JP2004282629A - Communications system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a communication call to be transferred from a mobile terminal to a desired fixed terminal even when the telephone number of the fixed terminal at the destination is unknown in a communications system having the mobile terminal and the fixed terminal. <P>SOLUTION: A request is made for transfer including position information from the mobile terminal during communication. A network having received the request transfers the communication call to a position indicated by the position information, e.g., to the closest fixed terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system, and more particularly to a communication system for transferring a communication call from a mobile terminal during a call to a fixed terminal.
2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, the mobile communication market including mobile phones has been dramatically developed, and the number of subscribers is expected to increase in the future.
[0002]
However, while the mobile communication market is developing rapidly, the number of fixed terminal (fixed telephone) subscribers in the general public telephone network tends to be stagnant, and has been the center of communication means before the spread of fixed terminals. The significance of existing street-mounted public telephones is diminishing.
[0003]
On the other hand, in an area where a communication network is not developed, a WLL (Wireless Local Loop) system is used in order to quickly, cheaply, and easily install fixed terminals.
This WLL system is a system that uses a mobile communication network to connect to a fixed terminal via a wireless line, thereby providing a function equivalent to that of a conventional general public telephone network. Usually, fixed terminals in this WLL system are supplied with semi-permanent power supply.
[0004]
[Prior art]
FIG. 9 shows a conventional communication system. This communication system includes a mobile terminal 1, a mobile communication network 2, a general public telephone network 3, and a fixed terminal 4.
Further, the mobile communication network 2 includes a base station 21 connected to the mobile terminal 1 by a wireless line, and a mobile switching center 22 and a relay switching center 23 cascaded to the base station 21. A subscriber database 23 is connected to these exchanges 22 and 23, and an announcement device 24 is connected to the mobile exchange 22.
[0005]
Further, the general public telephone network 3 includes a relay exchange 31 connected to the relay exchange 23 of the mobile communication network 2 via a wired line, and a subscriber exchange connected between the relay exchange 31 and the fixed terminal 4. 32.
The general public telephone network 3 further includes a subscriber database 33 connected to these exchanges 31 and 32, and an announcement device 34 connected to the subscriber exchange 32.
[0006]
In this communication system, the mobile terminal 1 connected to the mobile communication network 2 attaches importance to portability, uses a battery having a limited capacity, and uses a wireless line as a communication medium to the base station 21. Therefore, disconnection of a communication call due to consumption of battery capacity or deterioration of communication quality may occur.
[0007]
On the other hand, the fixed terminal 4 in the general public telephone network 3 has no portability and is used fixed in a certain position. Therefore, a wired line with little deterioration in communication quality is used as a communication medium to the local exchange 32. Since the power can be supplied semipermanently through the telephone line, there is no need to worry about the communication time.
[0008]
Each of the subscriber database 23 in the mobile communication network 2 and the subscriber database 33 in the general public telephone network 3 indicates to each subscriber the telephone number and whether the subscriber is idle or in communication. , Location information indicating an installation location, charging information indicating a communication time and a charging fee, transfer source information indicating whether or not the current communication has been transferred, and the like.
[0009]
Therefore, by connecting the mobile communication network 2 and the general public telephone network 3 via the mutual exchanges 23 and 31, the communication call to the mobile terminal 1 can be appropriately transferred to the fixed terminal 4. It has become.
A specific transfer operation of such a conventional communication system will be described below based on a flowchart shown in FIG. 10 and a sequence shown in FIG.
[0010]
In this system, as described above, in the mobile terminal 1, a communication call is transferred from the mobile terminal 1 to the fixed terminal 4 in order to avoid disconnection of the communication call due to consumption of battery capacity and deterioration of communication quality. At this time, the transfer based on the telephone number is performed, which is the same as the transfer procedure from the fixed terminal to the fixed terminal performed in the general public telephone network.
[0011]
Now, it is assumed that the mobile terminal 1 is talking with the terminal A (step S71 in FIGS. 10 and 11). The terminal A in this case is not shown, and may be either a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal.
Thereafter, after the mobile terminal 1, which is the transfer source terminal during the call, hooks (step S72 in FIG. 10), the user of the mobile terminal 1 presses the telephone number of the fixed terminal 4 desired to be transferred as a transfer request. (Step S73 in FIGS. 10 and 11). Thereafter, the terminal A is put on hold (step S92 in FIG. 11), and the state of the fixed terminal 4 is confirmed (step S74 in FIG. 10).
[0012]
This can be executed by the mobile switching center 22 inquiring the relay switching center 31 or the subscriber switching center 32 regarding the subscriber database 33 of the general public telephone network 3.
As a result, it is determined whether or not transfer is possible (step S75 in FIG. 10). If transfer is possible, a route to the fixed terminal 4 is set based on the telephone number (step S76 in FIG. 10).
[0013]
Then, a call is made from the mobile switching center 22 in the mobile communication network 2 to the relay switching center 33 and the subscriber switching center 32 in the general public network 3 via the relay switching center 23 (step S93 in FIG. 11). The exchange 32 calls the fixed terminal 4 (step S94).
[0014]
In response to this call, when the fixed terminal 4 goes off-hook (step S77 in FIG. 10), a response signal is sent to the local exchange 32 and the intermediate exchange 31 (step S95 in FIG. 11). The message is sent to the relay exchange 23 and the mobile exchange 22 of the communication network 2 (step S96).
[0015]
This enables a call between the transfer source mobile terminal 1 and the transfer destination fixed terminal 4 (step S78 in FIGS. 10 and 11), and when the mobile terminal 1 goes on-hook as a disconnection request (step S79 in FIG. 10). Then, a disconnection response is returned from the exchanges 22 and 23 (step S97 in FIG. 11), and the call between the terminal A on hold and the fixed terminal 4 as the transfer destination is enabled, and the transfer of the communication call is completed (step in FIG. 10). S80).
[0016]
On the other hand, if it is determined in step S75 of FIG. 10 that transfer is not possible, the announcement device 24 in the mobile communication network 2 notifies the mobile terminal 1 that transfer cannot be performed to the mobile terminal 1 (step S75). When the mobile terminal 1 hooks again (S81), the transfer is stopped, and the call returns to the communication between the terminal A and the mobile terminal 1 (S83).
[0017]
In addition, there has been proposed a mobile communication exchange in which the called party requests a call transfer to a transfer destination whose transfer is predetermined in order to grasp the location information of the calling party from the called party (for example, see Patent Document 1). .
Furthermore, a mobile incoming call transfer method for transferring a call according to preset conditions (such as the position of the mobile terminal, the day of the week, and the time of the incoming call) when an incoming call to the mobile terminal is proposed (for example, See Patent Document 2.).
[0018]
Further, by providing the mobile terminal with the current position information in combination with the electronic map, a wireless network device capable of selecting a facility or the like located on the electronic map and making a call, and a wireless network device therefor. A method has also been proposed (for example, see Patent Document 3).
[0019]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2001-197535 A (page 2, right column, FIG. 1)
[0020]
[Patent Document 2]
JP-A-8-163640 (abstract, FIG. 1)
[0021]
[Patent Document 3]
JP 2001-337879 A (Page 3, right column, FIG. 1)
[0022]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in a conventional communication system having a mobile terminal and a fixed terminal, in order to avoid disconnection of communication due to consumption of battery capacity and deterioration of communication quality in the mobile terminal, transfer of a communication call from the mobile terminal to the fixed terminal is performed. It is possible to do.
[0023]
However, in such a conventional transfer method based on telephone numbers, even if there is a fixed terminal nearby, transfer is not possible if the telephone number is unknown. For example, in a town, even if a user wants to transfer to a nearby public telephone during a call with a mobile terminal, the telephone cannot be transferred because the telephone number is unknown.
[0024]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to enable a communication call to be transferred from a mobile terminal to a desired fixed terminal in a communication system having a mobile terminal and a fixed terminal, even if the telephone number of the transfer destination fixed terminal is unknown. And
[0025]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to the present invention comprises a mobile terminal that issues a transfer request including location information during a call, and a network that forwards the communication call to a fixed terminal corresponding to the location indicated by the location information. And, it is characterized by having.
[0026]
That is, in the present invention, a network transfers a communication call to a nearby fixed terminal by using location information from a mobile terminal.
The position information at this time may be position information detected by the moving body itself by GPS or the like, or may be position information specified by the user, for example, an address.
[0027]
Usually, the position information detected by the mobile terminal itself is the current position information, and the position information specified by the user may be the current position information or position information irrelevant to the current position.
The network in this case is a general public telephone network or a mobile communication network, and the fixed terminals are connected to these telephone networks or communication networks.
[0028]
In a telephone network or communication network that allows fixed terminals, the subscriber database can include the fixed terminal's telephone number and location information. Can be searched. At this time, in order to search for a fixed terminal closer to the terminal, it is desirable that the position information of the fixed terminal is also measured using a radio wave received from a GPS (Global Positioning Systems) satellite.
[0029]
Further, in the general public telephone network, a route to the transfer destination can be set according to the telephone number of the fixed terminal searched.
In this way, even if the telephone number of the transfer destination is unknown, it is possible to realize the transfer from the mobile terminal to the desired fixed terminal.
[0030]
The transfer request further includes an allowable distance to the fixed terminal or a time until a transfer process is started upon a request from the mobile terminal. The corresponding fixed terminal can be determined within the range of the time until the transfer processing is started.
[0031]
Also, the network can distribute a map to the fixed terminal to the mobile terminal.
Also, when the fixed terminal is not found or cannot be transferred, the network notifies the mobile terminal of the fact, and the mobile terminal can send a transfer cancel request to the network in response to the notification. .
[0032]
Further, the above network can also charge the mobile terminal for the charges generated at the fixed terminal.
Further, the above-mentioned network has a table including the position information of the fixed terminal, and based on this table, the fixed terminal closest to the position information received from the mobile terminal can be determined.
[0033]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
FIG. 1 shows an embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention having a mobile terminal and a fixed terminal. This embodiment is different from the conventional configuration shown in FIG. 9 in that a map providing device 25 connected to a mobile switching center 22 is provided in the mobile communication network 2 and that a relay is provided in the general public telephone network 3. The point is that a search device 35 connected to the exchange 31 and the subscriber database 33 is provided.
[0034]
The transfer operation of the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described below with reference to the flow chart of the transfer procedure shown in FIG. 2 and the sequence diagrams shown in FIGS.
First, similar to step S71 in the conventional transfer procedure shown in FIG. 10, a certain terminal A (not shown, and whether it is a mobile terminal or a fixed terminal) and the mobile terminal 1 are now connected. Assume that the user is talking (step 1 in FIG. 2).
[0035]
The transfer of a communication call from the mobile terminal 1 to the fixed terminal 4 starts with the mobile terminal 1 transmitting a transfer request including location information (step S2 in FIGS. 2 and 3). At this time, in addition to the position information, the allowable distance or time to the fixed terminal desired to transfer may be included.
[0036]
At this time, the terminal A is put on hold (step S21 in FIG. 3).
When the transfer request is sent from the mobile switching center 22 and the transit exchange 23 to the search device 35 via the transit exchange 31 of the public telephone network 3 (step S22 in FIG. 3), the search device 35 is sent. The position information obtained is compared with the position information of the fixed terminal 4 in the subscriber database 33, and for example, the closest fixed terminal 4 is selected (step S3 in FIG. 2). In this case, the allowable distance or the time until the transfer process is started when a request is made from the mobile terminal may be added.
[0037]
If there is a fixed terminal 4 that can be selected, the state of the fixed terminal 4 (whether or not a call is being made) is confirmed in the subscriber database 33 (step S5). A transfer response (transferability and telephone number and location information of the fixed terminal 4) is sent to the relay exchange 23 and the mobile exchange 22 in the mobile switching network 2, and in response to this, these exchanges are sent. 22 and 23 distribute the map from the map providing device 25 provided in the mobile communication network 2 to the fixed terminal 4 to the transfer source mobile terminal 1 (step S7 in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0038]
A route is set for the fixed terminal 4 as the transfer destination in the same manner as the conventional transfer procedure based on the telephone number (step S8 in FIG. 2).
That is, as shown in FIG. 3, when the mobile switching network 2 calls the general public telephone network 3 (step S23), the general public telephone network 3 calls the fixed terminal 4 (step S24). When the fixed terminal 4 goes off-hook in response to this (step S9 in FIG. 2), the response (step S25) is given to the general public telephone network 3, and the mobile terminal 3 moves from the general public telephone network 3. When a response (step S26) is given to the body communication network 2, the mobile terminal 1 and the fixed terminal 4 enter a talking state (step S10 in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0039]
Thereafter, when the mobile terminal 1 goes on-hook (step S11 in FIG. 2), a disconnection request (step S27) is given from the mobile terminal 1 to the mobile communication network 2, so that the mobile switching center in the mobile communication network 2 is provided. 22 and the relay exchange 23 send a disconnection response (step S28), and the terminal A and the fixed terminal 4 enter a talking state (step S12 in FIGS. 2 and 3).
[0040]
The above description describes an example in which the transfer of the communication call is successful as shown in FIG. 3, but in the case where the fixed terminal 4 is not selectable in step S4 shown in FIG. The sequence is shown in FIG.
That is, when the mobile communication network 2 makes an inquiry about the transfer to the general public telephone network 3 (step S22 in FIG. 4), the general public telephone network 3 is in a state where the fixed terminal 4 is busy and cannot transfer. If so, it responds (step S23), and in response, the mobile communication network 2 notifies the mobile terminal 1 that the announcement device 24 cannot transfer (step S13 in FIGS. 2 and 4).
[0041]
Alternatively, even if there is a transferable fixed terminal, if the above-mentioned permissible distance is not satisfied, a notification indicating that transfer is impossible is also made.
In response, the mobile terminal 1 transmits a transfer cancel request (step S14), and returns to the call between the mobile terminal 1 and the terminal A (step S15).
[0042]
FIGS. 5 and 6 show a disconnection sequence from the fixed terminal 4 at the transfer destination, and particularly show a sequence in which the billing information is transmitted from the transfer destination to the transfer source at the time of disconnection.
First, in order to charge the mobile terminal 1 of the transfer source for charging generated at the fixed terminal 4 of the transfer destination, when transferring from the mobile terminal 1 to the fixed terminal 4, the subscriber database of the fixed terminal 4 of the transfer destination is required. The transfer source information is stored in the storage 33 (step S61 in FIG. 6).
[0043]
Then, as shown in step S12, the fixed terminal 4 at the transfer destination and the terminal A are in a call, and thereafter the call ends and the fixed terminal 4 goes on-hook (step S62 in FIG. 6). Is given to the general public telephone network 3 (step S31 in FIG. 5). In response, the general public telephone network 3 sends a disconnection request to the mobile communication network 2 (step S32).
[0044]
In response to this, the mobile communication network 2 sends a disconnection response (step S33) to the fixed terminal 4 from the general public telephone network 3 via the disconnection response (step S33). If the transfer source information is written in the subscriber database 33 of the fixed terminal 4 (step S63 in FIG. 6), the accounting information is transferred to the subscriber database 23 of the transfer source mobile terminal 1 (step S64). .
[0045]
FIG. 7 shows an embodiment of a mobile terminal used in the communication system according to the present invention shown in FIG. 1. In this embodiment, a data transmitting / receiving unit 11, a GPS receiving unit 12, a control unit 13 and a storage unit It comprises a unit 14, a microphone unit 15, a speaker unit 16, a key input unit 17, and a screen display unit 18. An example of the screen display unit 18 is shown in FIG.
[0046]
First, when the mobile terminal 1 is in the standby state, the user can use the key input unit 17 and the screen display unit 18 to perform transfer service settings such as transfer settings and notification settings.
The transfer service setting screen in this case is shown in FIG. 8A, and this screen is a transition from the standby screen (FIG. 4D) (steps S45 and S46 in FIG. 8). Further, on the transfer service setting screen, the transfer setting and the notification setting can be selected. For example, when the transfer setting is selected by the key input unit 17 (step S41 in the same figure), it is shown in FIG. Move to the transfer setting screen.
[0047]
On this transfer setting screen, it is possible to set the position information used when a transfer request is made from the mobile terminal 1, the allowable distance to the fixed terminal 4 as the transfer destination, the time until the transfer process is started, and the like. If "return" or "confirm" is selected by the key input unit 17 (step S42), the screen returns to the transfer service setting screen of FIG.
[0048]
On the other hand, when the notification setting is selected (Step S43 in the same step), the screen transits to the notification setting screen shown in FIG. On this notification setting screen, it is possible to set a threshold value such as a battery capacity and a radio field intensity used when notifying the user of a communication call transfer guide from the mobile terminal 1. Also in this case, when "return" or "confirmation" is selected by the key input unit 17 (step S44), the screen returns to the transfer service setting screen of FIG.
[0049]
These transfer service settings are stored in the storage unit 14.
When the mobile terminal 1 is busy, the user can use the key input unit 17 and the screen display unit 18 to make a transfer request. That is, when "Transfer" is selected by the key input unit 17 on the in-call screen shown in FIG. 5 (5) at the time of transition from the standby screen of FIG. The transfer request instruction is given to the control unit 13 from the key input unit 17 of the mobile terminal 1, and when the transfer request instruction is received, the control unit 13 calculates the current position based on the position information signal from the GPS reception unit 12. .
[0050]
Then, a transfer request signal including the position information and the transfer service setting stored in the storage unit 14 is transmitted to the data transmission / reception unit 11. The data transmission / reception unit 11 converts this transfer request signal into a radio section signal and transmits it to the network.
The transfer request by the user can also be made on the notification screen shown in FIG. That is, when the mobile terminal 1 is engaged in a call ((5) in the figure), and the control unit 13 determines that the situation satisfies the notification setting stored in the storage unit 14 (the same step S49), the screen display unit 18 is displayed. A transition is made from the busy screen shown in FIG. 5 (5) to the notification screen shown in FIG. 6 (6). On this notification screen, a guidance for prompting the transfer is displayed together with the radio wave intensity display DP1 and the remaining battery level display DP5. Similar guidance is also provided from the speaker unit 16. The radio wave intensity display DP1 and the remaining battery level display DP5 may be displayed on any screen.
[0051]
When the "transfer" button is selected on the notification screen (step S50), a similar transfer request signal is transmitted from the mobile terminal 1.
Further, when the fixed terminal 4 to be the transfer destination is determined, the map up to that point is transferred from the network side. The data transmission / reception unit 11 converts the received wireless section signal into a wired section signal and transmits the signal to the control unit 13. The control unit 13 converts the received wired section signal into image data, and displays the same on the screen display unit 18. The transfer destination information screen shown in (7) is displayed. On the transfer destination information screen, a map including the current location and the transfer location is displayed.
[0052]
It is also possible to shift to the transfer destination information screen shown in FIG. 7 (7) by selecting “transfer” by the key input unit 17 from the busy screen shown in FIG. 5 (5).
(Appendix 1)
A mobile terminal that makes a transfer request including location information during a call;
A network for transferring the communication call to a fixed terminal corresponding to the position indicated by the position information,
A communication system comprising:
(Supplementary Note 2) In Supplementary Note 1,
A communication system, wherein the position information is position information detected by the mobile terminal itself or position information specified by a user.
(Supplementary Note 3) In Supplementary note 1,
The transfer request further includes an allowable distance to the fixed terminal or a time until a transfer process is started upon a request from the mobile terminal, and the network transmits the transfer when the allowable distance or the request from the mobile terminal. A communication system characterized in that a corresponding fixed terminal is determined within a range of time until processing is started.
(Supplementary Note 4) In Supplementary Note 1,
The communication system, wherein the network distributes a map up to the fixed terminal to the mobile terminal.
(Supplementary Note 5) In Supplementary note 1 or 4,
The communication system, wherein the network notifies the mobile terminal when the fixed terminal is not found or cannot be transferred, and the mobile terminal receives the notification and sends a transfer cancel request to the network.
(Supplementary Note 6) In Supplementary Note 1,
The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the network performs charging for the mobile terminal with respect to the fixed terminal.
(Supplementary Note 7) In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 6,
A communication system, wherein the mobile terminal includes means for generating the position information by GPS.
(Supplementary Note 8) In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 7,
A communication system characterized in that the network previously measures the position information of the fixed terminal by GPS and records it in a subscriber database.
(Supplementary note 9) In any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8,
A communication system, characterized in that the network has a table including location information of fixed terminals, and a fixed terminal closest to the location information received from the mobile terminal is determined based on the table.
(Supplementary Note 10) In any one of Supplementary Notes 1 to 9,
A communication system, wherein the network is a general public telephone network or a mobile communication network.
[0053]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the communication system of the present invention, a transfer request including location information is performed from a mobile terminal during a call, and a network that receives the request transmits the transfer request to a fixed terminal corresponding to the location indicated by the location information. Since the communication call is configured to be forwarded, it is possible to avoid disconnection due to battery capacity consumption and deterioration of communication quality during communication with the mobile terminal, to realize continuous communication, and to realize the existing subscriber database. Since the system is based on the location information in the above, it is possible to transfer to a fixed terminal whose telephone number is unknown, such as a street-installed public telephone, without providing a new subscriber database.
[0054]
Furthermore, if you want to use a street-mounted public telephone but you do not have a telephone card or coins, you can use it by communicating with the mobile terminal once and then transferring it to the mobile telephone. It becomes.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a communication system according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a communication call transfer procedure according to the present invention.
FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram in the case where transfer is successful in the transfer procedure shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram when a transfer fails in the transfer procedure shown in FIG. 2;
FIG. 5 is a novel disconnection sequence diagram based on position information in the present invention.
FIG. 6 is a flowchart when charging is performed in the sequence shown in FIG. 5;
FIG. 7 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a mobile terminal used in the communication system according to the present invention.
8 is a diagram showing a screen transition of a screen display unit in the mobile terminal shown in FIG.
FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional communication system.
FIG. 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for transferring a communication call in the conventional example shown in FIG. 9;
FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sequence of the transfer procedure shown in FIG. 10;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Mobile terminal 2 Mobile communication network 3 General public telephone network 4 Fixed terminal 21 Base station 22 Mobile exchange 23, 31 Relay exchange 24, 34 Announcement device 25 Map providing device 26, 33 Subscriber database 32 Subscriber exchange 35 Search device 11 Data transmitting / receiving unit 12 GPS receiving unit 13 Control unit 14 Storage unit 15 Microphone unit 16 Speaker unit 17 Key input unit 18 Screen display unit In the drawings, the same reference numerals indicate the same or corresponding parts.

Claims (3)

A mobile terminal that makes a transfer request including location information during a call;
A network for transferring the communication call to a fixed terminal corresponding to the position indicated by the position information,
A communication system comprising: In claim 1,
A communication system, wherein the position information is position information detected by the mobile terminal itself or position information specified by a user. In claim 1 or 2,
A communication system, wherein the network is a general public telephone network or a mobile communication network.

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