JP2005123688A - Terminal for ip phone, ip phone system, ip phone control method, program for ip phone, and management system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide technology for IP phones for effectively measuring service quality such as connection quality or speech quality in units of speeches. <P>SOLUTION: A packet copy part 12 and a packet analysis part 13 configure a means for measuring the connection quality including at least one of a connection establishing required time (a time for communication exchange after start of connection operations) and an amount of connection failure due to other factors than a busy state of desired communication opposite parties by each subscriber and in connection operation units through the monitoring of a state of connection. Further, the packet copy part 12 and the packet analysis part 13 configure a means for measuring the communication quality, that is, the transmission quality including either of delay of packet arrival, dispersion in the delay, no packet arrival, and the error rate of information in packets by each subscriber and in speech units through the monitoring the state of the packets used for the speeches. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to an IP telephone technology for effectively measuring service quality such as connection quality or call quality on a call basis.

  In recent years, the development of communication and digital technologies centering on the Internet has been remarkable, and the use of IP telephones for realizing telephone services via the Internet is also in full swing. The center of Internet-related technology is IP (Internet Protocol) technology. In addition to the so-called Internet on a global scale, a network constructed with IP technology within a limited range of companies is called an intranet. Since it is connected to the Internet through routers and gateways, strict distinction is not very meaningful.

  A voice telephone service provided by using IP technology, whether the Internet or an intranet, is an IP telephone in a broad sense. Of the IP telephones, an Internet telephone whose transmission path is the Internet is called an Internet telephone. This is an IP phone in a broad sense including an Internet phone.

  In particular, in the case of Internet telephones, in principle, the quality of communication may fluctuate greatly depending on traffic conditions on the Internet, and there is a tendency for traffic to increase with the increase in subscribers, leading to a decline in quality. Quality is an important factor in connection with reasonable prices.

  As a conventional technique for measuring communication quality such as a telephone call, it is possible to measure at one point on a route like a fixed telephone exchange (for example, refer to Patent Document 1), and for an IP telephone, a separately prepared measuring instrument, It may be possible to measure at a specific point in time, such as before a call.

JP 2002-27150 A

  By the way, unlike a conventional fixed telephone network such as a general subscriber telephone, an IP telephone is typically and advantageous in communication in a so-called peer-to-peer mode in which terminals communicate with each other without using a central server serving as an exchange. As an example, RFC (for example, 3261) SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is known. SIP is a signaling protocol in an application layer for establishing, changing, and terminating a multimedia session on an IP network.

  However, with conventional exchanges and measurements at specific points in time, it is impossible to check the connection quality including the call loss rate in the case of peer-to-peer as described above, and the state of networks such as the Internet fluctuates irregularly. In a possible environment, there is a problem that the result at the time of measurement does not necessarily correspond to the quality of the service provided as it is, but is only a guide.

  The present invention has been proposed in order to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and its purpose is to provide an IP telephone technology for effectively measuring service quality such as connection quality or call quality for each call. Is to provide.

  In order to solve the problems of the prior art as described above, the invention of claim 1 is directed to an IP telephone terminal device for a telephone call between terminals via an IP network. Connections that include at least one of connection establishment failure time due to factors other than busy time of connection establishment or other party wishing to communicate by monitoring the state of packets related to connection operation for setting a speech path A computer or an electronic circuit realizes means for measuring quality for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit, and providing means for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network. And

  The invention of claim 9 captures the invention of claim 1 from the viewpoint of a method, and in an IP telephone control method for a call between terminals via an IP network, the calling terminal performs the call. When trying to start, by monitoring the state of the packet related to the connection operation for setting the communication path, the amount of connection operation failure due to the time required for establishing the connection or other factors other than the busy of the other party wishing to communicate A process for measuring connection quality including at least one of the above for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit, and a providing process for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network at the calling terminal. Are executed by a computer or an electronic circuit.

  The invention of claim 17 captures the inventions of claims 1 and 9 from the viewpoint of a computer program. By controlling a computer of an IP telephone terminal device, a call between terminals via an IP network can be performed. In the IP telephone program to be realized, the program causes the computer to monitor the state of the packet related to the connection operation for setting the communication path when starting the call, so that the connection establishment time or The connection quality including at least one of the connection operation failures due to factors other than the busy state of the other party wishing to communicate is measured for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit, and measurement information representing the measurement result is sent to a predetermined management system. It is provided through the IP network.

  In these aspects, even if there is a peer-to-peer configuration that does not require a circuit switching relay point and there is a fluctuation in the load in the network, the connection quality related to the ease of connection of the call is a factor that constitutes the quality of service in the IP phone. It is possible to effectively measure in units of calls for each user at the terminal. For this reason, equalization of service quality to be provided, minimum guarantee, diversification, and the like are appropriately realized based on the measurement results.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, in an IP telephone terminal device for a call between terminals via an IP network, by monitoring a state of the packet used for the call, arrival delay or variation in delay of the packet, Means for measuring call quality including at least one of missing arrival and error rate of in-packet information for each subscriber and for each call, and measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network The providing means to be provided is realized by a computer or an electronic circuit.

  The invention of claim 10 captures the invention of claim 2 from the viewpoint of a method, and in an IP telephone control method for a call between terminals via an IP network, the caller terminal can perform the call. Processing for measuring call quality including at least one of arrival delay or variation in delay, missing arrival, and error rate of in-packet information by monitoring the state of the packet to be used for each subscriber and for each call. In the calling terminal, a computer or an electronic circuit executes processing for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network.

  The invention of claim 18 captures the inventions of claims 2 and 10 from the viewpoint of a computer program. By controlling the computer of the terminal device for IP telephone, a call between terminals via the IP network can be performed. In the IP telephone program to be realized, the program monitors the state of the packet used for the call to the computer, so that the delay of arrival or variation of delay, missing of arrival, error rate of information in the packet Call quality including at least one of them is measured for each subscriber and for each call, and measurement information representing the measurement result is provided to a predetermined management system via the IP network.

  In these aspects, even if there is a peer-to-peer configuration that does not require a circuit switching relay point and there is a change in the state of the load in the network, the call quality related to ease of speech, ie, transmission quality, is an element that constitutes the quality of service in the IP phone. Can be effectively measured for each user at the terminal. For this reason, equalization, minimum guarantee, diversification, etc. of the provided service quality are appropriately realized based on the measurement result.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in an IP telephone terminal device for a call between terminals via an IP network, terminal information for specifying a partner terminal serving as a communication partner is received from a predetermined call control server. Setting means for setting a peer-to-peer call path with the counterpart terminal according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol, and using the setting means, the call path based on the terminal information and the protocol. A second communication path for returning the packet of the packet under the same transmission condition as that of the communication path is set between the counterpart terminal and between the counterpart terminal based on the turnaround time until the return. Means for measuring delay conditions on a transmission line, and providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network Computer or electronic circuit stage and the characterized in that is realized.

  The eleventh aspect of the invention captures the invention of the third aspect from the viewpoint of a method, and in an IP telephone control method for a telephone call between terminals via an IP network, Using the setting process, a setting process for receiving a terminal information to be specified from a predetermined call control server and setting a peer-to-peer communication path with the counterpart terminal according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol A second communication path for returning the packet of the communication path under a transmission condition equivalent to that of the communication path is set between the counterpart terminal and the counterpart terminal based on the turnaround time until the return Process for measuring the delay condition on the transmission line between and the measurement information representing the measurement result to the predetermined management system via the IP network Treatment and that is characterized in that to realize the computer or electronic circuit.

  The invention of claim 19 captures the inventions of claims 3 and 11 from the viewpoint of a computer program. By controlling the computer of the terminal device for IP telephone, a call between terminals via the IP network can be performed. In the IP telephone program to be realized, the program receives, from the predetermined call control server, terminal information for specifying a partner terminal serving as a communication partner side to the computer, and according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol, the program A peer-to-peer communication path is set between the other party terminal, and a second communication path that wraps the packet of the communication path under the same transmission condition as that of the communication path is set between the other terminal, Based on the turnaround time until the return, the delay condition on the transmission line with the partner terminal is measured. , Characterized in that to provide the measurement information indicating the measurement result via the IP network to a predetermined management system.

  In these aspects, even if there is a peer-to-peer configuration that does not require a circuit switching relay point and there is a change in the state of the load in the network, in addition to the original call path, the second call by the peer-to-peer is used as a call quality measurement outbound path. It is possible to measure the round trip time by providing a route, returning the packet, and effectively measuring the delay condition for each user at the terminal. For this reason, equalization of service quality to be provided, minimum guarantee, diversification, price setting according to quality, and the like are appropriately realized based on the measurement result.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of the first to third aspects, the providing means may receive the measurement information when the call is ended or when the call path is disconnected or after the call. It is configured to transmit to a management system.

  The invention of claim 12 captures the invention of claim 4 from the viewpoint of a method, and in the IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the providing process includes the measurement information, The call is transmitted from the calling terminal to the management system at the end of the call or when the call path is cut off or thereafter.

  The invention of claim 20 captures the inventions of claims 4 and 12 from the viewpoint of a computer program. In the IP telephone program according to any of claims 17 to 19, in the computer, the measurement information is stored in the computer. Is transmitted from the calling terminal to the management system when the call ends or when the call path is disconnected.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the providing means transmits the measurement information in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or at the disconnection of the communication path. And is transmitted to the management system via a predetermined call control server.

  The invention of claim 13 captures the invention of claim 5 from the viewpoint of a method, and in the IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 9 to 11, the providing process includes the measurement information, It is stored in a message packet exchanged at the end of a call or when a call path is cut off, and transmitted from the calling terminal to the management system via a predetermined call control server.

  The invention of claim 21 is the IP phone program according to any one of claims 17 to 20, wherein the measurement information is stored in the computer according to any of claims 17 to 20. Is stored in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or when the call path is disconnected, and transmitted from the calling terminal to the management system via a predetermined call control server.

  An IP telephone system according to a sixth aspect includes the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of the first, fourth, and fifth aspects and a predetermined management system, and the management system totalizes the connection quality for each user. In addition, there is provided a means for equalizing the connection quality by adjusting the connection priority among the users based on the tabulation result.

  The invention of claim 14 captures the invention of claim 6 from the viewpoint of a method, and in the IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 9, 12 and 13, the management system which has received the measurement information However, it is characterized in that the connection quality is totaled for each user, and processing for equalizing the connection quality is performed by adjusting the priority of connection among the users based on the totaled result.

  The invention of claim 22 captures the inventions of claims 6 and 14 from the viewpoint of a management system. In a management system for managing a call between terminal devices via an IP network, the terminal device on the call origination side Based on the measurement information regarding the connection quality of each call that is measured and transmitted directly or indirectly, the connection quality is aggregated for each user, and the priority of connection is adjusted between each user based on the aggregated result. And a means for equalizing the connection quality.

  In these aspects, the service value is adjusted between users by adjusting the priority of processing so that connection failures due to factors other than the other party's talk are not concentrated on some users and providing a uniform environment. Can be distributed fairly.

  An IP telephone system according to a seventh aspect includes the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of the second to sixth aspects and a predetermined management system, and the management system differs depending on the call quality for each call. A means for applying a charge is provided.

  The invention of claim 15 captures the invention of claim 7 from the viewpoint of a method, and in the IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 10 to 14, the management system that has received the measurement information includes: A process of applying a different charge for each call according to the call quality is performed.

  The invention of claim 23 is the management system for managing the calls of the inventions of claims 7 and 15 from the viewpoint of a management system. The management system manages calls between terminal devices via an IP network. According to the present invention, there is provided means for applying a different charge according to the call quality for each call based on the measurement information on the call quality for each call that is measured and transmitted directly or indirectly.

  In these aspects, it is possible to charge an appropriate fee according to the call quality for each call.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IP telephone system including the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of the second to seventh aspects and a predetermined management system, wherein the management system is configured to quantitatively determine a reference service quality. Information on a charge plan selected for each user from different charge types according to conditions is stored in advance, and a call service is provided to each user based on the connection quality or call quality according to the charge plan. Is provided with means for controlling the IP telephone system.

  The invention of claim 16 captures the invention of claim 8 from the viewpoint of a method. In the IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, the management system that has received the measurement information includes: Information on the rate plan selected for each user from different rate types according to the quantitative condition of the standard service quality is stored in advance, and the call service is provided based on the connection quality or call quality according to the rate plan. A control process is performed so as to be provided to each user.

  The invention of claim 24 is the management system for managing the inventions of claims 8 and 16 from the viewpoint of a management system. In the management system for managing a call between terminal devices via an IP network, the terminal device on the call origination side Characterized in that it comprises means for applying a different charge for each call according to the call quality, based on measurement information relating to at least one of connection quality and call quality for each call that is measured and transmitted directly or indirectly To do.

  In these aspects, the service quality according to the price plan with different amounts and conditions is set and expressed quantitatively, and the provided service is guaranteed and the status report is given to the user based on the measured connection quality and call quality. Can be performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide an IP telephone technology that effectively measures service quality such as connection quality or call quality in units of calls.

[1. Constitution〕
The present embodiment relates to an IP telephone system (hereinafter referred to as “the present system”) that provides a telephone service via the Internet, which is an open IP network, as a kind of IP telephone, and this system is configured as shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 2, the IP telephone terminal devices A and B, the soft switch 1 and the monitoring device 3 are connected to each other via the Internet 2.

  Among these, IP telephone terminal devices (referred to as “IP telephone terminals”) A and B are terminal devices that receive provision of voice calls by apparent circuit switching, and the number according to the number of subscribers is actually used by the user. Provide on the side. The soft switch 1 is a call control server for a telephone service provider to set up a communication path between IP telephone terminals. For example, the soft switch 1 corresponds to a communication path between the IP telephone terminals A and B. Switch processing such as monitoring the IP address and port number or opening and closing the speech path in contrast to identification information such as “050-XXXX-XXXX”. The monitoring device 3 is means for managing service quality, and the soft switch 1 and the monitoring device 3 are installed on the service provider side and constitute a management system for providing services.

  In each of the IP telephone terminals A and B, the following elements shown in FIG. 1 are realized by means of a computer or electronic circuit such as various physical circuits, ASIC, FPGA, and embedded program. In other words, the IP telephone function unit 11 is a part that realizes the conventional basic functions of an IP telephone. For example, the function of A / D conversion (encoding), D / A conversion (decoding), and SIP as a protocol are used. Terminal information for specifying a partner terminal serving as a communication partner side is received from the soft switch 1 serving as a call control server, and peer-to-peer communication with the partner terminal is performed according to the terminal information and SIP. Is a setting means for setting the communication path.

  The packet copy unit 12 identifies and selects a packet that is necessary based on, for example, the SIP port number from the packet stream that is exchanged with the Internet 2 and passes it, and gives a time stamp that is reference time information. It is a part to take out. The packet analysis unit 13 is a part that analyzes the inside of the copied packet and extracts necessary information.

  The packet copy unit 12 and the packet analysis unit 13 monitor the state of a packet related to a connection operation for setting a communication path when starting a call, thereby establishing a connection establishment time (starting a connection operation). A means for measuring the connection quality including at least one of the connection operation failure amount due to a factor other than the busy time of the other party wishing to communicate) for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit. Constitute. Further, the packet copy unit 12 and the packet analysis unit 13 monitor at least one of arrival delay or delay variation, missing arrival, and error rate of in-packet information by monitoring the state of the packet used for the call. A means for measuring the call quality including the above, that is, the transmission quality for each subscriber and for each call is configured.

  For example, the delay can be attributed to the ability of the router, and variations in packet arrival delays cause interruptions in sound if played back as they are, and time lag occurs if playback is delayed for absorption to cause a delay in the call quality. That is, it is an element directly related to transmission quality. Further, the error rate is not only related to the sound quality, but if it is too high, for example, the packet is discarded and the sound is interrupted.

  Specifically, the packet analysis unit 13 uses the IP telephone function unit 11 to return the packet on the speech path under the same transmission conditions as the speech path based on the terminal information and the protocol. The second communication path is set between the counterpart terminal and has a role as a means for measuring the delay condition on the transmission path with the counterpart terminal based on the turnaround time until the return. .

  The data storage unit 14 is a part for temporarily storing measurement information as a result of analysis, that is, a measurement result as described above, and temporarily storing it as necessary parameters. For example, a flash memory is used. The communication control unit 15 is a providing unit that provides measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the Internet 2. Specifically, the communication control unit 15 stores the measurement information data stored in the data storage unit 14. For example, SNMP is stored in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or at the time of disconnection of the communication path, and is sent to the monitoring device 3 via the soft switch 1 that is a call control server, or after the end of the call or the disconnection of the communication path It is a part which transmits to the monitoring apparatus 3 as a trap.

[2. Action)
The present embodiment configured as described above operates as follows. Here, the flowchart of FIG. 2 shows an example of processing performed in the IP telephone terminal on the calling side in the present embodiment.
[2-1. (When incoming and outgoing calls)
For example, when the IP telephone terminal A is operated to start a call to the IP telephone terminal B, the IP telephone terminal A performs call control according to a predetermined sequence with the soft switch 1 via the Internet 2 for incoming and outgoing calls. Exchange information. At this time, the packet copy unit 12 delivers the packet corresponding to the packet analysis unit 13 after giving a reference time information, that is, a time stamp for each sequence state change from the start to the completion. Analyzes the received packet and stores it in the data storage unit 14 together with analysis information representing the analysis result, that is, measurement information.

  For example, in the above sequence, first, an SIP “INVITE” packet for designating a communication partner is sent from the IP telephone function unit 11 of the IP telephone terminal A to the soft switch 1. And is copied and recorded after adding time information (time stamp) (step 1). Next, the packet copy unit 12 waits for a packet storing “180 Ringing” information indicating the end of a call to arrive from the soft switch 1, and if this packet is also confirmed, that is, the call procedure is completed normally. In this case (step 2), this packet representing the call end is also copied, given time information (time stamp), and delivered to the packet analysis unit 13 together with the SIP “INVITE” packet. The packet analysis unit 13 obtains connection quality information such as connection establishment required time from the time difference between “INVITE” indicating the start of establishment of the communication path and “180 Ringing” indicating that the other party response standby state has been entered. Then, the data is stored in the data storage unit 14 (step 3).

[2-2. (In case of error)
When the exchange of call control information as described above is interrupted for some reason before establishing the communication path, the packet analysis unit 13 analyzes the packet from the packet copy unit 12, and together with the reason for the interruption, the data storage unit 14 To store. For example, when the information passed after “INVITE” is not “180 Ringing” but indicates an error (step 2), the packet copy unit 12 copies the corresponding packet and adds time information. After that, it is delivered to the packet analysis unit 13. In this case, the packet analysis unit 13 stores an error code indicating the cause of the abnormal termination in the data storage unit 14 in addition to the copy of the packet with the time information (step 12). The same applies to the error during the communication disconnection operation (step 11).

[2-3. connecting〕
In addition, during the communication operation on the established communication path as described above, for the packet sequence of communication information arriving from the IP telephone terminal B, the packet copy unit 12 uses the port number that is known at the start of communication to apply the corresponding packet. Is copied and passed to the packet analysis unit 13, and the analyzed total number of received packets, number of missing packets, and number of received error packets are stored in the data storage unit 14 as measurement information.

  Specifically, after passing “180 Ringing” at the time of incoming / outgoing calls, the call partner starts off-hooking the IP telephone terminal B. At this time, “200” indicating off-hook is indicated in the call control information. From the “OK” packet, the packet analysis unit 13 recognizes the port number as the speech path identification information for identifying the voice information from the IP telephone terminal B which is the partner (step 4), and the speech path identification information is transferred to the packet copy unit 12. By setting, the target to be copied is instructed.

  In response to this instruction, the packet copy unit 12 of the IP telephone terminal A assigns time information to the corresponding packet and continuously delivers it to the packet analysis unit 13. The number of missing packets is counted from the average value and maximum value of delay variation of the packet, the number of error packets, and the sequence number in the packet header, and stored in the data storage unit 14 as measurement information at the start of the cutting process. become.

[2-4. (Transmission quality measurement)
Furthermore, it is possible to measure transmission quality such as delay, that is, a factor of call quality by returning packets. When packet delay is measured in this way (step 5), a separate transmission quality measurement path is used in addition to the first communication path used for original communication. For example, the IP telephone terminal A sets another path for measuring transmission quality from identification information such as an address obtained from the soft switch 1 in advance for the IP telephone terminal B which is the other party in a series of call control operations (step 6). ). This separate route for measuring transmission quality is set by the IP telephone function unit 11 directly without passing through the soft switch 1 under the same conditions as the original communication communication channel.

  The IP telephone terminal B then loops back to the IP telephone terminal A the information packet received on the original communication path for this transmission quality measurement different path that has been set based on the command from the IP telephone terminal A. Set the back. In the IP telephone terminal A, when the packet analysis unit 13 measures the transmission quality factor (step 7), for example, the turnaround time is calculated from the time stamp information at the time of transmission and the time information at the time of return. It can be calculated. More specifically, the packet analysis unit 13 analyzes the average delay time and the maximum delay time from the difference in time information of each packet, and uses them as measurement information in the data storage unit 14 at the start of the cutting process. Store.

[2-5. (When disconnecting a call)
When the above-described call is ended (step 8), if the packet copy unit 12 detects a packet related to the call end process, for example, a packet related to the start or end of the disconnection process, the packet is copied. At the same time, the time information is given to the packet analysis unit 13.

[2-6. Transmission of measurement information)
Although the measurement information of the delay, delay variation, error number, and missing number obtained as described above is transmitted from the IP telephone terminal A to the monitoring device 3, the specific sending method is free. For example, when the call path disconnection process is started, the measurement information is temporarily stored in the data storage unit 14 (step 9), and after the disconnection process is completed (steps 10 and 11), monitoring is performed according to a request from the monitoring device 3. It may be sent directly to the device 3. In this way, the packet analysis unit 13 obtains not only the packet indicating the start of the disconnection process but also information regarding the packet indicating the end (step 13), and derives the time required for the disconnection process from the time difference from the start time of the disconnection process. The result can be added to the measurement information. In this case, for example, after a series of call disconnection processing is completed (steps 10 and 11), the communication control unit 15 extracts the stored information from the data storage unit 14 and directly transmits it to the monitoring device 3 as, for example, SNMP Trap (step). 14).

  Also, instead of step 9, the measurement information is stored in the packet of the disconnection process with the soft switch 1 for releasing the speech path (step 91 indicated by a broken line in FIG. 2), that is, as an example, disconnection. "BYE" (step 10) indicating "" and measurement information is incorporated into the packet of "200 OK" and sent to the soft switch 1 first, and the soft switch 1 receiving this extracts the measurement information from the packet and provides it to the monitoring device 3 May be. In this case, step 14 is unnecessary.

[2-7. Utilization of measurement information)
The measurement information sent to the monitoring device 3 as described above can be used in any way, but as an example of use, the priority of connection between each user based on the result of totaling connection quality for each user. The connection quality is equalized by adjustment. In other words, the service priority is distributed evenly among users by adjusting the priority of processing so that connection failures due to factors other than the other party's talk are not concentrated on some users and providing an even environment. It becomes possible to do. Further, if a different charge is applied for each call according to the call quality, an appropriate charge according to the call quality for each call can be charged.

  Further, it accepts a selection input of a charge selected for each user from different charge types according to the quantitative condition of the service quality as a reference, and sets the connection quality or call quality according to the selected charge plan. Based on this, it is conceivable to provide a call service to each user. In other words, the service quality according to the price plan with different amounts and conditions is expressed in terms of quantitative conditions, and the provided service is guaranteed and the status is reported to the user based on the measured connection quality and call quality. Is possible.

  As a more specific example, for example, the measurement information is stored in the information storage unit of the message packet exchanged at the end of the communication or the end of the speech path setting operation. When there is a call path establishment request from the IP telephone terminal A, a specific connection quality or transmission quality is obtained as service quality information related to the IP telephone terminal A by accessing the monitoring device 3, and an average connection quality or transmission is obtained. If the service quality is deteriorated compared to a predetermined standard such as quality, or if the IP phone terminal A is to be differentiated from others, such as being subject to a predetermined high-quality service contract plan, than other similar processing Is also provided with means for preferential processing, thereby realizing equalization of quality, minimum guarantee, diversification, and the like.

[3. effect〕
As described above, in this embodiment, even if there is a peer-to-peer configuration that does not require a circuit switching relay point and there is a change in the state of the load in the network, it is easy to connect the call as an element that constitutes the quality of service in the IP phone. It is possible to effectively measure the connection quality related to the voice and the call quality related to the ease of talking for each user in the terminal. For this reason, equalization of service quality to be provided, minimum guarantee, diversification, and the like are appropriately realized based on the measurement results.

  Further, in this embodiment, even if there is a peer-to-peer configuration that does not require a relay point serving as a circuit switch and there is a change in the state of the load in the network, in addition to the original speech path, the second path is used by the peer-to-peer as a forward path for measuring transmission quality. , The round trip time is measured by returning the packet, and the delay condition can be effectively measured for each user at the terminal. For this reason, equalization of service quality to be provided, minimum guarantee, diversification, price setting according to quality, and the like are appropriately realized based on the measurement result.

The functional block diagram which shows the structure of the IP telephone system in embodiment of this invention. The flowchart which shows the process sequence in the terminal device for IP telephone in embodiment of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Soft switch 2 ... Internet 3 ... Monitoring apparatus A, B ... IP telephone terminal 11 ... IP telephone function part 12 ... Packet copy part 13 ... Packet analysis part 14 ... Data storage part 15 ... Communication control part

Claims (24)

In an IP telephone terminal device for a call between terminals via an IP network,
When attempting to start the call, by monitoring the state of the packet related to the connection operation for setting the communication path, the connection operation for a factor other than the time required for connection establishment or the other party who is wishing to communicate is not busy Means for measuring connection quality including at least one of the failure amounts for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit;
Providing means for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is realized by a computer or an electronic circuit. In an IP telephone terminal device for a call between terminals via an IP network,
By monitoring the state of the packet used for the call, the call quality including at least one of arrival delay or delay variation, missing arrival, and error rate of in-packet information for the packet is set for each subscriber and for each call. Means for measuring;
Providing means for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is realized by a computer or an electronic circuit. In an IP telephone terminal device for a call between terminals via an IP network,
Setting for receiving terminal information for identifying a partner terminal serving as a communication partner from a predetermined call control server and setting a peer-to-peer communication path with the partner terminal according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol Means,
Based on the terminal information and the protocol, the setting unit is used to set a second communication path for returning a packet of the communication path under a transmission condition equivalent to that of the communication path between the counterpart terminal. And means for measuring the delay condition on the transmission line with the counterpart terminal based on the turnaround time until the return,
Providing means for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is realized by a computer or an electronic circuit.   The said providing means is comprised so that the said measurement information may be transmitted to the said management system at the time of the completion | finish of the said telephone call or the said communication path disconnection, or after that. IP phone terminal device.   The providing means is configured to store the measurement information in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or disconnection of the call, and transmit the measurement information to the management system via a predetermined call control server. The IP telephone terminal device according to any one of claims 1 to 4, characterized in that: An IP telephone terminal device according to any one of claims 1, 4 and 5, and a predetermined management system,
The management system includes means for totalizing the connection quality for each user and equalizing the connection quality by adjusting the priority of connection between the users based on the total result. IP phone system. An IP telephone terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 6 and a predetermined management system,
The IP telephone system according to claim 1, wherein the management system comprises means for applying different charges for each call according to the call quality.   An IP telephone system comprising the IP telephone terminal device according to any one of claims 2 to 7 and a predetermined management system, wherein the management system has different charge types depending on a quantitative condition of a standard service quality The information on the charge plan selected for each user from above is stored in advance, and the IP telephone system is controlled to provide each user with a call service based on the connection quality or call quality according to the charge plan. An IP telephone system comprising means for performing In an IP telephone control method for a call between terminals via an IP network,
When the calling terminal tries to start the call, it monitors the state of the packet related to the connection operation for setting the call path, so that the time required for establishing the connection or the other party wishing to communicate is busy. A process of measuring connection quality including at least one of connection operation failure amounts due to factors other than for each subscriber and connection operation unit;
In the calling terminal, a providing process for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is performed by a computer or an electronic circuit. In an IP telephone control method for a call between terminals via an IP network,
At the calling terminal, by monitoring the status of the packet used for the call, the call quality including at least one of arrival delay or delay variation, missing arrival, and error rate of information in the packet is added to the packet. Processing to measure for each person and for each call,
In the calling terminal, a providing process for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is performed by a computer or an electronic circuit. In an IP telephone control method for a call between terminals via an IP network,
A setting for receiving a terminal information for identifying a partner terminal as a communication partner from a predetermined call control server and setting a peer-to-peer communication path with the partner terminal according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol. Processing,
Using the setting process, the second communication path for returning the packet of the communication path under the same transmission condition as that of the communication path is set between the counterpart terminal and the turnaround time until the return is set. A process for measuring the delay condition on the transmission line with the counterpart terminal,
A providing process for providing measurement information representing the measurement result to a predetermined management system via the IP network;
Is realized by a computer or an electronic circuit.   The said providing process transmits the said measurement information to the said management system from the said calling side terminal at the time of the completion | finish of the said call, or the said communication path disconnection, or after that. The IP telephone control method described.   The providing process stores the measurement information in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or disconnection of the call path, and transmits the message from the calling terminal to the management system via a predetermined call control server. The IP telephone control method according to claim 9, wherein:   The management system that has received the measurement information aggregates the connection quality for each user and performs a process of equalizing the connection quality by adjusting the connection priority among the users based on the aggregation result. The IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 9, 12, and 13, wherein:   15. The IP telephone control method according to claim 10, wherein the management system that has received the measurement information performs a process of applying a different charge for each call according to the call quality.   The management system that has received the measurement information stores in advance information on a charge plan selected for each user from a different charge type according to a quantitative condition of service quality serving as a reference, and the management system according to the charge plan The IP telephone control method according to any one of claims 10 to 15, wherein a process of controlling to provide a call service to each user based on connection quality or call quality is performed. In an IP telephone program for realizing a telephone call between terminals via an IP network by controlling a computer of the terminal apparatus for IP telephone,
The program is stored in the computer,
When starting the call, by monitoring the state of the packet related to the connection operation for setting the communication path, the connection operation for a factor other than the busy time of the connection establishment time or the other party wishing to communicate The connection quality including at least one of the failure amounts is measured for each subscriber and for each connection operation unit,
An IP telephone program, characterized in that measurement information representing the measurement result is provided to a predetermined management system via the IP network. In an IP telephone program for realizing a telephone call between terminals via an IP network by controlling a computer of the terminal apparatus for IP telephone,
The program is stored in the computer,
By monitoring the state of the packet used for the call, the call quality including at least one of arrival delay or delay variation, missing arrival, and error rate of in-packet information for the packet is set for each subscriber and for each call. Let me measure
An IP telephone program, characterized in that measurement information representing the measurement result is provided to a predetermined management system via the IP network. In an IP telephone program for realizing a telephone call between terminals via an IP network by controlling a computer of the terminal apparatus for IP telephone,
The program is stored in the computer,
While receiving terminal information for identifying the other party terminal to be the communication partner from a predetermined call control server, according to the terminal information and a predetermined protocol, to establish a peer-to-peer communication path with the other party terminal,
A second communication path for returning the packet of the communication path under the same transmission condition as that of the communication path is set between the counterpart terminal and the counterpart terminal based on the turnaround time until the return Measure the delay condition on the transmission line between
An IP telephone program, characterized in that measurement information representing the measurement result is provided to a predetermined management system via the IP network.   20. The computer according to claim 17, wherein the measurement information is transmitted from the calling terminal to the management system at or after the end of the call or the disconnection of the communication path. IP phone program.   Causing the computer to store the measurement information in a message packet exchanged at the end of the call or disconnection of the call, and to transmit the measurement information from the calling terminal to the management system via a predetermined call control server. 21. The IP telephone program according to claim 17, wherein the program is an IP telephone program. In a management system for managing calls between terminal devices via an IP network,
Based on the measurement information on the connection quality for each call measured directly or indirectly measured by the terminal device on the call origination side, the connection quality is totaled for each user, and each user is based on the total result. A management system comprising means for equalizing connection quality by adjusting the connection priority between the two. In a management system for managing calls between terminal devices via an IP network,
Based on measurement information on call quality for each call measured directly or indirectly measured by the terminal device on the call origination side, means for applying a different charge according to the call quality for each call Management system featuring. In a management system for managing calls between terminal devices via an IP network,
Different charges are applied for each call according to the call quality based on measurement information on connection quality and / or call quality for each call that is measured by the terminal device on the call origination side and transmitted directly or indirectly A management system comprising means.

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