JP2006157542A - Multi-point video telephone system and additional service connection control method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To achieve an additional service function for a case where the processing capacity of a multi-point conference control server (MCU) exceeds a limit when an call termination side is busy on call or absent with respect to a multi-point video telephone system utilizing a non-balanced network, and a connection control method thereof. <P>SOLUTION: Upon receiving a connection request telegram from a video telephone dedicated terminal (STB), a management server checks the operation state of the video telephone dedicated terminal (STB) of the communication party, and transmits a call termination message telegram to the IP address of the video telephone dedicated terminal (STB) of the communication party when the communication party is in a busy state. The video telephone dedicated terminal (STB) displays the call termination message on a television. The system is also provided with a motion image file storing means for storing a message including a video signal from a caller for an arrived incoming call during the absence of the user of the video telephone dedicated terminal (STB). The system is also provided with a means for notifying a caller who have made a call when the processing capacity of the multi-point conference control server (MCU) exceeds a limit that the excess of processing capacity has been solved when the excess of processing capacity has been solved. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multipoint videophone system and a method for controlling connection of additional services. In today's multimedia networks, the IP (Internet Protocol) network communication speed has been rapidly increased, and the network usage has changed to exchange multimedia information including audio information and video information of moving images. I am doing.

  Among the forms of use, one of the widespread use of videoconferencing systems, mainly by companies, is the videoconferencing system. In recent years, videoconferencing services have been applied and developed, and high-speed transmission lines such as optical fibers are used for general users. Peer-to-peer videophone services using the existing broadband network as an infrastructure and personal computers as clients are emerging.

  However, the upstream bandwidth in the direction from the user to the center is smaller than the downstream bandwidth in the direction from the center to the user, as in a network such as a CATV (Community Antenna Tele Vision) network or an ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber Line) connection service. In a narrow unbalanced network, it is necessary to suppress the upstream bandwidth as much as possible.

  For example, when a multi-party connection is to be realized by a videophone service based on the above-described peer-to-peer connection method, for example, when a video conference is performed by four users, users A, B, C, and D, from user A to another user The video signal of user A is transmitted to each of the three users B, C, and D, and similarly, the video signal of user B is transmitted from the user B to the other three users A, C, and D, respectively. In order to transmit video signals for the number of people connected at the same time, the bandwidth of video signals transmitted from each user requires a bandwidth that is twice as many as the number of people connected. For this reason, the above-mentioned unbalanced network with a narrow upstream band is not suitable for a videophone multi-party connection service based on a peer-to-peer connection method.

  Therefore, in order to provide a videophone multi-party connection service using an unbalanced network in which the upstream bandwidth is narrower than the downstream bandwidth, each conference participant transmits only his / her own video signal and participates in each conference. A videophone system using a multipoint control server (MCU) that synthesizes video and audio signals from a participant and distributes them to each conference participant is adopted. The present invention is a videophone system that realizes a multipoint connection service using a multipoint conference control server (MCU), and performs a connection control so that a user can easily use the multipoint videophone system and its additional services. The present invention relates to a connection control method.

  When implementing a videophone service, first, in a multipoint conference system using a conventional multipoint conference control server (MCU) for enterprises, reservation of a virtual conference room of the system in advance (securement of MCU resources) A procedure for starting a video conference call by connecting each client of a conference participant to a server that controls the multipoint conference control server (MCU) at a time determined by the reservation. It was not possible to make a video conference call by calling a conference participant like a normal telephone connection service.

  On the other hand, in most cases, peer-to-peer videophone systems provide services based on two-party (one-to-one) calls. It cannot be used for multi-party calls. Further, as described above, the unbalanced network is not suitable for a peer-to-peer multi-party call.

As a prior art document related to the present invention, a TV conference system in which an Internet protocol virtual private network (IP-VPN) is formed on a digital communication line connected to a TV conference terminal to reduce facility costs and communication costs and its operation The method is described in Patent Document 1 below.
JP 2002-374509 A

  As described above, a multipoint conference control server (MCU) is used to perform a videophone multi-party connection service using an unbalanced network. However, a conventional multipoint conference control server (MCU) is used. The used multi-party call service has a complicated connection procedure and is difficult to use for general users including the elderly.

  The present invention realizes a videophone service that uses an unbalanced network and a multipoint conference control server (MCU) and has an operation procedure that is easy to use for general users including elderly people, etc. A multipoint videophone system having an additional service function capable of appropriately responding to the situation when there is no available space in the multipoint conference control server (MCU) during the middle or absence, and an additional service connection control method therefor The purpose is to provide.

  The multipoint videophone system according to the present invention uses (1) an unbalanced network in which the transmission bandwidth is narrower than the reception bandwidth, and allows multiple users to use multiple videophone terminals simultaneously. A multi-point videophone system for providing a user call connection, wherein the videophone system implements a management server for managing user information and videophone service connection, a call control protocol, and Distribution of video signal from user videophone dedicated terminal according to connection control information from call control server for call connection control according to connection information and videophone dedicated terminal installed at multipoint according to connection control information from said call control server And a multipoint conference control server that mixes audio signals, and a videophone dedicated terminal installed in each user's house, the management server, When receiving a connection request message including the user identification information of the call partner from the video phone dedicated terminal, the operation status of the video phone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the call partner is checked, and the operation status is A means for transmitting an incoming message notification message to the IP address of the videophone dedicated terminal of the other party when in a call state, and when the videophone dedicated terminal receives the incoming message notification message, And an incoming message including caller identification information is displayed on a television by a telop display or a pop-up screen.

  (2) When the videophone dedicated terminal receives a connection request message from the management server by an incoming call from another videophone dedicated terminal and recognizes that the own apparatus is in the absence mode, And a means for storing video and audio signals transmitted from other videophone-dedicated terminals in a file for a certain period of time.

  (3) Upon receiving a connection request message from the videophone dedicated terminal, the management server checks whether the number of connections exceeds the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server, and multipoint conference control is performed. When it is determined that the number of connections exceeding the processing capacity of the server has been reached, a connection failure notification message is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal, and a history that the call from the videophone dedicated terminal is not connectable At the end of a call between another means for writing information and another videophone dedicated terminal, the history information indicating that the connection is not possible is read, and a connectable message message is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal that cannot be connected. Means for displaying a message indicating that a call using the multipoint conference control server is possible. And it said that there were pictures.

  Also, the additional service connection control method of the multipoint videophone system according to the present invention uses (4) an unbalanced network in which the transmission bandwidth is narrower than the reception bandwidth, and is used for the videophone dedicated terminals of a plurality of users. A connection control method in a multi-point videophone system for providing connection between points, which is transmitted from the user's videophone-dedicated terminal by a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management of the user. Connection control that performs call connection control by a call control server that implements a call control protocol in accordance with the received connection request, and performs connection between multipoints via the multipoint conference control server according to connection control information from the call control server In the method, the management server receives a connection request message including user identification information of a call partner from the videophone dedicated terminal. Then, the operating state of the videophone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the call partner is checked, and when the operation state is a call state, the IP address destination of the videophone dedicated terminal of the call partner is checked. The incoming message notification message is transmitted, and when the incoming message notification message is received in the videophone dedicated terminal, the content is analyzed, and the incoming message including the identification information of the caller is displayed on the television by a telop display or a pop-up screen. It is characterized by being displayed.

  (5) In the videophone dedicated terminal, when a connection request message is received from the management server by an incoming call from another videophone dedicated terminal, at the same time as the connection with the multipoint conference control server, the own apparatus is in the absence mode. When it is recognized, the moving image storage processing unit is activated to store video and audio signals transmitted from other videophone-dedicated terminals in a file for a certain period of time.

  According to the present invention, when there is a new incoming call during a call in a videophone system capable of multi-party calls using an unbalanced network and using a multipoint conference control server (MCU), By displaying an incoming message that includes the caller's identification information on a videophone-only terminal, the user can know who has received the call even during a call. It is possible to take appropriate measures such as multiplying.

  In addition, when there is an incoming call when there is no call, a video file that stores a message including video information from the caller is provided on the videophone dedicated terminal instead of the server side, thereby affecting the impact of network traffic overload. The message from the caller can be reproduced without receiving it.

  In addition, when a multipoint conference control server (MCU) is expensive and the capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) must be restricted as an initial investment, a user who cannot be connected due to the restriction. When the user is notified of the vacancy in the multipoint conference control server (MCU) resource from the management server when the vacancy occurs in the multipoint conference control server (MCU) resource, If you call again, you can make a call, and you can alleviate the dissatisfaction of “not connected” to the videophone service.

  FIG. 1 shows an example of a videophone system network configuration using a CATV network to which the present invention is applied. In the figure, two types of configuration patterns are shown as examples of the configuration pattern of the user's home, but these are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to this configuration pattern. The first configuration pattern includes a cable modem (CM) 1-7 having an interface function between a CATV network and a LAN (Local Area Network) such as Ethernet (registered trademark) and a VoIP terminal adapter (VoIP-TA: Voice over Internet Protocol). This is a configuration example in which a video phone dedicated terminal (STB: Set Top Box) 1-4 is connected through a -Terminal Adapter 1-6 or the like. A VoIP terminal adapter (VoIP-TA) 1-6 is connected to an IP telephone 1-5 and provides an Internet telephone service.

  A videophone dedicated terminal (STB) 1-4 is connected to the TV 1-2, the microphone 1-3, the personal computer 1-1, and the like, and provides various video services by sending and receiving various data signals therebetween. In addition, a home terminal (HT) 1-8 having a tuner function or the like can be connected to the television 1-2 to receive various distributed image services.

  In the second configuration pattern, a videophone dedicated terminal (STB) 1-4 is directly connected to a cable modem (CM) 1-7, and a TV 1-2 and microphone 1- are connected to the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) 1-4. 3 is a configuration example in which 3 is connected. A home terminal (HT) 1-8 can be connected to the television 1-2.

  Each video phone dedicated terminal (STB) 1-4 at the user's home is connected to the center station via an unbalanced CATV network in which the upstream band is narrower than the downstream band. A signal with the dedicated terminal (STB) 1-4 is transmitted / received via the center modem 1-11. The center modem 1-11 and the multipoint conference control server (MCU) 1-12 are connected to the network in the center station. Further, a center modem 1-11, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server 1-13 and a management server 1-14 are connected via a switch 1-15.

  The above-described SIP server 1-13 is a device that implements SIP, which is one of the call control protocols used in Internet telephones using VoIP. The functions and operations of the management server 1-14 will be described in detail with reference to the following drawings. Note that a firewall is interposed between the switch 1-15, the SIP server 1-13, and the call management server 1-14. The switch 1-15 is connected to the Internet via the router 1-16.

  FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram of an operation example in which a plurality of call partners are selected from the menu displayed on the television by the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) and connected at the same time. The management server and each videophone dedicated terminal (STB) communicate with each other according to the TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol) protocol, and send and receive telegrams to perform the videophone connection service operation. Realize.

The management server is composed of the following components.
(A) An STB interface unit (B) that implements the TCP / IP protocol, distributes messages transmitted from each videophone dedicated terminal (STB), and assembles messages transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal (STB). ) A factor analysis unit that analyzes a message received from the STB interface unit, executes processing according to the content, generates a message, and requests the STB interface unit to send a message to a videophone dedicated terminal (STB). (C) Subscriber information database in which user videophone dedicated terminal (STB) information and usage setting information are stored.

The videophone dedicated terminal (STB) is composed of the following components.
(A) A remote control light receiving unit that receives a signal from a remote control operated by a user and notifies an operation pattern to the analysis unit (b) A menu screen of a videophone dedicated terminal (STB), a video screen of a call partner, etc. GUI (Graphical User Interface) display unit (c) An analysis unit (d) that executes processing in accordance with the analyzed contents triggered by information analysis of signals from the light receiving unit and the management server interface unit described below Management server interface unit that implements the TCP / IP protocol, sorts messages sent from the management server, and assembles messages to be sent to the management server. (E) A videophone dedicated terminal ( STB) Buzzer control unit for controlling start / stop of buzzer sound (f) Output message to user and video / audio signal to TV TSC output section

  Here, as an operation example, the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) displays the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) and the third videophone dedicated terminal (STB #) from the menu screen. 3) is selected by remote control operation. The light receiving unit (a) for remote control operation uses the user identification information (user ID) of the selected second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) and third videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 3). The analysis unit (c) is notified (1).

  The analysis unit (c) analyzes that “the connection request to the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) and the third videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 3)” is necessary for the connection. The information is passed to the management server interface unit (d) (2). The management server interface unit (d) generates a message and transmits a “connection request message” to the management server (3).

  The STB interface unit (A) in the management server that has received the message distributes the message and notifies the factor analysis unit (B) (4). The factor analysis unit (B) analyzes that it is “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) to the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2, STB # 3)”. Then, the corresponding information is read from the subscriber information database (C) in order to check the operation state of the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2, STB # 3) and acquire network information (5).

  If the operation state of the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2 and STB # 3) read from the subscriber information database (C) is in the “uncalled” state, the subscriber information database (C) The network information of the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2 and STB # 3) read out from the network is passed to the STB interface unit (A) (6).

  The STB interface unit (A) generates a “connection request message” including information indicating a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), and the second and third videophone dedicated terminals. The “connection request message” is broadcast to the IP addresses of (STB # 2, STB # 3) (7). In addition, a “connection permission message to the multipoint conference control server (MCU)” is transmitted to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) (8).

  Next, an example of an operation for notifying a user that a connection request has been received will be described with reference to FIG. As described in FIG. 2, the management server interface unit (d) of the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2, STB # 3) that has received the “connection request message” from the management server The distribution is performed and the analysis unit (c) is notified that the message has arrived (1).

  The analysis unit (c) analyzes that the message content is “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1)” and performs a buzzer sound instruction to the buzzer control unit (e). (2) Further, the GUI display unit (b) is notified of the connection request (3). The GUI display unit (b) constructs a display screen based on the information from the analysis unit (c) that “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) has been received”, and displays a display message. Create and instruct the NTSC output unit (f) to output the video signal to the television (4).

  The user of the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2, STB # 3) responds to the display indicating the connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), and When the response operation is performed with the remote control, the response is received by the management server, and the management server uses the first, second and third videophone terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3). Connection information for performing multi-party connection is transmitted to a call control server (SIP server).

  The control of the call control server (SIP server) controls the user's videophone dedicated terminal (STB) so as to make a multi-party connection using a multipoint conference control server (MCU). Video phone calls can be made between users of the second and third video phone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3).

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4, an operation example in which a new participant is additionally connected during a call by multi-party connection will be described. Here, from the state where a multi-party connection is already established between the first, second, and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3), the first An operation example in which the videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) prompts the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to participate in the call and becomes a four-party call will be described.

  When the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) performs a remote control operation so that the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) participates in the call, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) The light receiving unit (a) of the terminal (STB # 1) receives the remote control operation signal, and the signal is notified to the analysis unit (c) (1).

  The analysis unit (c) analyzes the received signal as “connection request to the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4)”, and sends information necessary for the connection to the management server interface unit (d). Give (2). The management server interface unit (d) generates a message and transmits a “connection request message” to the management server (3).

  The STB interface unit (A) in the management server that has received the message distributes the message and notifies the factor analysis unit (B) (4). The factor analysis unit (B) analyzes that it is “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) to the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4)”, and the fourth videophone dedicated terminal In order to check the operation status of (STB # 4) and acquire its network information, the corresponding information is read from the subscriber information database (C) (5), and the operation status of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) is If it is in the “no call” state, the read network information is transferred to the STB interface unit (A) (6).

  The STB interface unit (A) generates a “connection request message” including information indicating a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), and the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4). ) Is sent to the IP address (7). Upon receiving the “connection request message” from the management server, the management server interface unit (d) of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) sorts the message and analyzes the fact that the message has arrived ( c) is notified (8).

  The analysis unit (c) analyzes that the content of the message is “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1)”, and instructs the buzzer control unit (e) to sound a buzzer sound (9). , And notification (10) of the contents of the message to the GUI display unit (b). The GUI display unit (b) constructs a display screen based on the information from the analysis unit (c) that “a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) has been received”, and displays a display message. And instructing the NTSC output unit (f) to output to the television (11).

  When the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has recognized the connection request on the buzzer sound and the TV screen performs an operation “join the call” with the remote control, the fourth videophone dedicated terminal The light receiving unit (a) of (STB # 4) receives the remote control operation signal and notifies the analysis unit (c) of the signal (12).

  The analysis unit (c) analyzes that “the connection of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) is added to the multi-party connection in which the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is talking”. Then, information necessary for the connection is transmitted to the management server interface unit (d) (13). The management server interface part (d) generates a “connection request result” message and sends it to the management server (14).

  When the STB interface unit (A) of the management server receives the “connection request result” message from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4), the message is notified to the factor analysis unit (B) (15). The factor analysis unit (B) is configured such that the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is currently talking to the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2, STB # 3). And the network information of the first, second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3) are also read out from the subscriber information database (C). Read (16).

  The factor analysis unit (B) notifies the read information to the STB interface unit (A) (17), and the STB interface unit (A) uses the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4). Transmits a “member addition notification” message to the effect of participating in the multi-party call to the first, second, and third videophone terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3) (18).

  Thereafter, the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) makes a multi-party call at the first, second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3). A call that displays a message indicating participation, and additionally connects the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to the call control server (SIP server) from the management server using the multipoint conference control server (MCU). The control information is transmitted, and the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is transmitted between the first, second, third and fourth videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2, STB # 3, STB # 4). ) Can be used.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 5, an example of an operation for displaying information indicating that an incoming call has been made on the called party side during a call when a call is made to a videophone dedicated terminal (STB) during the call will be described. . Here, if the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) tries to connect to the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) that is in a call, it is the same as the case described in FIG. In addition, the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) transmits a “connection request message” to the management server ((1) to (3)).

  The STB interface unit (A) in the management server that has received the electronic message distributes the electronic message and notifies the cause analyzing unit (B) (4). The factor analysis unit (B) analyzes that “the request for connection from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2)”, and the second videophone The operating state of the dedicated terminal (STB # 2) is read from the subscriber information database (C).

  The factor analysis unit (B) recognizes from the read information from the subscriber information database (C) that the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) is in a call, and the second videophone dedicated terminal (B) The network information of STB # 2) is read again from the subscriber information database (C) (5), and the STB interface unit (A) is requested to send an incoming message (6). The STB interface unit (A) creates an “incoming message notification message” and transmits the message to the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) (7).

  The management server interface unit (d) of the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) that has received the “incoming message notification message” from the management server sorts the message and analyzes the fact that the message has arrived (c (8). The analysis unit (c) analyzes that the message content is “incoming message from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4)”, and notifies the GUI display unit (b) of the analysis content (9). The GUI display unit (b) constructs a display screen based on the information from the analysis unit (c), creates a message with a telop display or a pop-up screen, and instructs the NTSC output unit (f) to output to the television ( 10).

Next, with reference to FIG. 6, an example of an operation for leaving a message from a caller by video and audio when a user of a connected videophone dedicated terminal (STB) is absent will be described. In this embodiment, the following components are additionally provided in a videophone dedicated terminal (STB).
(G) A moving image accumulation processing unit for accumulating received video and audio packet data in a moving image file. (H) A moving image signal and an audio signal are reproduced from the accumulated video and audio data of the moving image file to the television. Movie playback processing unit to output

  When the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) tries to connect to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) in the absence of the user, as in the case described in FIG. The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) transmits a “connection request message” to the management server ((1) to (3)).

  The management server that has received the above-described message transmits a “connection request message” from the STB interface unit (A) to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), as in the case of FIG. 2 ((4 ) To (7) '). The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has received (7) the “connection permission message to the multipoint conference control server (MCU)” (8) passes through the management server interface part (d) (8) for analysis. The unit (c) performs call connection processing and connects to the multipoint conference control server (MCU).

  On the other hand, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) that has received the “connection request message” passes through the management server interface unit (d) (8) ′, and the analysis unit (c) performs call connection processing. To connect to a multipoint conference control server (MCU). At the same time, the analysis unit (c) recognizes that the device is in the absence mode, activates the moving image accumulation processing unit (g) (9) ′, and starts from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4). After storing the transmitted video / audio signal in the file for a certain period of time, the analysis unit (c) performs a call disconnection process and disconnects from the multipoint conference control server (MCU). As for the accumulated file, the analysis unit (c) activates the moving image reproduction processing unit (h) by the remote control operation of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) user to reproduce the moving image and the sound ( 10).

  Next, referring to FIG. 7, when many connections using the multipoint conference control server (MCU) occur and the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) tries to connect, the multipoint conference control server (MCU) When the processing capacity threshold is exceeded, it is determined that the connection cannot be made once, and when the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is vacant, the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) can be called. An operation example for notifying a message will be described.

  Here, if the user of the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) tries to connect to the nth videophone dedicated terminal (STB) #n (not shown), it is the same as in FIG. In addition, the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) transmits a “connection request message” to the management server ((1) to (3)).

  The STB interface unit (A) in the management server that has received the above message distributes the message and notifies the factor analysis unit (B) (4). The factor analysis unit (B) analyzes that it is a “connection request from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) #n”, and first, the multipoint conference control server (MCU) ) Is read out from the subscriber information database (C).

  If it is determined from the read information from the subscriber information database (C) that the number of connections already exceeding the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) has been reached, the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) "Not connectable notification message" is transmitted to (5) to (7). The factor analysis unit (B) writes history information indicating that the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) tried to connect but could not be connected to the subscriber information database (C) ( 5).

  The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has received the “connection impossible message” analyzes that the connection cannot be made by the analysis unit (c) via the management server interface unit (d). The result is output to the television via the GUI display unit (b) ((8) to (10)).

  Thereafter, as an example, if the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) ends the call, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) performs the remote control operation with the light receiving unit (a ), The analysis unit (c) recognizes “call disconnection” and transmits a “disconnection notification message” from the management server interface unit (d) to the management server ((11) to (13)).

  The management server that has received the “disconnect notification message” uses the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) in the factor analysis unit (B) via the STB interface unit (A) as in the normal operation. The cutting process is executed ((14) to (15)). At the same time, history information indicating that the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) tried to connect but could not be connected was read from the subscriber information database (C), and the STB interface unit (A) reads “Connectable message telegram” is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal 4 (STB # 4) ((16) to (17)).

  The fourth videophone-dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has received the “connectable message message” performs the same buzzer sound and message display on the TV screen ((18 ) To (21)), the user is informed that a call using the multipoint conference control server (MCU) has become possible.

  FIG. 13 shows an example of data stored in the subscriber information database in the present invention. (I) in the figure is a subscriber-specific information database in which the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) information and personal information of the user (subscriber) is stored for each subscriber, and (II) is the conversation of the user (subscriber). A group information database that stores member information of friends (groups) for each group, and (III) shows a configuration example of a history information database that stores a history of calls in which a multi-party call is attempted but connection is impossible.

  FIG. 8 shows an operation sequence of an embodiment in which a plurality of call partners are selected and connected at the same time, and the user is notified of connection request reception. In the figure, a group of videophone dedicated terminals (STB) using a videophone service is shown on the left side, and a server group installed in the center is shown on the right side. A multipoint conference control server ( MCU), call control server (SIP), and management server.

  The sequence of control information and video / audio data (RTP packets) exchanged between each videophone dedicated terminal (STB) group and each server group via an unbalanced network is shown. An RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) packet is a packet based on a transmission protocol for streaming reproduction of audio and video.

  Now, when the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) accesses the system, the MAC in which the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is registered in the sequences (1) and (2) first. (Media Access Control) An authentication check is performed to determine whether the address belongs.

  Next, in sequences (3) and (4), the latest information of the list such as the address book of the caller is acquired from the management server from the subscriber information database, and the information is displayed on the television. This list can be configured to store the callers in groups in advance in the subscriber information database and display them in groups. Next, in sequences (5) and (6), information on the latest operating state of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) and the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) of the user who is going to talk is acquired from the subscriber information database. .

  Based on the obtained information, the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) selects the other party to call with the remote control (in this example, the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1)). # 2, STB # 3)), the connection destination is notified to the management server in sequence (7).

  The management server checks the availability of MCU resources (hereinafter referred to as “lounge”) used for one-time multi-party connection, and determines that a sequence ( At 8), the MCU channel connection destination (talking room ID) of the common room is notified to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1). At the same time, the participating members participating in the current multi-party call (only the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) at this time) are notified.

  The first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) receives the notification of the MCU channel connection destination (talking room ID) and has obtained permission to use the talking room, and therefore connects to the designated MCU channel (this example) Then, it is assumed that a connection procedure based on a known SIP protocol is used), and a call state is established. At this point, since only the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is connected to the multipoint conference control server (MCU), the actual video is being called by the own camera on the actual screen. And a video screen showing the state of.

  The management server receives a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) to the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2 and STB # 3), so that the sequence (10) Then, to the second and third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 2 and STB # 3), a message that “there is a connection request from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1)” is transmitted simultaneously.

  The second videophone-dedicated terminal (STB # 2) that has received the broadcast of the sequence (10) (the same applies to the third videophone-dedicated terminal (STB # 3) hereafter) also appears on the TV screen as “First TV A message indicating that the “connection request from the telephone dedicated terminal (STB # 1)” has been received is displayed, and at the same time, a buzzer sound built in the video telephone dedicated terminal (STB) is sounded to display whether or not the user wishes to connect.

  When the user of the second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) performs a remote control operation for instructing connection, the management server performs authentication similar to sequence (1), and the management server performs the first videophone. The dedicated channel (STB # 1) responds with the MCU channel (talking room ID) in which the room is entered (sequence (11) to (13)).

  In addition, the first and second videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2) are notified that there are two videophone dedicated terminals (STBs) talking on the MCU channel (sequence). (14)). The second videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 2) performs a connection process to the designated MCU channel in the same procedure as the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), and enters a call state (first). 1 and the second videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 2) are in a call).

The parameter definitions for messages sent and received by the sequence of FIG. 8 are listed below.
(1) Authentication request STB MAC address or STB number, password (2) Authentication result Subscriber ID of the STB
(3) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Group name, group number * Repeat for the number of registered groups (4) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Subscriber name, subscriber ID (Tag), group name, group number * Registered number, repeated (5) Status inquiry request Group number or server number (6) Status notification Subscriber ID, status code (usually in conversation ( (Within own group), in conversation (in another group), not connected) * When the server is inquired (normally, not connected) only (7) Selector notification Subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3 * Up to 3 IDs (8) Common room ID notification Common room ID connected to MCU
(9) Member notification during connection Member subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4 currently connected within the group * Up to 4 IDs for subscriber ID (10) Connection request notification Host ID, group registration User ID # 1, # 2, # 3 and subscriber name * Up to 3 group registrant IDs (11) Authentication request: Same as (1) (12) Authentication result: Same as (2) (13) Discourse Room ID: Same as (8) (14) Connected member: Same as (9)

  FIG. 9 shows an operation sequence of an embodiment in which a new participant is additionally connected during a multi-party call. At the beginning of this sequence, it is assumed that multi-party connection is already set between the first to third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1 to STB # 3) by the above-described procedure. When an operation for causing the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to participate in the multi-party connection is performed by the user's remote control operation of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1), according to the sequence (1), A request message for increasing the number of call participation members (fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4)) is transmitted to the management server.

  After waiting for a certain period of time, the management server transmits a connection request to the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) by the same operation as described with reference to FIG. 2 (sequence (4)). If the operation is the same as the operation described with reference to FIG. 2, an unnecessary message for notifying the connected member is transmitted in the sequences (2) and (3), but on the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) side. It shall be destroyed.

  The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has received the connection request notifies the user of the incoming connection request by the same operation as described with reference to FIG. When done, the first to fourth videophones are connected to the MCU channel for multi-party calls set between the first to third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1 to STB # 3). A four-party call is performed between the dedicated terminals (STB # 1 to STB # 4) (sequence (5) to sequence (8)).

The parameter definitions for messages sent and received by the sequence of FIG. 9 are listed below.
(1) Selector notification Subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3 of the selector * Up to 3 IDs (2) Notification of the ID of the common room * Discard on the STB side ID of the common room connected to the MCU
(3) Member notification during connection * Discarded by STB Member subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4 currently connected within the group * Up to 4 IDs for subscriber ID (4) Connection request notification ID, group registrant ID # 1, # 2, # 3, and subscriber name * Group registrant ID up to 3 IDs (5) Authentication request STB MAC address or STB number, password (6) Authentication result STB Subscriber ID
(7) Common room ID notification Common room ID connected to MCU
(8) Notifying member being connected Member subscriber IDs # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4 currently connected in the group

  FIG. 10 shows an operation sequence of an embodiment in which when a call is made to a videophone dedicated terminal (STB) during a call, information indicating that the incoming call is received at the callee side during the call. It is assumed that the beginning of this sequence is already in the process of setting the multi-party connection between the first to third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1 to STB # 3) by the above-described procedure. When the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) connects to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) during a call, the operation similar to that described in FIG. Sequence (1) to (6)), a request for connection to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is transmitted to the management server (sequence (7)).

  Since the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is already in a call, the management server that has received the connection request according to the sequence (7) tells the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) to “first Of the video phone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is currently talking "(sequence (8)).

  In addition, for the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) during a call, a fixed message prepared in advance was used to indicate that “there was an incoming call from the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4). Is transmitted (sequence (9)), and the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) displays the above-mentioned information in a vacant space in the video screen during a call by using a telop display or a pop-up screen. Display a message.

The parameter definitions for messages sent and received by the sequence of FIG. 10 are listed below.
(1) Authentication request STB MAC address or STB number, password (2) Authentication result Subscriber ID of the STB
(3) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Group name * Repeat for the number of registered groups (4) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Subscriber name, subscriber ID (Tag), STB status, group name * Registered number, repeated (5) Status inquiry request Group number or server number (6) Status notification Subscriber ID, status code (usually in conversation ( (Within own group), in conversation (in another group), not connected) * When the server is inquired (normally, not connected) only (7) Selector notification Subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3 * Up to 3 IDs Until (8) Rejection notification Rejection or during a call or timeout or number of people exceeded or wrong number (9) Standard message transmission Message (text)

  FIG. 11 shows an operation sequence of an embodiment in which a message from a caller is left by video and audio when the connection destination is absent. Here, it is assumed that the first to third videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1 to STB # 3) are in the “absence mode”.

  The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) transmits a connection request to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) in the absence mode. The fourth videophone dedicated terminals (STB # 1, STB # 4) are set to the connected state (sequences (1) to (14)).

  However, since the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is set in the absence mode, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) is autonomous by the application software of the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) without waiting for the user's remote control operation. In response to complete the connection. At the same time, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) starts storing the received video / audio data and starts the recording timer.

  When the recording timer of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) times out, the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) automatically executes a disconnection sequence (sequences (15) to (16)). ). The fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has received the disconnection notification from the management server in sequence (16) recognizes that there is only one connected device and disconnects autonomously. The sequence is executed (sequence (17)).

The parameter definitions for messages sent and received by the sequence of FIG. 11 are listed below.
(1) Authentication request STB MAC address or STB number, password (2) Authentication result Subscriber ID of the STB
(3) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Group name * Repeat for the number of registered groups (4) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Subscriber name, subscriber ID (Tag), STB status, group name * Registered number, repeated (5) Status inquiry request Group number or server number (6) Status notification Subscriber ID, status code (usually in conversation ( (Within own group), in conversation (in another group), not connected) * When the server is inquired (normally, not connected) only (7) Selector notification Subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3 * Up to 3 IDs (8) Common room ID notification Common room ID connected to MCU
(9) Member notification during connection Member subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3, # 4 currently connected within the group * Up to 4 IDs for subscriber ID (10) Connection request notification Host ID, group registration User ID # 1, # 2, # 3 and subscriber name * Up to 3 group registrant IDs (11) Authentication request: Same as (1) (12) Authentication result: Same as (2) (13) Discourse Room ID: Same as (8) (14) Connected member: Same as (9) (15) Disconnection notification None (16) Connected member notification: Same as (9) (17) Disconnection notification: Same as (15)

  FIG. 12 shows an operation sequence of the embodiment in the case where the threshold of the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is exceeded when the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) tries to connect. It is assumed that a threshold value for the number of connections exceeding the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is set in advance in the management server. In addition, a multipoint conference control server is connected to a plurality of videophone dedicated terminals (STB) (including the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4)) other than the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1). Assume that the processing capacity of (MCU) is in a threshold limit state.

  When the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) connects to an arbitrary videophone dedicated terminal (STB), a connection request message is transmitted to the management server in the same manner as the operation described in FIG. (1) to (7)). The management server that has received the message including the connection partner notification in the sequence (7) compares the number of connections exceeding the threshold of the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) with the current number of connections. If it is determined that it is not possible, in sequence (8), a message indicating that there is no room available in the common room is transmitted to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1).

  In addition, when the processing capacity limit of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is in the limit state, history information indicating that a connection request was made from the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) but connection was impossible is stored in the database. Write in. The first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) that has received the message according to sequence (8) displays on the TV screen that the call is impossible.

  Here, when the fourth videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 4) that has been in a call ends the call, the management server is notified of the disconnection by the normal disconnection sequence (9), and the management server is the multipoint conference control server. When recognizing that there is a margin in the processing capacity of the (MCU), the history information of the videophone dedicated terminal (STB) requested to connect when the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) is in the limit is obtained. Search for.

  By searching the history information, the management server recognizes that there is a first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) that cannot be connected, and the management server uses a sequence (10) of the standard sentence prepared in advance. A message stating that the common room is available is transmitted to the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1). The first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) that has received the fixed message can make a call to the user of the first videophone dedicated terminal (STB # 1) by using a telop display or a pop-up display on the TV screen. Notify that it has become.

The parameter definitions for messages sent and received by the sequence of FIG. 12 are listed below.
(1) Authentication request STB MAC address or STB number, password (2) Authentication result Subscriber ID of the STB
(3) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Group name * Repeat for the number of registered groups (4) FTP (authentication)
STB MAC address or STB number, password FTP (csv)
Subscriber name, subscriber ID (Tag), STB status, group name * Registered number, repeated (5) Status inquiry request Group number or server number (6) Status notification Subscriber ID, status code (usually in conversation ( (Within own group), in conversation (in another group), not connected) * When the server is inquired (normally, not connected) only (7) Selector notification Subscriber ID # 1, # 2, # 3 * Up to 3 IDs (8) Common room ID notification Common room ID connected to MCU (if there is no free room code)
(9) Disconnection notification None (10) Standard message transmission Message (text)

(Appendix 1)
This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal in accordance with connection control information from the call control server to a videophone dedicated terminal installed at a multipoint; And a dedicated videophone terminal installed in each user's house, and the management server can communicate with the other party's user from the dedicated videophone terminal. When a connection request message including other information is received, the operation state of the videophone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the call partner is checked, and when the operation state is a call state, Means for transmitting an incoming message notification message to the IP address destination of the videophone dedicated terminal, and when receiving the incoming message notification message, the videophone dedicated terminal analyzes the content and provides the caller identification information. A multipoint videophone system comprising means for displaying an incoming message including a message on a television by a telop display or a pop-up screen.
(Appendix 2)
This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal in accordance with connection control information from the call control server to a videophone dedicated terminal installed at a multipoint; And a video phone dedicated terminal installed in each user's house, and the video phone dedicated terminal receives incoming calls from other video phone dedicated terminals. When receiving a connection request message from the management server and recognizing that the own device is in the absence mode, the video storage processing unit is activated, and video and audio signals transmitted from other videophone dedicated terminals are transmitted for a certain period of time. A multi-point videophone system comprising means for storing in a file.
(Appendix 3)
This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal in accordance with connection control information from the call control server to a videophone dedicated terminal installed at a multipoint; And a dedicated videophone terminal installed in each user's house, and the management server sends a connection request message from the dedicated videophone terminal. If the number of connections exceeds the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server, and if it is determined that the number of connections exceeds the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server, A communication failure notification message is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal and history information indicating that the call from the videophone dedicated terminal cannot be connected; And a means for transmitting a connectable message message to the videophone dedicated terminal that cannot be connected, and the videophone dedicated terminal that has received the connectable message message is a multipoint. A multi-point videophone system comprising means for displaying that a call using a conference control server is possible.
(Appendix 4)
A connection control method in a multipoint videophone system that uses a non-balanced network having a transmission bandwidth narrower than a reception bandwidth and provides a multipoint videophone terminal connection to a plurality of users' videophone dedicated terminals, In accordance with a connection request transmitted from the user's videophone dedicated terminal, a call control server that implements a call control protocol performs call connection control by a management server that manages user information of the user and videophone service connection management. In the connection control method for performing connection between multipoints via the multipoint conference control server in accordance with the connection control information from the call control server, in the management server, the user identification information of the communication partner from the videophone dedicated terminal When the connection request message containing the message is received, the operation status of the videophone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the other party is called When the operation state is a call state, an incoming message notification message is transmitted to the IP address of the videophone dedicated terminal of the other party, and the incoming message notification message is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal. An additional service connection control method for a multi-point videophone system, which, when received, analyzes the contents and displays an incoming message including caller identification information on a television by a telop display or a pop-up screen.
(Appendix 5)
A connection control method in a multipoint videophone system that uses a non-balanced network having a transmission bandwidth narrower than a reception bandwidth and provides a multipoint videophone terminal connection to a plurality of users' videophone dedicated terminals, In accordance with a connection request transmitted from the user's videophone dedicated terminal, a call control server that implements a call control protocol performs call connection control by a management server that manages user information of the user and videophone service connection management. In the connection control method for connecting between multiple points via the multipoint conference control server according to the connection control information from the call control server, the videophone dedicated terminal receives the incoming call from another videophone dedicated terminal. When a connection request message is received from the management server, the local device is in the absence mode simultaneously with the connection to the multipoint conference control server. When this is recognized, the moving image storage processing unit is activated, and video and audio signals transmitted from other videophone-dedicated terminals are stored in a file for a certain period of time. Method.
(Appendix 6)
A connection control method in a multipoint videophone system that uses a non-balanced network having a transmission bandwidth narrower than a reception bandwidth and provides a multipoint videophone terminal connection to a plurality of users' videophone dedicated terminals, In accordance with a connection request transmitted from the user's videophone dedicated terminal, a call control server that implements a call control protocol performs call connection control by a management server that manages user information of the user and videophone service connection management. In the connection control method for performing connection between multipoints via the multipoint conference control server according to the connection control information from the call control server, the management server receives a connection request message from the videophone dedicated terminal. Check whether the number of connections exceeds the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server. When it is determined that the number of connections exceeding the processing capacity is reached, a connection failure notification message is transmitted to the videophone dedicated terminal, and history information indicating that the call from the videophone dedicated terminal is not connectable Write and read the history information indicating that the connection was not possible at the end of the call of the other videophone-dedicated terminal, send a connectable message message to the videophone-dedicated terminal that became unreachable, and make the connection possible An additional service connection control method for a multipoint videophone system, characterized in that a videophone terminal dedicated to receiving a message message displays that a call using a multipoint conference control server is possible.

It is a figure which shows the example of a video telephone system network structure to which this invention is applied. It is explanatory drawing of the operation example which selects the telephone call party in this invention, and connects all at once. It is explanatory drawing of the operation example which notifies a user of connection request reception in this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the operation example which adds a new participant during the multi-party connection call in this invention. It is explanatory drawing of the example of an operation | movement which displays the effect of an incoming call on the called party side during the telephone call in this invention. It is explanatory drawing about the operation example which leaves the caller's message when the connection destination in this invention does not exist. It is explanatory drawing of the operation example which notifies that it became possible to talk when a vacancy arises in the multipoint conference control server (MCU) in this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of the Example of the notification of simultaneous connection and connection request reception to the some other party in this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of the Example which adds a new participant during the multi-party call in this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of the Example which displays the effect of an incoming call on the called party side during the telephone call in this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of the Example which leaves the caller's message in the connection destination in absence in this invention. It is a figure which shows the operation | movement sequence of an Example when the threshold value of the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server (MCU) in this invention is exceeded. It is a figure which shows an example of the storage data of the subscriber information database in this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1-1 Personal computer 1-2 Television 1-3 Microphone 1-4 Videophone dedicated terminal (STB)
1-5 IP phone 1-6 VoIP terminal adapter (VoIP-TA)
1-7 Cable modem (CM)
1-8 Home Terminal (HT)

Claims (5)

This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. There,
The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, and multipoints. A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal according to connection control information from the call control server to the videophone dedicated terminal installed, and each use It consists of a dedicated videophone terminal installed in the house,
When the management server receives a connection request message including user identification information of the call partner from the video phone dedicated terminal, the management server checks an operating state of the video phone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the call partner. And a means for transmitting an incoming message notification message to the IP address of the videophone dedicated terminal of the other party when the operation state is a call state,
The videophone-dedicated terminal comprises means for analyzing the content of the incoming message notification message when it is received and displaying the incoming message including the caller's identification information on the television by a telop display or a pop-up screen. Multi-point videophone system. This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. There,
The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, and multipoints. A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal according to connection control information from the call control server to the videophone dedicated terminal installed, and each use It consists of a dedicated videophone terminal installed in the house,
When the videophone dedicated terminal receives a connection request message from the management server by an incoming call from another videophone dedicated terminal and recognizes that the device is in the absence mode, the videophone dedicated terminal activates the video storage processing unit, A multi-point videophone system comprising means for storing video and audio signals transmitted from a videophone dedicated terminal in a file for a certain period of time. This is a multipoint videophone system that provides simultaneous multiparty call connection between multiple points to multiple users' videophone terminals using an unbalanced network with a narrower transmission bandwidth than the reception bandwidth. There,
The videophone system includes a management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management, a call control server that implements a call control protocol and performs call connection control according to connection information from the management server, and multipoints. A multipoint conference control server that distributes video signals and mixes audio signals from a user's videophone dedicated terminal according to connection control information from the call control server to the videophone dedicated terminal installed, and each use It consists of a dedicated videophone terminal installed in the house,
When the management server receives a connection request message from the videophone dedicated terminal, the management server checks whether the number of connections exceeds the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server, and determines the processing capacity of the multipoint conference control server. Means for transmitting a connection impossible notification message to the videophone dedicated terminal and writing history information indicating that the call from the videophone dedicated terminal is not connectable when it is determined that the number of connections exceeds the limit. And a means for reading history information indicating that the connection is impossible at the end of the call of the other videophone dedicated terminal, and transmitting a connectable message message to the videophone dedicated terminal that is not connectable,
The multipoint videophone system, wherein the videophone-only terminal that has received the connectable message telegram comprises means for displaying that a call using the multipoint conference control server is possible. A connection control method in a multipoint videophone system that provides a multipoint connection to a videophone dedicated terminal of a plurality of users using an unbalanced network in which a transmission bandwidth is narrower than a reception bandwidth,
In accordance with a connection request transmitted from the user's videophone dedicated terminal, a call control server that implements a call control protocol is used to perform call connection control by the management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management of the user. In a connection control method for performing connection between multipoints via a multipoint conference control server according to connection control information from the call control server,
In the management server, when receiving a connection request message including the user identification information of the other party from the videophone dedicated terminal, the operation state of the videophone dedicated terminal corresponding to the user identification information of the other party is checked. When the operation state is a call state, an incoming message notification message is transmitted to the IP address of the videophone dedicated terminal of the other party,
In the videophone dedicated terminal, when the incoming message notification message is received, the content is analyzed, and the incoming message including the identification information of the caller is displayed on the television by a telop display or a pop-up screen. Additional service connection control method for videophone system. A connection control method in a multipoint videophone system that provides a multipoint connection to a videophone dedicated terminal of a plurality of users using an unbalanced network in which a transmission bandwidth is narrower than a reception bandwidth,
In accordance with a connection request transmitted from the user's videophone dedicated terminal, a call control server that implements a call control protocol is used to perform call connection control by the management server that performs user information management and videophone service connection management of the user. In a connection control method for performing connection between multipoints via a multipoint conference control server according to connection control information from the call control server,
In the videophone dedicated terminal, when receiving a connection request message from the management server by an incoming call from another videophone dedicated terminal, it is recognized that the own apparatus is in the absence mode simultaneously with the connection to the multipoint conference control server. A method for controlling connection of an additional service in a multipoint videophone system, wherein a video storage processing unit is activated and video and audio signals transmitted from other videophone-dedicated terminals are stored in a file for a predetermined time.

Images