JP2005286935A - Voip device, communication system and communication control method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To select a destination of a report from a device to be monitored and to securely give the report from the device to be monitored to a reception device. <P>SOLUTION: IP addresses of a plurality of reception devices corresponding to a plurality of device parts connected to a connection port 106 are kept in EEPROM 104. A plurality of reception devices are called by using the IP addresses kept in a memory. Thus, it is confirmed whether communication is possible with the respective reception devices. When a prescribed state report is generated from the device part connected to the connection port 106, the reception device which corresponds to the device part generating the prescribed state report and which has high possibility of communicability is called by considering a confirmation result whether communication is possible or not, and state information can be reported. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

The present invention includes, for example, a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) device that performs communication through an IP (Internet Protocol) network such as the Internet or an intranet, a communication system that includes a VoIP device and a reception device, and a VoIP device and a reception device. The present invention relates to a communication control method in a communication system.

  Remote monitoring systems are used in various fields. For example, a cash dispenser called ATM (Automatic Teller Machine) or a cash dispenser called CD (Cash Dispenser) is connected to a specified management center through a telephone line and a failure occurs. In, this can be automatically reported to the management center.

Patent Document 1 discloses a security monitoring system formed by connecting a monitoring camera, a security terminal device, and the like and a remote security monitoring system through a telephone line. A security monitoring system has been proposed in which it is clarified whether a report is an abnormal alarm or a failure or failure of a device such as a security terminal so that the security monitoring can be performed accurately.
JP 2001-069267 A

  By the way, in the case of the conventional remote monitoring system described above, the reporting terminal device of the reporting source and the center device of the reporting destination are connected through a telephone line. For this reason, a telephone line is always connected between the reporting terminal device of the reporting source and the reporting destination center device, or the reporting terminal device of the reporting source is connected to the reporting destination center device at the time of reporting. Using the assigned telephone number, it is necessary to call the center device of the report destination and connect the telephone line.

  For this reason, in the case of a conventional remote monitoring system using a telephone line, the center device that can be notified by the reporting terminal device is limited to the center device of the telephone number that the reporting terminal device knows. In addition, when a telephone line cannot be connected to a predetermined center device to be notified, another telephone call must be made to another center device. In addition, for the convenience of the center device, the report destination cannot be changed automatically and quickly and accurately.

  In the future, it is considered that there will be higher demands such as using different report destinations according to the contents of the report, or enabling the report destination to be forwarded to other report destinations according to the report contents.

In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to provide an apparatus, a system, and a method that can eliminate the above-described problems and can cope with new requirements.

In order to solve the above-mentioned problem, the VoIP device of the invention according to claim 1
A connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected;
A communication means for connecting a plurality of accepting devices corresponding to each of the plurality of device units through an IP (Internet Protocol) network;
A memory for holding an IP address of the accepting device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units, and holding a plurality of IP addresses as an IP address of at least one accepting device;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not communication with the plurality of reception devices is possible by transmitting to each of the plurality of reception devices using the IP addresses of the plurality of reception devices in the memory, respectively.
When a predetermined status notification occurs from the device unit, the IP address of the accepting device corresponding to the device unit that sent the status notification is stored in the memory in consideration of the confirmation result from the confirmation unit Specifying means for specifying the IP address of the accepting device capable of communication from the IP address that is provided;
Using the IP address specified by the specifying means, transmitting to the accepting device to form a communication path, and notifying means for performing status notification to the accepting device.

  According to the VoIP device of the first aspect of the present invention, the IP addresses of a plurality of receiving devices corresponding to the plurality of device units connected to the connection end are held in the memory, and are held in this memory. Each of the received IP addresses is used, and the confirmation unit makes a call to each of the plurality of accepting devices, thereby confirming whether communication with each accepting device is possible.

  Then, when a predetermined status notification is generated from the device unit connected to the connection end, a predetermined result is considered in consideration of a confirmation result as to whether communication is possible with each reception device confirmed by the confirmation unit. The reception device corresponding to the device unit that has generated the status notification is identified from the memory of the IP address of the reception device that is highly likely to establish communication, and is transmitted to the reception device using this. , Status information is notified.

  Thereby, it is possible to promptly notify the status notification to the reception device corresponding to the device unit that is highly likely to perform communication and has generated the predetermined status notification. To be done. In addition, the receiving device can be automatically changed without bothering the user of the VoIP device or the receiving device.

The communication system of the invention according to claim 2
A communication system having a plurality of reception devices and a VoIP device connected through an IP (Internet Protocol) network and performing communication using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol),
The VoIP device
A connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected;
Reference means for referring to state information of the device unit connected to the connection end;
A memory for holding an IP address of the accepting device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end;
Accepting means for accepting a call start instruction from the user;
When receiving the transmission start instruction through the accepting unit, the IP address of the accepting device as a communication partner is selected from the memory based on the status information of the plurality of device units referred to through the referring unit. Selection means to
Calling means for sending a call including its own IP address to the accepting device using the IP address selected by the selecting means;
Receiving means for receiving a response from the receiving device at the destination;
When receiving the IP address of another receiving device that is different from the receiving device that is the other party of communication through the receiving means, the IP address of the other receiving device that has received the IP address of the other party of communication A change means for changing,
Each of the plurality of reception devices is
A transfer destination memory that holds the IP address of another receiving device as a transfer destination;
An incoming call reception means for receiving an incoming call to the own device according to a call from the VoIP device;
A hold processing means for holding the connection of the communication path by holding the IP address of the VoIP device when not responding to the VoIP device that is the source of the incoming call received through the incoming call receiving means;
After holding by the hold processing means, based on the information in the transfer destination memory, a transfer call including the IP address of the VoIP device is made to another accepting device, and to the originating VoIP device Transfer notification means for notifying the IP address of the other reception device;
Release means for releasing the connection of the communication path with the transmitting device.

  According to the communication system of the second aspect of the present invention, when the transmission start instruction from the user is accepted through the accepting means, the status information of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end is referred to by the referring means. In consideration of this result, the IP address of the receiving device as the communication partner is selected from the memory holding the IP address of the receiving device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units, and this IP address is used. The VoIP device is transmitted to the IP address receiving device.

  In the accepting device that accepts an incoming call in response to a call from the VoIP device through the incoming call accepting means, such as when it is preset to transfer the call or when it does not respond to the incoming call for a predetermined time, the originating VoIP device When not responding to the communication request from the other, another receiving device that becomes the transfer destination based on the IP address of the transfer destination memory by the transfer notification unit while holding the communication path with the VoIP device by the hold processing unit Is called, and the IP address of the originating VoIP device is notified, and the IP address of the other receiving device that is the transfer destination is notified to the originating VoIP device. Then, in the VoIP device as the transmission source, the accepting device that is the other party of communication can be changed using the IP address of the other accepting device from the accepting device.

  As a result, even when the receiving device is selected in accordance with the status information of the device unit and is transmitted to notify the selected receiving device of the status information, in the receiving device, the VoIP If it is not possible to respond to the request from the device, communication with other receiving devices that can respond reliably without failing the user of the VoIP device and the operator of the receiving device automatically and reliably. The other party can be changed to another receiving device.

The invention according to claim 3
A VoIP device having a connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected and a plurality of accepting devices corresponding to each of the plurality of device units are connected through an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is used. A communication control method in a communication system for performing communication,
In the VoIP device, an accepting step of accepting a call start instruction from a user;
A reference step of referring to status information of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end in the VoIP device when the call start instruction is received in the reception step;
Based on the status information of the plurality of device units referred to in the referencing step, in the VoIP device, the IP address of the accepting device serving as a transmission destination is set to the IP of the receiving device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units. A selection step of selecting from a memory holding an address;
Using the IP address selected through the selection step, a calling step of sending a call including the IP address of the VoIP device from the VoIP device to the accepting device;
In the reception device of the transmission destination, an incoming reception step of receiving an incoming call to the own device;
A transfer request receiving step for receiving a transfer request from an operator in the receiving device when an incoming call addressed to the own device is received in the incoming call receiving step;
In the transfer request receiving step, when the transfer request is received, a hold processing step of holding the connection of the communication path by holding the IP address of the VoIP device;
After holding by the hold processing step, using the IP address of another receiving device as a transfer destination, the transfer device performs a transfer call including the IP address of the caller to the transfer destination from the receiving device. A transfer notification step of notifying the VoIP device of the IP address of the transfer destination;
In the accepting device, a releasing step of releasing the connected communication path;
In the VoIP device, a forwarding address receiving step of receiving the forwarding IP address from the accepting device;
The VoIP device includes a changing step of changing the IP address of the accepting device to the IP address of the transfer destination received in the transfer destination address receiving step.

  According to the communication control method of the third aspect, in the receiving step, when a call start instruction from the user is received, the status information of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end is referred to in the reference step. In consideration of this result, the IP address of the receiving device as the communication partner is selected in the selection step from the memory holding the IP address of the receiving device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units. Then, using the selected IP address, in the outgoing step, the IP address is sent from the VoIP device to the receiving device of the IP address.

  In the reception device that has received an incoming call in response to a call from the VoIP device in the incoming call reception step, the transfer request from the operator is received in the transfer request reception step. When the transfer request is received, the transfer destination Based on the IP address of the other receiving device, the other receiving device is called, the IP address of the originating VoIP device is notified, and the IP of the other receiving device that is the transfer destination The address is notified to the originating VoIP device, and the connected communication path is released by the release step. Then, in the VoIP device as the transmission source, the accepting device that is the other party of communication can be changed using the IP address of the other accepting device from the accepting device.

  As a result, in the accepting device that accepts the incoming call corresponding to the outgoing call from the VoIP device, when accepting the transfer request from the operator, the other accepting device can be the communication partner. . In this case, the communication partner can be automatically and reliably changed with respect to the other receiving device without bothering the user of the VoIP device.

  According to the present invention, when a receiving device that is a notification destination of a predetermined state is different for each of a plurality of connected device units, communication with a communication partner based on the status information of the connected plurality of device units. Can be identified. In addition, by confirming whether or not communication is possible in advance, it is possible to notify the status information of the device unit to a reception device having a high probability of communication.

  When a receiving device is specified in accordance with the status information of each of the plurality of device units and is transmitted to notify the receiving device of the status information, the receiving device responds to a request from the VoIP device. When response is not possible, communication is automatically and reliably performed by transferring the communication to another reception device that can reliably respond without bothering the user of the VoIP device and the operator of the reception device. You can change the other party.

  When a reception device that receives an incoming call corresponding to a call from the VoIP device receives a transfer request from an operator, the other reception device can be a communication partner. In this case, the communication partner can be automatically and surely changed by transferring the communication to the other receiving device without bothering the user of the VoIP device. .

  DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS Hereinafter, embodiments of an apparatus, a system, and a method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a communication system configured using a VoIP device according to the present invention. The communication system shown in FIG. 1 is an application of the communication system and communication control method according to the present invention.

As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system according to the present embodiment includes first to third reception devices 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (2) that form a reception destination group with the monitoring target device 1. ) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3) and the primary receiving destination receiving device 3 (A) can be connected through the IP network (IP network) 2.

In this embodiment, the monitoring target device 1 is a device such as an ATM (cash dispenser) or a CD (cash dispenser) used in a bank or the like. Each of the reception devices 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3) and the reception device 3 (A) of the reception destination group This is a notification destination when a failure such as a failure occurs, or an inquiry destination of a user (user) of the monitoring target device 1.

As shown in FIG. 1, the monitoring target device 1 includes a VoIP device 11 and device units 11A, 11B, and 11C. The VoIP device 11 includes a handset including an on-hook / off-hook switch, a transmitter, and a receiver. The handset unit 110 is connected.

The VoIP device 11 uses a voice over internet protocol, which is abbreviated as VoIP, to enable communication with a predetermined reception device in the reception destination group 3 through the IP network 2. As will be described in detail later, the VoIP device 11 includes connection ends (connection ports) with the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C constituting the monitoring target device 1, and each device unit 11A connected thereto. , 11B, and 11C, status information (status information) can be referred to.

Each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C constituting the monitoring target device 1 is a part that realizes a function as an ATM or a CD. For example, the device unit 11A includes a display device, a touch panel, and the like, The device portion 11B is a control circuit portion, and the device portion 11C is a device portion in charge of different functions, such as a mechanism portion for taking in and out cash.

Although the monitoring target device 1 has various device units, in this embodiment, the device units constituting the monitoring target device 1 are roughly divided into the above-described units in order to simplify the description. The description will be made assuming that the device unit 11A, the device unit 11B, and the device unit 11C are included.

In addition, when the operation of the monitoring target device 1 is not known or a failure occurs, the handset unit 110 picks up the handset and goes off-hook so that a predetermined reception can be made through the IP network 2 by the function of the VoIP device 11. A communication path is formed with the device, and a call is made with the operator on the receiving device side.

  The receiving devices 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, and 3 (3) that can be connected to the monitoring target device 1 through the IP network 2 are the monitoring target devices. 1 corresponding to each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C. That is, in this embodiment, the first receiving device 3 (1) is a notification destination when a failure occurs mainly in the device unit 11A of the monitoring target device 1, and the second receiving device receives the second receiving device. The device 3 (2) is a notification destination when a failure occurs mainly in the device unit 11B of the monitoring target device 1.

  The first satellite reception device 3 (2) A and the second satellite reception device 3 (2) B, which are second reception destinations, are preliminary reception devices dedicated to the second reception destination. It has the same function as the device 3 (2). The receiving device 3 (3) as the third receiving destination is a notification destination when a failure occurs mainly in the device unit 11C of the monitoring target device 1.

  In addition, as will be described later, the receiving device 3 (A) as the primary receiving destination mainly has no failure in each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C, but the handset unit 110 is off-hooked. It is provided as a communication destination in the case.

  Then, the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 of this embodiment is taken off-hook when a failure occurs in the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C connected thereto, or the handset of the handset unit 110 is picked up. In some cases, the status information of each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C is referred to make a call to the receiving device corresponding to the device unit in which a failure or the like has occurred.

  In addition, when the handset of the handset unit 110 is picked up and off-hooked and no failure has occurred in any of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C, the receiving device 3 (A ) To make a call with the operator on the receiving device 3 (A) side.

  In addition, the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 according to the present embodiment can form a communication path with the receiving device as quickly and reliably as possible at a predetermined timing, for example, By checking whether or not communication with each receiving device is possible at predetermined timings such as every few minutes or every few tens of minutes, outgoing calls are made avoiding receiving devices that cannot communicate. To be able to.

  Furthermore, each reception device of the communication system according to this embodiment is automatically selected when it cannot respond to a communication request from the VoIP device of the monitoring target device 1 due to a failure of the reception device itself or the absence of a corresponding operator. Therefore, it is possible to form a new communication path between the originating VoIP device and the other accepting device by transferring the communication with the originating VoIP device to the other accepting device. I have to.

Further, even after responding to an incoming call in response to an outgoing call from the monitoring target device 1, a call can be transferred to another reception device by the selection of the operator on the reception device side. That is, the communication with the originating VoIP device is transferred to another accepting device so that a new communication path can be established between the originating VoIP device and the other accepting device. Yes.

As described above, the receiving apparatus according to this embodiment can automatically select the optimum receiving apparatus and change the communication destination. In this case, it is possible to change the communication partner (communication transfer) automatically and reliably without requiring a special operation from the user of the monitoring target device 1. ing.

[Hardware configuration example of VoIP device 11]
As described above, the monitoring target device 1 of this embodiment includes the VoIP device 11 and the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C. Since each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C is a part that realizes a function as an ATM or a CD, a detailed description thereof will be omitted, and here, a configuration example of the VoIP device 11 will be described.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 according to this embodiment. As shown in FIG. 2, the VoIP device 11 is configured by a computer, and a ROM (Read Only Memory) 102 and a RAM (Random Access) are connected to a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 100 via a system bus 101. (Memory) 103, EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) 104, clock circuit 105, connection port 106, line interface (shown as line I / F in FIG. 2) 107, packet disassembly / generation unit 108 and an audio data input / output interface (denoted as audio data input / output I / F in FIG. 2) 109 are connected.

Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the handset unit 110 is connected through the audio data input / output interface 109. As described above, the handset unit 110 includes an off-hook / on-hook switch and a handset. Although the handset is not illustrated, the handset unit 110 constitutes a microphone, a transmission amplifier, and a receiver. A speaker and a receiving amplifier are provided.

The ROM 102 stores a program for executing a processing sequence at the time of outgoing and incoming calls, other processing programs, and the like. The RAM 103 is mainly used as a work area when the program of the ROM 102 is executed by the CPU 100. The EEPROM 104 is a so-called non-volatile memory, and holds data that should be held even when the power of the VoIP device 11 is turned off. For example, the EEPROM 104 holds an IP address of a reception destination in association with each device unit. .

The clock circuit 105 is used for providing the current time and applying the execution timing of processing. The connection port 106 is connected to each device unit constituting the monitoring target device 1 such as the above-described device units 11A, 11B, and 11C. The connection port 106 can be connected not only to the device units constituting the monitoring target apparatus 1 but also to external devices and the like that are connected to the monitoring target apparatus 1. That is, the device unit connected to the connection port 106 includes not only the device part constituting the monitoring target device 1 but also a device that can be used alone.

The line interface 107 has a function for capturing packetized data sent through the IP network 2 and sending the packetized data to the IP network 2. The packet disassembly / generation unit 108 disassembles the packetized data captured by the line interface 107 to generate control data and voice data, and generates packetized data to be transmitted by packetizing the control data and voice data to be transmitted. It has the function to do. The packet decomposition / generation unit 108 includes a buffer memory for decomposing and generating packetized data.

The packet decomposition processing function and the generation processing function of the packet decomposition / generation unit 108 can also be realized as software that is executed by the functions of the CPU 100 and the ROM 102.

The audio data input / output interface 109 converts audio data obtained by packet decomposition into an analog audio signal and supplies the analog audio signal to the handset unit 110, and converts the analog audio signal input from the handset unit 110 into a digital signal. It has a function to capture.

Then, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 according to the present embodiment, each receiving device 3A held in the EEPROM 104 at predetermined intervals based on the timing provided by the clock circuit 105, The IP addresses 31, 32, 32 A, 32 B, and 33 are sequentially used to control the packet disassembly / generation unit 108 and the line interface 107, so that each accepting device 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (2 ) Call A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3) and check whether there is a response (reply) to this. Then, the CPU 100 updates, for example, to the EEPROM 104 where the reception destination is able to communicate and where the communication is impossible depending on whether a response is returned. .

Further, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 of this embodiment, through the connection port 106, status information indicating that a failure such as a failure has occurred from the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C connected thereto. Is provided, or when the handset unit 110 is operated off-hook, the status information of each device unit 11A, 11B, and 11C is referred to, and the receiving device 3 ( 1), 3 (2), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3), or the primary receiving destination receiving device 3 (A).

In this case, as described above, in consideration of the state of connection confirmation of communication executed at a predetermined timing, in the previous confirmation process, when communication with the destination reception device is impossible, The destination receiving device can be changed so as to make a call to another receiving device. In making a call, as described above, the IP address of each accepting device held in the EEPROM 104 is used. Further, in order to notify the transmission source, the transmission includes the IP address of the transmission source assigned to the monitoring target device 1.

Further, the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 of this embodiment, when the IP address of the other receiving device is returned from the receiving receiving device, the receiving device that is the other party of communication is received as the other receiving device. The device is changed to a device so that status information can be reported and a call can be made with an operator on the other receiving device side.

[Hardware configuration example of reception device]
Next, a configuration example of a reception device used in the communication system according to this embodiment will be described. In the communication system of this embodiment, the receiving devices 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (3) of the first to third receiving destinations, the receiving devices 3 of the satellites A and B of the second receiving destination ( 2) Each of A, 3 (2) B, and the primary receiving device 3 (A) has basically the same hardware configuration. FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the accepting device 3 as a representative example of each accepting device 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (3), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (A). .

  In FIG. 3, reference numerals 300 to 305 and reference numerals 307 to 310 are configured in the same manner as the corresponding parts of the VoIP device 11 shown in FIG. 2 and have the same functions. Detailed description of each part will be omitted. In FIG. 3, numerals in parentheses indicate reference numerals of corresponding parts of the VoIP device 11 shown in FIG.

  In the case of the receiving device 3 according to this embodiment, a key interface 311, a key operation unit 312, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) controller 313, and an LCD 314 are provided as interfaces with the operator.

  The key operation unit 312 includes numeric keys, alphabet keys, and various function keys. The key operation unit 312 can receive an operation input from the operator and notify the CPU 300 of this through the key interface 311. Thus, the CPU 300 can control each unit in accordance with an instruction from the operator input through the key operation unit 312.

In addition, the LCD controller 313 can display text information and image information on the LCD 314 in accordance with information from the CPU 300. Thereby, information corresponding to the information of the packet received through the line interface 307 and decomposed by the packet decomposition / generation unit 308 can be displayed. Therefore, the notification contents and the like when a failure occurs in the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C of the monitoring target device 1 can be displayed on the LCD 314.

The receiving device 3 of this embodiment receives an incoming call to the own device in response to a call from the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 and receives status information of the device unit of the monitoring target device 1. The contents of the failure occurring in the device unit of the monitoring device 1 are displayed on the LCD 314, and the handset unit 110 connected to the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 and the handset unit 310 of the receiving device 3 are displayed. The operator of the reception device 3 is notified by performing a call with the monitoring target device 1 through the communication target device 1 so that an appropriate response can be taken.

Here, as an action that can be taken by the operator of the receiving device 3, for example, the monitoring target device 1 is reset by remote operation, a so-called patch program is transmitted to correct the processing program, Arrangements for dispatching and prompt repairs can be raised.

  When the receiving device 3 according to this embodiment cannot respond to a communication request from the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 due to the convenience of the own device, the CPU 300 has another registered in the EEPROM 305. The IP address of the receiving device is used, and the packet disassembly / generation unit 308 and the line interface 307 are controlled to perform a transfer call including the IP address of the transmission source to another predetermined receiving device. Then, when the other reception device returns a response corresponding to the transfer call, the IP address of the other reception device is transmitted to the monitoring target device 1 of the transmission source, and the reception device is changed (communication transfer). Is something that can be done.

In this case, in the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 that has been provided with the IP address of the other receiving device, the receiving device that is the transmission destination is changed, and information is transmitted to the changed other receiving device. Will do.

In addition, the reception device 3 of this embodiment receives an incoming call to the own device in response to a call from the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1, and the operator of the reception device 3 responds by telephone communication. However, it is also possible to transfer the call to another reception device according to the operator's instruction. As a result, a call can be transferred to a more appropriate reception device so that an appropriate response can be made.

[Processing of VoIP device 1 and processing of receiving device 3]
Next, the flowcharts of FIGS. 4 to 8 are shown for the processing performed in the VoIP device 11 of the monitoring target device 1 constituting the communication system of this embodiment and the processing performed in each of the receiving devices 31, 32, 33, and the like. The description will be given with reference.

[Regarding Confirmation Processing of Communicable Acceptance Device Performed by VoIP Device 11]
First, a confirmation process of a receiving apparatus capable of performing communication at predetermined timing in the VoIP device 11 will be described. FIG. 4 is a flowchart for explaining the confirmation process of the communicable acceptance device performed in the VoIP device 11. The processing shown in FIG. 4 is executed by the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 at predetermined timings, for example, every few minutes or every several tens of minutes, as described above.

The CPU 100 reads the first IP address among the IP addresses of the plurality of accepting devices stored in the EEPROM 104 (step S101), controls the packet disassembly / generation unit 108, and the line interface 107 to control the read IP address. A call is sent to the accepting device (step S102).

Then, the CPU 100 receives a response from the receiving device as the transmission destination, and determines whether or not there is a normal response (step S103). When it is determined in step S103 that there is a normal response, the fact that communication with the receiving device at this call destination has been made is recorded in the EEPROM 104 in association with the receiving device (step S104).

In the determination process in step S103, when it is determined that a normal response has not been received, for example, when a response cannot be received or a response for rejecting communication is returned, the current destination is accepted. The fact that communication with the apparatus could not be performed is recorded in the EEPROM 104 in association with the receiving apparatus (step S105).

Then, the CPU 100 determines whether or not communication confirmation has been performed using the IP addresses of all reception devices stored in the EEPROM 104 (step S106). The address is read from the EEPROM 104 (step S107), and the processing from step S102 is repeated.

When it is determined in step S106 that the communication confirmation has been performed using the IP addresses of all reception devices stored in the EEPROM 104, the confirmation process for the current communication-acceptable reception destination is completed. The processing shown in FIG.

As described above, the VoIP device 11 of this embodiment can confirm whether or not communication is possible with the accepting device registered in the EEPROM 104 as a transmission destination at every predetermined timing. And when actually communicating, considering the latest confirmation result, it is possible to make a call to the accepting device that was able to communicate, not the accepting device that was not able to communicate. That is, it is possible to make a call to a receiving device that can be notified more reliably.

[Regarding Notification Process to Reception Device Performed by VoIP Device 11]
Next, a notification process to the receiving device that accesses the receiving device from the VoIP device 11 and notifies a failure of the device unit will be described. FIG. 5 and FIG. 6 are flowcharts for explaining the notification process to the reception device performed by the VoIP device 11.

As described above, when the VoIP device 11 receives a communication request operation from a user and when it receives status information indicating a failure from the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C connected to the connection port, Notification to the reception device is performed. For this reason, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 determines whether or not a communication request operation has been accepted (step S201). When it is determined that the communication request operation has not been accepted in the determination process of step S201, the CPU 100 is connected to the connection port 105. It is determined whether status information indicating the occurrence of a failure has been received from the selected device unit (step S211). If it is determined in step S211 that the failure status information has not been received, the processing from step S201 is repeated.

In the determination process of step S201, it is the determination process of step S201 that determines whether or not a communication request operation from the user, in this embodiment, an off-hook operation of the handset unit 110 has been accepted. When it is determined that a communication request operation from the user has been received, the status information of each of the device units 11A, 11B, and 11C is referred to, and the receiving device corresponding to the device unit that has transmitted the status information indicating the occurrence of the failure has priority. In this selection, taking into account the result of the confirmation process of the communicable acceptance device described with reference to FIG. 4, the acceptance device capable of reliable communication is set as the destination acceptance device. Select and send to the receiving device using the IP address of the selected receiving device (step S202).

Then, it is determined whether or not a response has been normally returned from the receiving device (step S203). If it is determined in step S203 that the response has not been returned normally, it is determined whether the IP address of another receiving device designated as the transfer destination has been received from the receiving device 3 (step S204). .

If it is determined in step S204 that the IP address of another receiving device designated as the transfer destination has been received, the communication path connection with the current receiving device is released (step S205), and a new one is received. Change the other reception procedure specified in the communication partner (change the communication path), send information to the other reception device, or call the operator of the other reception device after the change (Step S206). Then, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 determines whether or not a response has been normally returned from another receiving device that has been changed as a communication partner (step S207).

If it is determined in step S207 that the response is not normally returned from the other receiving apparatus as the transfer destination, the processing from step S204 is repeated. Also, in the determination process in step S204, when it is determined that the IP address of another transfer destination receiving apparatus has not been received, in this embodiment, the line is released (step S210). After the processing shown in FIG. 6 is completed, the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed again to accept the response request operation again and determine whether there is fault status information from each device unit. To.

Then, when it is determined in the determination process of step S203 that the response has been normally received from the receiving apparatus of the transmission destination, or the response is normally received from the other reception apparatus of the transfer destination in the determination process of step S207. If it is determined, the process proceeds to step S208, and a communication path is formed between the first receiving device that has transmitted the response or another receiving device that has transmitted the response ( In step S208), information is transmitted or a call can be made. Wait until the formed communication path is disconnected (step S209). If it is confirmed that the communication path is disconnected, the VoIP device 11 The CPU 100 releases the communication path to be held (step S210), and the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 ends.

Further, when it is determined that the communication request operation is not accepted in the determination process of step S201, and when it is determined in the determination process of step S211 that the status information indicating the occurrence of the failure is received, FIG. The process proceeds to step S212.

Then, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 refers to the status information of each device unit connected to the connection port 106 and preferentially selects the receiving device corresponding to the device unit that has transmitted the status information indicating the occurrence of the failure. However, in this selection, in consideration of the result of the confirmation process of the communicable accepting device described with reference to FIG. 4, the accepting device that can reliably communicate is selected as the accepting device of the transmission destination. Using the IP address of the selected accepting device, a call is made to the accepting device (step S212).

Then, it is determined whether or not a response has been normally returned from the receiving device (step S213). If it is determined in step S213 that the response has not been received normally, it is determined whether the IP address of another receiving device designated as a transfer destination has been received from the receiving device (step S214).

If it is determined in step S214 that the IP address of another receiving device designated as the transfer destination has been received, the communication path connection with the current receiving device is released (step S215), and a new one is received. The other receiving device is changed to the destination (the communication path is changed) by using the IP address of the other receiving procedure specified in, and information is transmitted to the changed other receiving device. Or making a call (step S216). Then, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 determines whether or not a response has been normally returned from another receiving device that has been changed as a communication partner (step S217).

When it is determined in step S217 that the response is not normally returned from the other receiving device as the transfer destination, the processing from step S214 is repeated. Also, in the determination process of step S214, when it is determined that the IP address of the other receiving device at the transfer destination has not been received, in this embodiment, the line is released (step S220), and FIG. After the processing shown in FIG. 6 is completed, the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is executed again to accept the response request operation again and determine whether there is fault status information from each device unit. Will be.

Then, when it is determined in the determination process of step S223 that the response has been normally received from the receiving apparatus as the transmission destination, or the response is normally received from the other reception apparatus as the transfer destination in the determination process of step S217. If it is determined, the process proceeds to the process of step S218, and a communication path is formed between the first receiving device that has transmitted the response or the other receiving device that has transmitted the response ( In step S218), status information can be transmitted and a call can be made, and the communication path formed is waited for to be disconnected (step S219). If the communication path is confirmed to be disconnected, the CPU 100 of the VoIP device 11 holds it. The line to be set is released (step S220), and the processing shown in FIGS. 5 and 6 is terminated.

As described above, the VoIP device 11 automatically selects a receiving device as a transmission destination (notification destination) from a plurality of receiving devices based on the status information of its own device units 11A, 11B, and 11C. , It is possible to make a call to the selected destination. Then, when the IP address of the transfer destination reception device is provided from the reception destination reception device, the reception device that is the communication partner is automatically changed to send the information or to the operator of the changed reception device. You will be able to make calls.

[About incoming call processing and transfer processing at the receiving device]
Next, the operation of the accepting device 3 that accepts incoming calls to the own device corresponding to outgoing calls from the VoIP device 11 will be described. FIG. 7 and FIG. 8 are flowcharts for explaining the operations of the receiving devices 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3), and 3 (A). is there. Here, in order to simplify the description, the operation of the accepting device 3 will be described.

  The process shown in FIG. 7 is a process that is always executed while the accepting device 3 is in operation. The CPU 300 of the accepting device 3 constantly monitors the incoming call to the own device in response to the call from the VoIP device 11 accepted through the line interface 107 (step S301), and sends the call to the own device in response to the call from the VoIP device 11. When an incoming call is detected, it is determined whether or not a transfer instruction is set (step S302).

  In the receiving apparatus of this embodiment, the transfer instruction is set by instructing to forward the incoming call to the other receiving apparatus in advance when it is desired to transfer the incoming call to the receiving apparatus for the convenience of the receiving apparatus 3 side. The information to be input is input through the key operation unit 312 of the accepting device 3 and is set in the EEPROM 304, for example.

  The CPU 300 confirms the information in the EEPROM 304, and when it is determined in step S302 that the transfer instruction is not set, the CPU 300 determines whether an operator response has been made (step S303). The determination process in step S303 can be determined according to whether or not the handset unit 310 has performed an off-hook operation.

  If it is determined in step S303 that there is a response from the operator, a communication path is formed (step S304) so that a call can be made between the source VoIP device 11 and the accepting device 3 side.

  Then, it is determined whether or not an operation for instructing transfer has been performed by the operator on the reception device 3 side (step S305). The determination process in step S305 is transferred by the operator of the reception apparatus 3 through the key operation unit 312 in the case where the operator of the reception apparatus 3 determines that it can be processed more appropriately if handled by an operator of another reception apparatus. An instruction can be input, and determination can be made based on whether or not this operation has been performed.

  If it is determined in step S305 that the transfer instruction operation has not been performed, it is determined whether or not the communication path has been disconnected (step S306). If it is determined in step S306 that the call has not been disconnected, it is determined that the call has not ended, and the processing from step S305 is repeated. If it is determined in step S306 that the communication path has been disconnected, it is determined that the call has ended, the connection of the communication path (communication line) is released, and the processing from step S301 is repeated.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S302 that a transfer instruction has been set in advance, a transfer process described later is executed (step S308), and thereafter, the process from step S301 is repeated.

  If it is determined in step S303 that the operator has not responded, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time has passed without any response (step S309). If it is determined in step S309 that the predetermined time has not yet elapsed, the processing from step S303 is repeated.

  If it is determined in the determination process in step S309 that a predetermined time has passed without a response, a transfer process described later is executed (step S310), and thereafter, the process from step S301 is repeated. In addition, when it is determined that the transfer instruction operation is performed by the operator in the determination process in step S305 described above, a transfer process described later is executed (step S310), and thereafter, the process from step S301 is repeated. become.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart for explaining the transfer processing performed in steps S308 and S310 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 8, in the transfer process, the CPU 300 of the accepting device 3 controls the line interface 307 and the like, accepts an incoming call to the own device in response to a call from the VoIP device 11, and receives the IP address of the VoIP device 11 Is held and the communication path is put on hold (step S401), using the IP address of the other accepting apparatus registered in advance in the EEPROM 304 as the forwarding destination, the other accepting apparatus is transmitted and a transfer call is made. This is performed (step S402).

  Then, CPU 300 confirms whether or not there is a response from another receiving device selected as the transfer destination (step S403). When it is determined in step S403 that there is a response indicating that the transfer is accepted from another transfer destination transfer device, the CPU 300 of the transfer source reception device 3 uses the packet disassembly / generation unit 308 and the line interface 307. Control is performed to notify the IP address of the other receiving device of the transfer destination to the VoIP device 11 of the transmission source that is holding the communication (step S404), the line is released (step S405), and this is shown in FIG. End the transfer process.

  If it is determined in step S403 that there is no response from the other receiving device selected as the transfer destination, it is determined whether or not a predetermined time elapses or an end requirement such as unregistration of another transfer destination is satisfied. (Step S406) When the termination requirement is satisfied, a message indicating that transfer is not possible is sent (Step S407), and the process proceeds to Step S405 to release the connected communication path.

In the process of step S407, a message is notified and a notification message from the call destination is received, and a response is made later based on this notification message, or an emergency notification destination is notified. Of course, it is possible to take a quick response.

  If it is determined in step S406 that the end requirement is not satisfied, a predetermined transfer destination change requirement such as changing the transfer destination is satisfied after a predetermined time has passed without a response. It is determined whether or not to perform (step S408). If it is determined in step S408 that the requirements for changing the transfer destination are not satisfied, the processing from step S403 is repeated to continue calling other reception devices selected as the change destination.

  If it is determined in the determination processing in step S408 that the requirements for changing the transfer destination are satisfied, the IP address of another reception device stored in the EEPROM 304 is set as the IP address of the other reception device of the transfer destination. The transfer destination is changed (step S409), and thereafter, the processing from step S402 is repeated.

  As described above, when there is an incoming call to the own device in response to a call from the VoIP device 11, the reception device 3 accepts the incoming call, forms a communication path, and makes a call with the VoIP device side. To be able to.

If the reception device 3 cannot respond to an incoming call to the own device in response to a call from the VoIP device 11 due to the convenience of the own device, the reception device 3 can register with the other reception device previously registered. The communication between can be transferred.

  Even if there is no transfer setting, even if there is no response for a certain time to a call from the VoIP device 11 or when a transfer instruction is manually made by the operator of the accepting device that has once responded, Communication with the VoIP device 11 can be transferred to another reception device that has been registered.

  As described above, in the communication system of this embodiment, the VoIP device 11 can make a call to a receiving device that is determined according to status information from the device unit connected to the connection port of the own device. That is, it is possible to notify a failure notification to an appropriate receiving device corresponding to the device unit in which the failure has occurred.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 9, the VoIP device 11 periodically communicates with each reception device, and information on the reception device that can communicate with the reception device that cannot communicate is stored in the EEPROM 104. Can be retained.

In the case of the example shown in FIG. 9, the communication confirmation flag of the first receiving device is “1” indicating that communication is not possible, and the communication confirmation flags of the other receiving devices are “0” indicating that communication is possible. ", And communication is impossible only with the first receiving device 3 (1), and the other receiving devices 3 (2), 3 (2) A, 3 (2) B, 3 (3) 3 (A), it is confirmed that communication is possible.

  In this case, even if a call is generated to the receiving device 3 (1) as the first receiving destination, for example, as shown by an arrow in FIG. Can be transmitted to the receiving device 3 (2).

Each of the accepting devices can transfer communication with the VoIP device 11 to another accepting device for the convenience of its own device or according to an instruction from the operator. For example, as shown in FIG. 9, even when a call is sent to the reception device 3 (2) as the second reception destination, communication from the VoIP device 11 is made to the reception device 3 (2). 2 When it is set to be transferred to the receiving device 3 (2) A of the first satellite of the receiving destination, or the operator of the receiving device 3 (2) receives the receiving device 3 of the first satellite of the second receiving destination ( 2) When an operation input is made so as to transfer to A, communication is transferred as shown by a dotted arrow in FIG. 9, and the reception device that is the communication partner of the VoIP device 11 receives the second reception. It is possible to change from the previous reception device 3 (2) to the first satellite reception device 3 (2) A as the second reception destination.

Therefore, when a failure or the like occurs, the notification is not delayed, and a communication path can be surely formed with any receiving device to transmit information or make a call. it can.

  In the case of the communication system of this embodiment, since communication is performed through the IP network 2, there is no need to connect a plurality of communication lines even when transfer is performed. It is possible to perform communication transfer with simple control. Further, since communication is performed through the IP network 2, the communication cost can be reduced as compared with the case where a telephone line or a dedicated line is used.

  In the above-described embodiment, it is assumed that the confirmation process of the communicable receiving device shown in FIG. 4 is performed at a relatively short fixed period, such as every few minutes or every few tens of minutes. explained. However, it is not limited to this. In the case of a system that is unlikely to be unable to communicate, it is possible to perform confirmation processing with a large cycle such as every few hours or every few days, or only when the user instructs It is also possible to do so. Therefore, the confirmation process for the communication-accepting accepting apparatus is not normally performed, and can be performed as necessary.

  In addition, the transfer process of communication to another reception apparatus in the reception apparatus may be performed only in response to an instruction from the operator of the reception apparatus, or may be performed only when transfer is set in advance. You can also.

  Further, in the above-described embodiment, the IP address of another receiving apparatus that is a communication transfer destination is described as being held in advance in the EEPROM 304, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, when a transfer request is input, a transfer destination accepting device can also be specified.

  In the above-described embodiment, the monitoring target device 1 is described as an example of an ATM or a CD used in a bank or the like, but is not limited thereto. The present invention can be applied to various apparatuses that can be connected through an IP network by mounting a VoIP apparatus such as a control apparatus, a manufacturing apparatus, an air conditioner, and an elevator apparatus.

It is a figure for demonstrating the communication system with which one Embodiment of the system of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the VoIP apparatus with which one Embodiment of the apparatus of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating each reception apparatus shown in FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the confirmation process of the communicable reception apparatus performed with a VoIP apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the notification process (transmission process) to the reception apparatus performed with a VoIP apparatus. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the incoming call process performed with a reception apparatus. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the transfer process performed with a reception apparatus. It is a figure for demonstrating the characteristic of the communication system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Monitoring object apparatus, 11 ... VoIP apparatus, 11A, 11B, 11C ... Device part, 100 ... CPU, 101 ... System bus, 102 ... ROM, 103 ... RAM, 104 ... EEPROM, 105 ... Clock circuit, 106 ... Connection port , 107 ... line interface, 108 ... packet decomposition / generation unit, 109 ... voice data input / output interface, 110 ... handset unit, 3 (1), 3 (2), 3 (3) ... accepting device, 3 (2) A 3 (2) B: Reception device, 3 (A): Reception device, 300: CPU, 301: System bus, 302: ROM, 303: RAM, 304: EEPROM, 305: Clock circuit, 307: Line interface, 308 ... packet decomposition / generation unit, 309 ... voice data input / output interface, 310 ... handset unit, 311 ... key Interface, 312 ... key operation unit, 313 ... LCD controller, 314 ... LCD

Claims (3)

A connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected;
A communication means for connecting a plurality of accepting devices corresponding to each of the plurality of device units through an IP (Internet Protocol) network;
A memory for holding an IP address of the accepting device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units, and holding a plurality of IP addresses as an IP address of at least one accepting device;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not communication with the plurality of reception devices is possible by transmitting to each of the plurality of reception devices using the IP addresses of the plurality of reception devices in the memory, respectively.
When a predetermined status notification occurs from the device unit, the IP address of the accepting device corresponding to the device unit that sent the status notification is stored in the memory in consideration of the confirmation result from the confirmation unit Specifying means for specifying the IP address of the accepting device capable of communication from the IP address that is provided;
A VoIP device comprising: notification means for transmitting to the accepting device using the IP address identified by the identifying means to form a communication path and notifying the accepting device of a status. A communication system having a plurality of reception devices and a VoIP device connected through an IP (Internet Protocol) network and performing communication using VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol),
The VoIP device
A connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected;
Reference means for referring to state information of the device unit connected to the connection end;
A memory for holding an IP address of the accepting device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end;
Accepting means for accepting a call start instruction from the user;
When receiving the transmission start instruction through the accepting unit, the IP address of the accepting device as a communication partner is selected from the memory based on the status information of the plurality of device units referred to through the referring unit. Selection means to
Calling means for sending a call including its own IP address to the accepting device using the IP address selected by the selecting means;
Receiving means for receiving a response from the receiving device at the destination;
When receiving the IP address of another receiving device that is different from the receiving device that is the other party of communication through the receiving means, the IP address of the other receiving device that has received the IP address of the other party of communication A change means for changing, and
Each of the plurality of reception devices is
A transfer destination memory that holds the IP address of another receiving device as a transfer destination;
An incoming call reception means for receiving an incoming call to the own device according to a call from the VoIP device;
A hold processing means for holding the connection of the communication path by holding the IP address of the VoIP device when not responding to the VoIP device that is the source of the incoming call received through the incoming call receiving means;
After holding by the hold processing means, based on the information in the transfer destination memory, a transfer call including the IP address of the VoIP device is made to another accepting device, and to the originating VoIP device Transfer notification means for notifying the IP address of the other reception device;
And a release means for releasing the connection of the communication path with the transmitting device. A VoIP device having a connection end to which a plurality of device units are connected and a plurality of accepting devices corresponding to each of the plurality of device units are connected through an IP (Internet Protocol) network, and VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol) is used. A communication control method in a communication system for performing communication,
In the VoIP device, an accepting step of accepting a call start instruction from a user;
A reference step of referring to status information of the plurality of device units connected to the connection end in the VoIP device when the call start instruction is received in the reception step;
Based on the status information of the plurality of device units referred to in the referencing step, in the VoIP device, the IP address of the accepting device serving as a transmission destination is set to the IP of the receiving device corresponding to each of the plurality of device units. A selection step of selecting from a memory holding an address;
Using the IP address selected through the selection step, a calling step of sending a call including the IP address of the VoIP device from the VoIP device to the accepting device;
In the reception device of the transmission destination, an incoming reception step of receiving an incoming call to the own device;
A transfer request receiving step for receiving a transfer request from an operator in the receiving device when an incoming call addressed to the own device is received in the incoming call receiving step;
In the transfer request receiving step, when the transfer request is received, a hold processing step of holding the connection of the communication path by holding the IP address of the VoIP device;
After holding by the hold processing step, using the IP address of another receiving device that is a transfer destination, the transfer device performs a transfer call including the IP address of the calling source to the transfer destination from the receiving device. A transfer notification step of notifying the VoIP device of the IP address of the transfer destination;
In the accepting device, a releasing step of releasing the connected communication path;
In the VoIP device, a forwarding address receiving step for receiving the forwarding IP address from the accepting device;
The VoIP device, further comprising: a changing step of changing the IP address of the accepting device to the IP address of the transfer destination received in the transfer destination address receiving step.

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