriber Line Audio Processing Circuit) 113, and a digital signal processing unit (DSP: Digital Signal). 114 and a call detection circuit 115.
[0034]
The control unit 110 stores a central processing unit (CPU), a read-only memory (ROM) for storing a program to be executed by the CPU and necessary data, and variables and the like required when the program is executed by the CPU. A random access memory (RAM) for temporary storage. The control unit 110 is connected to the DSP 114, ADSLPHY (Physical layer) 116, LANPHY (Local Area Network Physical layer) 117, storage unit 119, and external storage device 125.
[0035]
The communication network switching device 100 includes first switches 120A and 120B, second switches 121A and 121B, modular jacks (RJ-11) 111A and 111B connected to the first switches 120A and 120B, respectively, and a call detection circuit 115. , A modular jack (RJ-11) 111D connected to the ADSLPHY 116, and a modular jack (RJ-45) 118 connected to the LANPHY 117.
[0036]
Modular jacks (RJ-11) 111A and 111B are ports for connecting communication network switching device 100 to telephones 102A and 102B. Modular jack (RJ-11) 111C is a port for connecting communication network switching apparatus 100 to PSTN 107. Modular jack (RJ-11) 111D is a port for connecting communication network switching apparatus 100 to ADSL 106. Modular jack (RJ-45) 118 is a port for connecting communication network switching device 100 to LAN 104.
[0037]
First switch 120A switches between telephone set 102A connected to modular jack 111A and SLIC 112A or to call detection circuit 115 based on an instruction from control section 110. Similarly, first switch 120B switches whether telephone set 102B connected to modular jack 111B is connected to SLIC 112B or to call detection circuit 115 based on an instruction from control unit 110. For the following description, the switching direction of the first switch 120A is referred to as A side when the telephone 102A connected to the modular jack 111A is connected to the SLIC 112A, and the telephone 102A connected to the modular jack 111A is connected to the call detection circuit 115. In this case, the B side is set. Similarly, when the switching direction of the first switch 120B is A side when the telephone set 102B connected to the modular jack 111B is connected to the SLIC 112B, and when the telephone set 102B connected to the modular jack 111B is connected to the call detection circuit 115. Is the B side.
[0038]
The second switch 121A switches whether to connect the SLAC 113 to the SLIC 112A or to the call detection circuit 115 based on an instruction from the control unit 110. Similarly, the second switch 121B switches whether to connect the SLAC 113 to the SLIC 112B or to the call detection circuit 115 based on an instruction from the control unit 110. Hereinafter, for the sake of explanation, the switching direction of the second switch 121A is referred to as C side when the SLAC 113 is connected to the SLIC 112A, and is referred to as D side when the SLAC 113 is connected to the call detection circuit 115. Similarly, the switching direction of the second switch 121B is C side when the SLAC 113 is connected to the SLIC 112B, and is D side when the SLAC 113 is connected to the call detection circuit 115.
[0039]
When the first switches 120A and 120B are on the A side and the second switches 121A and 121B are on the C side, the telephones 102A and 102B are connected to the SLICs 112A and 112B, and the SLICs 112A and 112B are connected to the SLAC 113. As a result, the telephones 102A and 102B are connected to the LANPHY 117 or ADSLPHY 116 via the SLICs 112A and 112B, the SLAC 113, the DSP 114, and the control unit 110. Whether to connect to the LANPHY 117 or the ADSLPHY 116 may be set in the control unit 110 in advance, or may be selected based on the input number as described later.
[0040]
When the first switches 120A and 120B are on the B side, the telephones 102A and 102B are connected to the call detection circuit 115. Therefore, the telephones 102A and 102B are connected to the PSTN 107.
[0041]
When the second switches 121A and 121B are on the D side, the SLAC 113 is connected to the call detection circuit 115. Therefore, the SLAC 113 is connected to the PSTN 107.
[0042]
Here, the case where the first switches 120A and 120B are switched in the same direction and the second switches 121A and 121B are switched in the same direction has been described, but the first switch 120A and the first switch 120B are independently switched. Similarly, the second switch 121A and the second switch 121B can be independently switched. For example, telephone 102A can be connected to PSTN 107 and telephone 102B can be connected to ADSL 106. In this case, the first switch 120A is switched to the B side, and the first switch 120B is switched to the A side. The second switch 121A switches the second switch 121A to the D side while the SLAC 113 is generating a tone signal, and switches to the C side otherwise. Also, the second switch 121B switches to the C side.
[0043]
SLICs 112A and 112B detect on-hook or off-hook of telephones 102A and 102B. The detected on-hook signal or off-hook signal is transmitted to control section 110.
[0044]
The SLAC 113 is an A / D converter that converts an analog signal into a digital signal, and a D / A converter that converts a digital signal into an analog signal. The DSP 114 includes a compression / decompression circuit that compresses or decompresses a digital audio signal, a number detection circuit that detects a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) signal, and a tone signal generation circuit that generates a DTMF signal. The audio analog signals received from the SLICs 112A and 112B are converted into digital signals by the SLAC 113, and the converted digital signals are compressed by the DSP 114 and output to the ADSLPHY 116 or the LANPHY 117 via the control unit 110. The digital signal received by the ADSLPHY 116 or the LANPHY 117 is received by the DSP 114 via the control unit 110, decompressed, converted to an analog signal by the SLAC 113, and output to the SLICs 112A and 112B.
[0045]
Further, the DSP 114 receives dial signals transmitted from the telephones 102A and 102B via the SLICs 112A and 112B and the SLAC 113, and outputs number information obtained based on the received dial signals to the control unit 110. The DSP 114 generates a dial signal (DTMF signal) based on the number information specified by the control unit 110, and outputs the generated dial signal to the SLAC 113. The output dial signal is converted to an analog signal by SLAC 113 and output to PSTN 107 when second switches 121A and 121B are on the D side. At this time, if the first switches 120A and 120B are on the A side, the dial signals will not be received by the telephones 102A and 102B because the SLAC 113 is not connected to the telephones 102A and 102B.
[0046]
The external storage device 125 reads a program or data recorded on a computer-readable recording medium 126 and transmits the program or data to the control unit 110. In addition, according to an instruction from the control unit 110, necessary data is written to the computer-readable recording medium 126.
[0047]
The computer-readable recording medium 126 is a medium that fixedly holds a program, such as a magnetic tape, a cassette tape, a magnetic disk, an optical disk, an IC card, an optical card, a mask ROM, an EPROM, a flash memory, or a semiconductor memory. Further, the recording medium 126 may be a recording medium that carries the program fluidly so that the program can be downloaded from the network.
[0048]
Here, the program is a concept including not only a program directly executable by a central processing unit (CPU) but also a program in a source program format, a compressed program, an encrypted program, and the like.
[0049]
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a communication network notification process executed by communication network switching apparatus 100 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, a case where the user uses the telephone 102A will be described as an example for explanation. Similar processing is executed when the user uses the telephone 102B. Referring to FIG. 3, in the communication network notification processing, first, it is detected whether or not telephone 102A has gone off-hook (step S01). In the default state, the switch 120A has been switched to the B side, and the switch 121A has been switched to the C side. An off-hook signal of telephone 102A is detected by SLIC 112A. Then, a standby state is set until the hook is turned off (YES in step S01). When an off-hook is detected, the process proceeds to step S02. Note that an interrupt may be generated when an off-hook is detected without performing the standby state, and the subsequent processing may be executed.
[0050]
In step S02, a connection confirmation process is executed. The connection confirmation processing is executed for all communication networks to which the communication network switching device is physically connected. In the present embodiment, such communication networks are the ADSL 106 and the PSTN 107. In the connection confirmation processing of the communication network of the ADSL 106, communication for confirming the connection is performed with the server device owned by the IP telephone provider connected to the ADSL 106. If communication with the server device is possible, it is determined that connection is possible. If communication is not possible, it is determined that connection is not possible. In the connection confirmation processing of the communication network of the PSTN 107, for example, it is determined whether or not a tone signal transmitted from the telephone exchange connected to the PSTN 107 has been received. When a tone signal is received, it is determined that connection is possible, and when it is not received, it is determined that connection is not possible. The result of the connection confirmation process is temporarily stored in the RAM provided in the control unit.
[0051]
In the next step S03, it is determined whether or not the IP telephone can be used. In the connection confirmation processing in step S02, if it is determined that connection to ADSL is possible, it is determined that the IP telephone is usable. Otherwise, it is determined that the IP telephone is not usable. If it is determined that the IP phone can be used, the process proceeds to step S11; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S04.
[0052]
In step S04, it is determined whether an analog telephone can be used. If it is determined in the connection confirmation processing in step S02 that the connection to the PSTN is possible, it is determined that the analog telephone is usable. Otherwise, it is determined that the analog telephone is not usable. If it is determined that the analog telephone can be used, the process proceeds to step S05; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S08.
[0053]
When the process proceeds to step S05, the IP phone cannot be used and the analog phone can be used. Therefore, in step S05, for example, a voice message "IP telephone cannot be used" is output. Thereby, the user of the telephone 102A can recognize that the IP telephone cannot be used, and thereafter, when a number for making a call is input to the telephone 102A, the communication using the PSTN as a communication network is started. Can be recognized. Since switch S121A has been switched to the C side, a voice message output from control unit 110 is transmitted to telephone set 102A.
[0054]
Thereafter, the first switch 120A is switched to the B side, and the second switch 121A, is switched to the C side (step S06). When the first switch 120A is switched to the B side, the telephone 102A is connected to the PSTN 107. As a result, the tone signal transmitted from the exchange connected to the PSTN is received and output by telephone 102A. As a result, the telephone 102A functions as an analog telephone. The transmission process in this case is well known, and thus description thereof will not be repeated here. When the second switch 121A is switched to the C side, the connection between the SLAC 113 and the PSTN 107 is cut off. As a result, noise such as noise is not transmitted from the SLAC 113 to the PSTN 107.
[0055]
In the next step S07, call detection circuit 115 determines whether or not telephone set 102A is on-hook. Whether or not the telephone set 102A has gone on-hook is detected by the call detection circuit 115, and the detected on-hook signal is output to the control unit 110, and is recognized by the control unit 110. When the on-hook is detected, the process ends.
[0056]
On the other hand, proceeding to step S08 is a case where neither the IP phone nor the analog phone can be used. Therefore, in step S08, for example, a voice message "Phone cannot be used" is output. Thus, the user of telephone 102A can be notified that neither the IP telephone nor the analog telephone can be used. Thereafter, a warning sound is output to the telephone 102A until an on-hook is detected in step S10 (step S09). This allows the user of telephone 102A to be continuously informed that both telephones cannot be used. In step S10, the on-hook is detected by the SLIC 112A. Since switch S121A has been switched to the C side, the voice message and the warning sound output from control unit 110 are transmitted to telephone set 102A and output. If an on-hook is detected in step S10, the process ends.
[0057]
On the other hand, in step S11, it is determined whether an analog telephone can be used. If it is determined in the connection confirmation processing in step S02 that the connection to the PSTN is possible, it is determined that the analog telephone is usable. Otherwise, it is determined that the analog telephone is not usable. If it is determined that the analog telephone can be used, the process proceeds to step S12. Otherwise, the process skips step S12 and proceeds to step S13.
[0058]
The process proceeds to step S12 when the IP telephone is usable and the analog telephone is not usable. Therefore, in step S12, for example, a voice message of "regular telephone cannot be used" is output. Thereby, the user of the telephone 102A can recognize that the analog telephone cannot be used.
[0059]
In step S13, a tone signal is output to telephone set 102A. Thus, the user of telephone 102A can recognize that it is possible to make a call using either an IP telephone or an analog telephone. Also, if the user is listening to the voice message “General telephone cannot be used” at the time of step S12, it can be recognized that the call can be made by the IP telephone.
[0060]
Then, in the next step S14, a transmission process is executed. FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing the flow of the transmission process. Referring to FIG. 4, input of an outgoing signal from telephone 102A is received (step S21). Then, based on the received outgoing signal, a telephone network selection process for determining whether the telephone network is the ADSL 106 or the PSTN 107 is executed (step S22).
[0061]
Here, the communication network selection processing will be briefly described. In the storage unit 119, a correspondence table in which the outgoing signal and the communication network are associated is stored in advance. Control unit 110 searches the correspondence table based on the transmission signal received in step S21. Then, a communication network corresponding to the transmission signal is selected.
[0062]
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table stored in the communication network switching device 100 according to the present embodiment. Referring to FIG. 5, the correspondence table includes items of a data number, a transmission signal, a communication network, and an identification symbol. The data number is a number for specifying data stored in the correspondence table. The transmission signal is data to be searched based on the transmission signals input from the telephones 102A and 102B. For example, in the data of data number “1”, the transmission signal is “1XX”. An "X" means that the digit can be any number or symbol. Therefore, “1XX” indicates that the signal has three digits and the first digit starts with “1”. For example, when outgoing signals such as "100" and "110" are output from telephone set 102A, data with a data number "1" becomes the corresponding data.
[0063]
The communication network is an item for specifying a communication network corresponding to the outgoing signal. One of the PSTN 107, the ADSL 106, and the LAN 104 is defined in the communication network.
[0064]
The item of the identification symbol indicates the telephone number of the other party corresponding to the transmission signal. The relationship between the outgoing signal and the identification symbol corresponds to a so-called speed dial, the outgoing signal corresponds to a speed dial, and the identification symbol corresponds to a number for specifying a destination. In FIG. 5, data having data numbers "18", "19" and "20" are transmission signals corresponding to speed dials. Here, a transmission signal starting with “*” is a speed dial. Specifically, in the data having the data number “18”, the transmission signal is “* 1”, and “0666666666” is associated with the identification number corresponding thereto. Note that the speed dial is not limited to a transmission signal starting with “*”, but can be defined by another symbol or a combination of a plurality of symbols.
[0065]
Further, a signal including ".T" in the transmission signal is a symbol indicating that any signal comes after the numeral before it. For example, the corresponding data having the data number “5” has the transmission signal “2.T”. This means that if the first digit is a signal starting with “2”, the signal is applicable no matter what kind of signal follows. Also, if the corresponding data with the data number “13” is a transmission signal whose first four digits are “0990”, this applies even if any signal is subsequently input. That is, a signal starting with “0990” corresponds to the corresponding data with the data number “13”. In this case, “PSTN 107” is associated with the communication network.
[0066]
In the embodiment, in the correspondence table, the outgoing signal, the communication network for transmitting, and the identification symbol are provided in the same correspondence table. However, the correspondence table in which the identification symbol is associated with the communication network, A conversion table in which a transmission signal and an identification symbol are associated with each other may be separately provided. In this case, after the outgoing signal input from telephone 102A is converted into an identification symbol using the conversion table, a communication table to be transmitted is determined by searching a correspondence table using the converted identification symbol. become.
[0067]
Returning to FIG. 4, when a communication network is selected in step S22, the selected communication network is temporarily stored in the RAM of control unit 110. Then, in the next step S23, it is determined whether or not the selected communication network is an IP telephone communication network, in other words, the ADSL 106 or the LAM 104. If the selected communication network is an IP telephone communication network, the process proceeds to step S24; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S36. In step S24, it is determined whether the IP phone can be used. Whether the IP telephone is usable or not is determined based on the result of the connection confirmation processing executed in step S02 of FIG. If it is determined that the IP phone can be used, the process proceeds to step S25; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S30.
[0068]
In step S25, a voice message of "IP phone" is output to telephone set 102A. Thereby, it is possible to inform the user that telephone 102A functions as an IP telephone. That is, the user can know that the connection will be made to the ADSL or LAN communication network. Then, in the next step S26, a process for connecting a line with the telephone specified by the telephone number corresponding to the outgoing signal received in step S21 via the communication network selected in step S22 is executed. You. This process is called a VoIP connection. By this processing, the user can have a conversation with the connected telephone user until on-hook is detected in step S28 (step S27).
[0069]
If an on-hook is detected in step S28, a process for terminating the VoIP connection is executed (step S29).
[0070]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S24 that the IP telephone is not usable, it is determined in step S30 whether the analog telephone is usable. Whether an analog telephone can be used or not is determined based on the result of the connection confirmation processing executed in step S02 in FIG. If it is determined that the analog telephone can be used, the process proceeds to step S31; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S39.
[0071]
In step S31, a voice message of "It is a general telephone" and a voice message of "Please press the confirmation button" are output to the telephone 102A. Thereby, the user can be informed that the telephone 102A will function as an analog telephone. When the process proceeds to step S31, the communication network corresponding to the outgoing signal input by the user is ADSL or LAN, but since these communication networks are not available, the telephone 102A functions as an analog telephone. Is the case. Therefore, in order to confirm with the user whether or not the telephone 102A can function as an analog telephone, a voice message of "Please press the confirmation button" is output. This allows the user to recognize that a communication network different from the communication network set in the correspondence table has been selected. Further, by listening to the confirmation message, the user is asked to determine whether or not to permit the connection to the selected communication network, here the PSTN. As a result, it is possible to prevent a connection to a communication network different from the communication network set in the correspondence table against the user's will.
[0072]
In step S32, it is determined whether or not the pressing of the confirmation button has been detected. If the pressing has been detected, the process proceeds to step S38. Proceed to S34. In step S38, the telephone 102A is connected to the PSTN as described later, and functions as an analog telephone. In step S34, a voice error message is output to telephone 102A, and if on-hook is detected in next step S35, the process ends.
[0073]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S23 that the communication network selected is not an IP telephone communication network, it is determined whether an analog telephone can be used (step S36). Whether an analog telephone can be used or not is determined based on the result of the connection confirmation processing executed in step S02 in FIG. If it is determined that the analog telephone can be used, the process proceeds to step S37; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S39.
[0074]
In step S39, a voice message "phone unavailable" is output to telephone 102A. Thereby, the user can be notified that the telephone 102A cannot be used. The process proceeds to step S39 when the communication network corresponding to the transmission signal input by the user is the PSTN and the PSTN is unavailable. In the present embodiment, when the communication network corresponding to the transmission signal input by the user is PSTN 107 and PSTN 107 is unavailable, the communication network is not switched to ADSL 106 or LAN 104. In other words, the ADSL 106 or the LAN 104 does not serve as a backup for the PSTN 107. However, the ADSL 106 or the LAN 104 is provided with a role as a backup of the PSTN 107. If the communication network corresponding to the transmission signal input by the user is the PSTN 107 and the PSTN is unavailable, the communication network is switched to the ADSL 106 or the LAN 104. May be switched.
[0075]
If the on-hook is detected in step S35 after step S39, the process ends. In step S39, a voice message may be repeatedly output until an on-hook is detected in step S35, or a warning sound may be output after a voice message is output until an on-hook is detected.
[0076]
Next, output of a voice message will be described. The voice message is stored in the storage unit 119 in advance. The voice message is a compressed digital signal, which is divided into packets and stored in the form of IP packets.
[0077]
As described above, when the telephone 102A functions as an IP telephone, the IAD 100 connects to the computer of the IP telephone provider via the ADSL 106 or the LAN 104 to transmit and receive IP packets. The IP packet includes audio data, and the audio data is data that has been subjected to digital conversion processing and compression processing. Therefore, upon receiving the IP packet, communication network switching apparatus 100 sequentially outputs a predetermined portion of the IP packet to DSP 114. The voice data of the IP packet is decompressed by the DSP 114, converted to analog data by the SLAC 113, and output to the telephone 102A.
[0078]
Therefore, by converting the voice message into a digital signal compressed in the same manner as the voice data transmitted and received by the IP telephone, dividing the packet into packets and storing them in the format of IP packets, the control unit can It is only necessary to read the IP packets in order and output them to the DSC 114.
[0079]
Therefore, there is no need to develop special circuits or software to play the voice message. Furthermore, since the voice message is stored as digital data that has been subjected to compression processing, the data amount can be reduced, and the memory cost of the storage unit 119 can be reduced.
[0080]
As a result, the voice message is subjected to the decompression process and the digital / analog conversion process, and output to the telephone 102A. Conversely, the analog audio data received from the telephone 102A is converted into digital data by the SLAC 113, compressed by the DSP 114, and output to the control unit 110. The control unit generates an IP packet based on the received voice data, and transmits the IP packet to the computer via the ADSL 106 or the LAN 104.
[0081]
In this embodiment, communication network switching apparatus 100 has been described. However, a communication network notification method for executing the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 and the processing shown in FIGS. 3 and 4 are executed by a computer. It is needless to say that the present invention can be considered as a communication network switching program for this purpose.
[0082]
The embodiments disclosed this time are to be considered in all respects as illustrative and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a connection state between a communication network switching device, a terminal, and a communication line according to one embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of hardware of a communication network switching device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of a communication network notification process performed by the communication network switching device according to the present embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a flow of a transmission process executed in step S14 of FIG.
FIG. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a correspondence table stored in the communication network switching device according to the present embodiment.
[Explanation of symbols]
Reference Signs List 100 communication network switching device, 101 splitter, 102A, 102B telephone, 105 telephone line, 109 G / W, 110 control unit, 111A, 111B, 111C, 111D modular jack, 114 DSP, 115 call detection circuit, 116 ADSLPHY, 117 LANPHY 119 storage unit, 120A, 120B first switch, 121A, 121B second switch, 125 external storage device, 126 recording medium.

Claims (10)

Connection means provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks,
Access detection means for detecting access from the terminal,
Communication state detection means for detecting the connection availability of each of the plurality of communication networks,
Voice message output means for outputting a voice message to the terminal,
Control means for outputting, to the voice message output means, a voice message for notifying a communication network in which connection failure has been detected by the communication state detection means, in response to detection of access by the access detection means. Also, a communication network switching device. Connection means provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks,
Receiving means for receiving a calling number transmitted by the terminal,
Storage means for storing in advance a correspondence table defining the correspondence between the outgoing signal and the communication network,
Determining means for searching the correspondence table using the received transmission signal and determining a communication network to which the terminal is to be connected;
Voice message output means for outputting a voice message to the terminal to the terminal,
Control means for outputting a voice message for notifying a communication network to be connected to said voice message output means in response to reception of a calling number by said reception means. Communication state detection means for detecting the connection availability of each of the plurality of communication networks,
When the communication state determined by the determination means is detected as being unreachable by the communication state detection means, communication for switching a communication network to be connected from the determined communication network to another connectable communication network. 3. The communication network switching device according to claim 2, further comprising network switching means. The control means, when switched to another communication network by the communication network switching means, a voice message for confirming whether to permit connection with another communication network to the voice message output means. 4. The communication network switching device according to claim 3, wherein the communication unit is further output and the connection unit is connected to the other communication network on condition that an allowable signal is input. The voice message is a compressed digital signal;
3. The communication network switching device according to claim 1, wherein the voice message output unit includes a storage unit that stores the voice message in a form of an IP packet. A communication network notification method provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, the communication network notification method being executed by a communication network switching device having a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks,
Detecting access from the terminal;
Detecting the connection availability of each of the plurality of communication networks,
Outputting, to the terminal, a voice message for notifying of a communication network in which connection is detected by the communication state detecting step in response to detection of access by the access detecting step. Method. A storage device that is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and stores in advance a connection table for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks, and a correspondence table that defines correspondence between a transmission signal and a communication network. And a communication network notification method executed by the communication network switching device having means.
Receiving a calling number sent by the terminal;
Searching the correspondence table using the received transmission signal, and determining a communication network to which the terminal is to be connected;
Outputting a voice message for notifying a communication network to be connected to the terminal in response to the reception of the calling number in the receiving step. A computer-readable communication network notification program, which is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and is executed by a communication network switching device having a connection unit for connecting the terminal to any of the plurality of communication networks. hand,
Detecting access from the terminal;
Detecting the connection availability of each of the plurality of communication networks,
Outputting, to the terminal, a voice message for notifying the communication network that the connection failure has been detected by the communication state detecting step, in response to the detection of the access by the access detecting step. A communication network notification program to be executed. A storage device that is provided between a plurality of communication networks and a terminal, and stores in advance a connection table for connecting the terminal to any one of the plurality of communication networks, and a correspondence table that defines correspondence between a transmission signal and a communication network. And a computer-readable communication network notification program executed by a communication network switching device having means.
Receiving a calling number sent by the terminal;
Searching the correspondence table using the received transmission signal, and determining a communication network to which the terminal is to be connected;
Outputting a voice message for notifying a communication network to be connected to the terminal in response to receiving the calling number in the receiving step. A computer-readable recording medium on which the communication network notification program according to claim 8 or 9 is recorded.

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