JP2007110491A - Adapter device for receiver, ip telephone device, ip videophone system, as well as communication linkage method, communications device, and communications system in ip videophone system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To easily establish linkage between an IP telephone device for transmitting and receiving voice data and an adapter device for a receiver for transmitting and receiving video data, in an IP videophone system. <P>SOLUTION: An IP videophone system 1 comprises an IP telephone device 3 for transmitting and receiving voice, data to and from a calling destination via an IP network 2, an adapter device 5 for a receiver 6 connected to the IP telephone device 3 via a router 7 for transmitting and receiving video data synchronized with the voice data to and from the calling destination, and the receiver 6 for reproducing video images based on the video data. The IP telephone device 3 and the adapter device 5 exchange their device information each other via the router 7, and establish mutual cooperation, based on the exchanged device information. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an adapter device for a receiver that realizes a videophone service by causing the receiver to cooperate with an IP telephone device, an IP videophone system, a communication link method in the IP videophone system, and a communication device that performs predetermined multimedia communication. And a communication system.

  In recent years, multimedia communication that performs communication by integrating various types of information such as voice and video with a communication partner is rapidly spreading. A communication device used for this type of multimedia communication is required to have many functions in order to communicate various types of information. However, a communication device having multiple functions is complicated in configuration and disadvantageous in terms of cost. There are communication systems that realize multimedia communication by combining a plurality of existing devices such as IP telephone devices and television receivers.

For example, a terminal having a limited terminal capability and a control device that performs call control of each terminal are provided, and a plurality of information media (that is, terminals) to be handled by call control of the control device are combined between the terminals. In a multimedia communication system that enables multimedia communication, a control device refers to a correspondence table in which correspondence relationships of terminals to be combined according to terminal capabilities are described, and determines a route of information media to be communicated to each terminal. A technique is known in which call control is performed by dividing a route according to terminal capability (see Patent Document 1). This is to achieve low-cost multimedia communication by combining devices with limited communication capabilities (telephones that process only audio, terminals that process only video, etc.) by a control device that performs call control. .
JP 2001-177665 A

  However, in the prior art as described in Patent Document 1, a correspondence table describing correspondence relationships of communication capabilities of devices such as telephones and terminals whose communication capabilities are limited is prepared in advance, and call control is performed on these devices. Therefore, there is a problem that the system configuration is complicated and the cost is increased. In particular, such a problem becomes more conspicuous in a communication system in which applications are relatively limited, such as a videophone system configured using a telephone and a television receiver.

  In addition, when trying to realize a communication system having the same function without using the correspondence table or the control device as in the above prior art, any device after establishing a linkage once combining predetermined devices It is desired that the same devices can be easily linked again even if the linkage is canceled by shutting off the power source.

  The present invention has been devised to solve such problems of the prior art, and facilitates cooperation between an IP telephone device that transmits and receives audio data and an adapter device for a receiver that transmits and receives video data. Receiver adapter device, IP videophone system and communication method in the IP videophone system, and easy establishment of cooperation between a plurality of communication devices that individually communicate information such as audio and video It is a main object of the present invention to provide a communication device and a communication system capable of performing the above.

  The IP videophone system according to the present invention includes an IP telephone device that transmits and receives voice data to and from a call destination via an IP network, and is connected to the IP phone device via a router. An IP videophone system including an adapter device for a receiver that transmits and receives video data synchronized with audio data, and a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data, the IP telephone device and the receiver The adapter devices exchange each other's device information via the router, and establish mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information.

  The receiver adapter device of the present invention is a receiver adapter device that cooperates with an IP telephone device and transmits / receives video data to / from a destination of the IP telephone device, and is a target of the cooperation. Search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information to a router connected to search for an IP telephone device; information acquisition means for obtaining device information of the IP telephone device in response to the search message; And a cooperation processing unit that establishes cooperation with the IP telephone device based on the acquired device information.

  An IP telephone apparatus according to the present invention is an IP telephone apparatus that transmits and receives audio data via an IP network in cooperation with a communication apparatus that transmits and receives video data to and from a call destination. Receiving means for receiving from the communication device a response message, response message sending means for sending a response message including its own device information to the communication device that has received the search message, and device information of the received communication device And a cooperation processing means for establishing cooperation with the communication device based on the above.

  The communication link method in the IP videophone system according to the present invention includes an IP telephone device that transmits and receives voice data to and from a call destination via an IP network, and is connected to the IP telephone device via a router. A communication link method in an IP videophone system comprising an adapter device for a receiver that transmits and receives video data to and from a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data, the IP telephone device and the IP phone device The receiver adapter device executes a step of exchanging mutual device information via the LAN and a step of establishing mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information.

  The communication system of the present invention includes a first communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from a communication destination, and is connected to the first communication device via a router and communicates with the communication destination. A communication system comprising a second communication device that transmits and receives another communication data in synchronization with data, wherein the first and second communication devices exchange device information with each other via the router. Based on this exchanged device information, mutual cooperation is established.

  In addition, the communication device of the present invention communicates with another communication device that transmits / receives communication data to / from a communication destination, and transmits / receives another communication data to / from the communication destination in synchronization with the communication data. A search message sending means for sending a search message including own device information via a router to which the other communication device to be linked is searched to search for the other communication device to be linked; It has an information acquisition means which acquires apparatus information of the other communication apparatus which responded, and a cooperation processing means which establishes cooperation with the other communication apparatus based on the acquired apparatus information.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to easily establish the cooperation between the IP telephone device that transmits and receives audio data and the adapter device for the receiver that transmits and receives video data. It is possible to easily and inexpensively implement videophone communication using audio and video. In addition, it has an excellent effect that it is possible to easily establish cooperation between a plurality of communication devices that individually communicate information such as audio and video, and as a result, multimedia communication using a plurality of types of information can be easily and easily performed. It can be realized at low cost.

  In order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a first invention is an IP telephone apparatus that transmits and receives voice data to and from a call destination via an IP network, and is connected to the IP telephone apparatus via a router. An IP videophone system comprising: an adapter device for a receiver that transmits / receives video data synchronized with the audio data to / from a receiver; and a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data, the IP phone The device and the adapter device for the receiver are configured to exchange mutual device information via the router and establish mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information.

  According to this, it is possible to easily establish cooperation between the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver. In this case, it is not necessary to separately provide a dedicated control device or the like for the cooperation between the two, and videophone communication using voice and video can be realized easily and inexpensively.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, either the IP telephone device or the adapter device for the receiver is connected via the router to search for a partner device to be linked. Search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information, information obtaining means for obtaining device information of the counterpart device in response to the search message, and cooperation with the counterpart device based on the obtained device information And a cooperative processing means for establishing

  According to this, one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver can easily search for a partner device (one of the other) to be linked and acquire the device information.

  In this case, the partner device that is the target of cooperation can acquire any one of the device information by receiving the search message. The “apparatus information” includes, for example, an apparatus type code indicating an apparatus type, and the information for identifying an apparatus that is a device that receives the apparatus information as a cooperation partner and determining whether cooperation is possible.

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage unit for storing device information of a device that is to be a target of cooperation by any one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver. Further, the cooperation processing unit compares the device information acquired by the information acquisition unit with the device information stored by the storage unit, and establishes the cooperation only when they match. it can.

  According to this, it is possible to establish cooperation with an appropriate cooperation partner by storing the device information of the device to be linked in the storage means. In this case, as the device information of the device to be linked, the device information of the partner device to be linked once once linked can be stored in the storage unit, thereby eliminating the linkage. It can be maintained without any problems.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention for solving the above-described problems, either the IP telephone device that has received the search message or the adapter device for the receiver includes its own device information in response to the search message. Response message sending means for sending a response message may be provided, and the information obtaining means may obtain the device information included in the response message.

  According to this, either the IP telephone device or the adapter device for the receiver can easily acquire the device information from the partner device (one of the other) to be linked by receiving the response message. Can do.

  In this case, the search message and the response message can be transmitted / received based on SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol). As a result, it is possible to easily generate a search message and a response message to which the device information is added.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a storage means for storing device information of a device that is to be linked with either one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver. The response message sending means compares the device information acquired from the search message with the device information stored in the storage means, and sends the response message only when they match. Can do.

  According to this, it is possible to send a response message to an appropriate cooperation partner by storing the device information of the device to be linked in the storage means. In this case, as the device information of the device to be linked, it is possible to store in the storage means either one of the device information that has once established the linkage, thereby maintaining the linkage without canceling the linkage. It is possible to keep.

  A sixth invention made to solve the above-mentioned problem is that the search message includes destination information for specifying a device to be linked, and the response message sending means is configured to respond to the response based on the destination information. It can be configured to determine whether or not a message can be transmitted.

  According to this, since the device (one of the other) that has received the search message sends out a response message only when the destination information included in the search message designates itself, it is possible to more appropriately cooperate with the cooperation partner. It becomes possible to establish.

  A seventh invention made to solve the above-described problem can be configured such that the search message sending means sends the search message when power is turned on. According to this, even if the cooperation is once canceled due to power interruption or the like, it is possible to quickly establish the cooperation again by restarting.

  An eighth invention made to solve the above-described problem can be configured such that the search message sending means multicasts the search message a predetermined number of times until the cooperation is established. According to this, it becomes possible to cause the partner device (one of the other) to be linked to receive the search message more reliably.

  A ninth invention made to solve the above-mentioned problem is that the search message sending means broadcasts the search message a predetermined number of times until the cooperation is established when the previous cooperation is not established by the multicast transmission. It can be configured.

  According to this, it becomes possible to cause the partner device (one of the other) to be linked to receive the search message more reliably. This is particularly effective when a relay device (for example, a router) that relays the connection between the IP telephone device and the receiver adapter device in the LAN does not support multicast transmission.

  In a tenth aspect of the invention made to solve the above-described problem, any one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver further has an operation means for setting the cooperation timing by a user operation. The search message sending means may be configured to send the search message in response to a user operation on the operation means.

  According to this, it becomes possible for the user to start videophone communication at a desired timing. For example, when the user operates the operation means during a voice call using only the IP phone device, the cooperation between the IP phone device and the adapter device for the receiver is established, and communication of video data in addition to the voice data is started. can do.

  An eleventh invention made to solve the above problem is an adapter device for a receiver that cooperates with an IP telephone apparatus and transmits / receives video data to / from a call destination of the IP telephone apparatus. Search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information to a router connected to search for a target IP telephone device, and information acquisition for acquiring device information of the IP telephone device in response to the search message And a cooperation processing means for establishing cooperation with the IP telephone device based on the acquired device information.

  A twelfth invention made to solve the above problem is an IP telephone device that transmits and receives audio data via an IP network in cooperation with a communication device that transmits and receives video data to and from a call destination. A receiving means for receiving a search message including device information of the communication device from the communication device; a response message sending means for sending a response message including own device information to the communication device that has received the search message; and the received It is set as the structure which has a cooperation processing means which establishes cooperation with the said communication apparatus based on the apparatus information of a communication apparatus.

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IP telephone device that transmits / receives voice data to / from a call destination via an IP network, and is connected to the IP telephone device via a router. A communication link method in an IP videophone system comprising an adapter device for a receiver that transmits and receives video data to and from a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data, the IP telephone device and the IP phone device The adapter device for the receiver is configured to execute a step of exchanging mutual device information via the LAN and a step of establishing mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information.

  A fourteenth invention made to solve the above-mentioned problems is a first communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from a communication destination, and is connected to the first communication device via a router, and the communication destination And a second communication device that transmits and receives another communication data in synchronization with the communication data. The first and second communication devices communicate with each other via the router. Device information is exchanged, and mutual cooperation is established based on the exchanged device information. According to this, it is possible to easily establish cooperation between communication apparatuses that communicate different communication data (for example, audio data and video data).

  A fifteenth aspect of the invention made to solve the above-mentioned problem is that in cooperation with another communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from the communication destination, the communication data is synchronized with the communication destination and another communication device is provided. Search message sending means for sending and receiving communication data, wherein the search message sending means sends a search message including its own device information through a router to which the other communication device to be linked is to be searched in order to search for the other communication device And an information acquisition unit that acquires device information of the other communication device that responds to the search message, and a cooperation processing unit that establishes cooperation with the other communication device based on the acquired device information; To do.

  According to this, the communication device can easily search for another communication device to be linked and acquire the device information. In this case, the other communication device to be linked can acquire the device information of the linked partner from the search message.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of an IP videophone system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. The IP videophone system 1 is connected to an IP telephone device 3 that transmits and receives audio data via an IP network 2 and is connected to the IP telephone device 3 via a router 7 and is synchronized with the audio data of the IP telephone device 3. A television adapter device (receiver adapter device) 5 that transmits and receives video data, a television receiver 6 that plays back video based on video data received from the television adapter device 5, and each device connected to the LAN 4 transmit and receive. And a router 7 that performs relay processing of various data to be performed. In addition, a multimedia communication device 8 which is a communication partner of the IP videophone system 1 is connected to the IP network 2 via a router 9. The multimedia communication device 8 is connected to the communication partner via the IP network 2. And a videophone communication function capable of transmitting and receiving audio data and video data in synchronization with each other. The multimedia communication device 8 and the router 9 may have the same configuration as that of the IP videophone system 1.

  The IP videophone system 1 establishes a cooperation between the IP telephone device 3 and the TV adapter device 5, thereby establishing a predetermined communication protocol (for example, ITU-T recommendation H.323) with the multimedia communication device 8. Based on this, it is possible to execute videophone communication using audio and video. Although details will be described later, the IP telephone device 3 and the television adapter device 5 exchange device information via the router 7 prior to communication with the multimedia communication device 8, and cooperate with each other based on the exchanged device information. Establish.

  Here, “cooperation” means that the IP telephone apparatus 3 or the TV adapter apparatus 5 recognizes a target apparatus that cooperates in the video telephone communication with the multimedia communication apparatus 8, and is necessary for the cooperation. It is a concept that includes operations such as information exchange and setting. In addition, the device information to be exchanged includes a device type code indicating a device type, information on an IP address and a port number, and the like.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing details of the television adapter device and the television receiver in the IP videophone system shown in FIG.

  The video adapter device 5 is a device for realizing a video phone service in cooperation with the IP telephone device 3, and is connected to the television receiver 6 that reproduces video, and includes a communication control unit 21, a network I / F unit. (Interface) 22, display control unit 23, display output unit 24, camera 25, video codec 26, remote controller 27, remote control unit 28, cooperation control unit 29, and main control unit 30 are mainly provided.

  The communication control unit 21 is connected to the LAN 4 through the network I / F unit 22, and performs communication related to cooperation processing with the IP telephone device 3 and video communication with the multimedia communication device 8 through the IP network 2. Control.

  The display control unit 23 generates screen display data for displaying the video data received from the multimedia communication device 8 and the video data generated by imaging with the camera 25 on the television receiver 6. The display output unit 24 converts the screen display data generated by the display control unit 23 into a video signal suitable for the television receiver 6 and sends the video signal to the television receiver 6.

  The video codec 26 has a function of encoding and decoding video data transmitted / received to / from a communication partner.

  The remote control unit 28 receives a control signal (for example, an infrared signal) including information on a user's operation instruction from the remote controller (operation unit) 27 and sends this control signal to the main control unit 30. The main control unit 30 executes various operations based on the control signal. The user can give various operation instructions to the television adapter device 5 such as setting the cooperation timing with the IP telephone device 3 by operating an operation key (not shown) on the remote controller 27.

  The cooperation control unit 29 has a control function for operating the television adapter device 5 as a UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) device, and includes a message transmission / reception unit 41, an information acquisition unit 42, a cooperation processing unit 43, and a storage unit 44. Consists mainly of. Here, the message transmission / reception unit 41 (search message sending means) searches for an IP telephone device 3 to be linked, based on SSDP (Simple Service Discovery Protocol) and adds an M-SEARCH command (with its own device information). Search message) is sent to LAN4. Further, the message transmission / reception unit 41 receives a 200 OK response (response message) returned from the IP telephone apparatus 3 that has received the M-SEARCH command. The device information of the IP telephone device 3 is added to the 200 OK response returned from the IP telephone device 3, and the information acquisition unit (information acquisition means) 42 of the IP telephone device 3 included in the 200 OK response. Get device information. The cooperation processing unit (cooperation processing means) 43 establishes cooperation with the IP telephone device 3 based on the device information of the IP telephone device 3 acquired by the information acquisition unit 42. The storage unit (storage means) 44 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various types of information related to cooperation processing such as device information of the IP telephone device 3 to be linked.

  When the cooperation processing unit 43 performs the cooperation processing for the first time (for example, immediately after the introduction of the system or after each device is reset), the device information of the IP telephone device once established is stored in the storage unit 44. As a result, the IP telephone apparatus that has once established cooperation is set as an apparatus that should be the object of cooperation when performing the next cooperation processing. The device information stored in the storage unit 44 is retained as it is even when the communication is terminated and the cooperation is canceled. In the subsequent cooperation processing, the cooperation processing unit 43 acquires the device information acquired by the information acquisition unit 42. Are compared with the device information stored in the storage unit 44, and the re-cooperation is established (that is, the previous cooperation is continued) only when the two match.

  The main control unit 30 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the device.

  The television receiver 6 mainly includes an external input I / F 51 and a display unit 52. A video signal transmitted from the display output unit 24 of the television adapter device 5 is input to the external input I / F 51, and an image is displayed on the display unit 52 based on the video signal. As the video signal used here, for example, a known signal such as a composite video signal conforming to the NTSC (National Television Standards Committee) system can be used. The television receiver 6 can also reproduce video based on video data of television broadcast received by a tuner unit (not shown).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing details of the IP telephone apparatus in the IP videophone system shown in FIG. The IP telephone apparatus 3 mainly includes a communication control unit 61, a network I / F 62, a display control unit 63, an LCD (liquid crystal display) 64, an audio codec 65, a handset 66, a cooperation control unit 67, and a main control unit 68.

  The communication control unit 61 is connected to the LAN 4 via the network I / F 62, and controls communication related to cooperation processing with the television adapter device 5 and audio communication with the multimedia communication device 8 via the IP network 2. .

  The display control unit 63 performs control for causing the LCD 64 to display various information related to the operation and settings of the IP telephone device 3 using images and characters. The LCD 64 displays information related to the cooperation processing with the TV adapter device 5 (for example, device information of the TV adapter device 5 to be linked, information indicating the processing status of the cooperation, etc.), whereby the user can The cooperation status with the device 5 can be confirmed.

  The audio codec 65 has a function of encoding and decoding audio data transmitted / received to / from a communication partner.

  The cooperation control unit 67 has a control function for causing the IP telephone device 3 to operate as a UPnP device, and mainly includes a message transmission / reception unit 71, an information acquisition unit 72, a cooperation processing unit 73, and a storage unit 74. Here, the message transmission / reception unit 71 receives the M-SEARCH command sent from the television adapter device 5 to be linked, and sends a 200 OK response with its own device information added to the television according to the M-SEARCH command. A reply is made to the adapter device 5. The information acquisition unit 72 acquires device information of the television adapter device 5 included in the M-SEARCH command. The cooperation processing unit 73 establishes cooperation with the television adapter device 5 based on the device information acquired by the information acquisition unit 72. The storage unit 74 is composed of a non-volatile memory such as a flash memory, and stores various types of information related to cooperation processing such as device information of the television adapter device 5 to be linked.

  In addition, the cooperation process part 73 memorize | stores the apparatus information of the television adapter apparatus which once established cooperation in the memory | storage part 74, when performing a cooperation process for the first time. As a result, the television adapter apparatus that has once established the cooperation is set as an apparatus to be the object of cooperation when performing the next cooperation processing. The device information stored in the storage unit 74 is retained as it is even when the communication is terminated and the cooperation is canceled. In the subsequent cooperation process, the cooperation processing unit 73 acquires the device acquired by the information acquisition unit 72. The information is compared with the device information stored in the storage unit 74, and only when the two coincide with each other, re-cooperation is established (that is, the previous cooperation is continued).

  The main control unit 68 comprehensively controls the operation of each part of the apparatus.

  Next, details of the cooperative operation between the IP telephone apparatus 3 and the TV adapter apparatus 5 having the above-described configuration will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of messages transmitted and received in the process of cooperation between the IP telephone device and the television adapter device.

  FIG. 4A shows an example of an M-SEARCH command that is transmitted by the television adapter device 5 with its own device information added to search for the IP telephone device 3 to be linked. In this M-SEARCH command, the search target (ST :) describes “IP-TEL10-Device: 1-0-” 81 indicating that the target of the M-SEARCH command is an IP telephone device, “4fuyK30Cj6A =” 82 indicating the device information number (encoded one) of the television adapter device 5 that has transmitted the M-SEARCH command is described.

  When the IP telephone apparatus 3 receives this M-SEARCH command, whether or not the IP telephone apparatus 3 is the target of the M-SEARCH command based on the information of the search target “IP-TEL10-Device: 1-0-” 81. In addition, the device type of the transmission source of the M-SEARCH command can be confirmed from the information of “4fuyK30Cj6A =” 82 and whether or not cooperation with the transmission source can be determined.

  FIG. 4B shows an example of a 200 OK response returned from the IP telephone apparatus 3 that has received the M-SEARCH command. In this 200 OK response, the location (Location :) includes “192.168.2.100:30009” 83 indicating the IP address and port number of the IP telephone device 3 and “IsJWjFkb66s =” indicating the device information number of the IP telephone device 3. 84 is described.

  When the TV adapter device 5 receives this 200 OK response, the IP address and port number of the IP telephone device 3 can be confirmed from the information of “192.168.2.100:30009” 83 in the above location, and “IsJWjFkb66s = The device type of the reply source of the 200 OK response can be confirmed from the information of “84”, and it can be determined whether or not cooperation with the transmission source is possible.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure at the time of cooperation between the IP telephone apparatus and the TV adapter apparatus shown in FIGS. Here, as an example, a case where the cooperation processing between the IP telephone device and the television adapter device is performed for the first time (for example, immediately after the introduction of the system or after the reset of each device) is shown. Further, it is assumed that the IP telephone device 3 is executing voice communication alone or is simply activated at the start of the cooperation. When the TV adapter device 5 is activated (S101), the device information number, etc., as its own device information The M-SEARCH command to which is added (see FIG. 4A) is sent to the IP telephone apparatus under the router 7 via the router 7 (S102). By receiving the M-SEARCH command, IP telephone device 3 can acquire the device information number of the television adapter device included in the M-SEARCH command. Here, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit 74 of the IP telephone device 3, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit 74 and the cooperation with the TV adapter device 5 is established. Here, the device information number stored in the storage unit 74 is used as information indicating a device to be linked in the next linkage process.

  Therefore, the IP telephone device 3 returns a 200 OK response (see FIG. 4B) to which the device information number or the like is added as its device information to the television adapter device 5 (S103). The TV adapter device 5 can acquire the device information number of the IP telephone device included in the 200 OK response by receiving the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3. Here, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit 44 of the television adapter device 5, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit 44 and the cooperation with the IP telephone device 3 is established.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the remote controller 27 to instruct the start of videophone communication (S104), the TV adapter device 5 sends out the M-SEARCH command again as in S102 (S105). Therefore, the IP telephone apparatus 3 acquires the device information number included in the M-SEARCH command, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 74. Here, since the device information numbers match, the IP telephone apparatus 3 returns a 200 OK response in the same manner as in S103 (S106).

  The TV adapter device 5 acquires the device information number included in the 200 OK response, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 44. Here, since the device information numbers match, the television adapter device 5 continues to cooperate with the IP telephone device 3 established at the time of the previous activation.

  In S102 or S105, the TV adapter device 5 can repeatedly multicast the M-SEARCH command a predetermined number of times (for example, four times) until receiving a 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3. Furthermore, if the TV adapter device 5 has not yet received the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3 after the multicast transmission, the television adapter device 5 only receives a 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3 for a predetermined number of times (for example, five times). The M-SEARCH command can be repeatedly broadcasted. As a result, it is possible to avoid the trouble that the IP telephone device 3 to be linked cannot receive the search message and the linkage process is interrupted.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure at the time of re-cooperation between the IP telephone apparatus and the TV adapter apparatus shown in FIGS.

  First, similarly to S102 to S103 shown in FIG. 5, when the TV adapter device 5 is activated (S201), the TV adapter device 5 sends an M-SEARCH command (S202), while the IP telephone device 3 receives a 200 OK response. Is returned (S203). Thereby, mutual cooperation between the television adapter device 5 and the IP telephone device 3 is established.

  After the cooperation is established in this way, when trouble or the like occurs and the power supply of the television adapter device 5 is shut off (S204), the television adapter device 5 is restarted by the user or automatically (S205). In response to this restart, the television adapter device 5 sends the M-SEARCH command again in the same manner as in S202 (S206). Therefore, the IP telephone apparatus 3 acquires the device information number included in the M-SEARCH command, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 74. Here, since the device information numbers match, the IP telephone apparatus 3 returns a 200 OK response in the same manner as in S203 (S207).

  The TV adapter device 5 acquires the device information number included in the 200 OK response, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 44. Here, since the device information numbers match, the television adapter device 5 continues to cooperate with the IP telephone device 3 established at the time of the previous activation.

  In this way, even if the power is cut off due to trouble or the like, it becomes possible to continue the cooperation promptly after the restart. Note that the same applies to the case where the power is shut off as in S204 after the continuation of cooperation as shown in S104 to S106 in FIG. 5 is executed.

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooperation processing in the television adapter device shown in FIG. When processing for linking with the IP telephone device 3 is started, first, the message transmitting / receiving unit 41 generates an M-SEARCH command to which the device information number of the TV adapter device 5 is added, and the IP phone under the router 7. Multicast transmission is performed to the device (IP telephone device 3 in this example) (S301). Subsequently, a 200 OK response reception process is executed (S302), and it is determined whether or not a 200 OK response including the device information number of the IP telephone apparatus 3 is received within a predetermined time (S303).

  Therefore, when a 200 OK response is received within a predetermined time, the cooperation processing unit 43 confirms whether or not the device information number is stored in the storage unit 44, and has already cooperated with the predetermined IP telephone device. It is determined whether or not (S304). If the device information number is already stored in the storage unit 44 and it is determined that the cooperation has been completed, the cooperation processing unit 43 stores the device information number of the IP telephone device 3 included in the 200 OK response and the storage unit 44. The stored device information number is compared (S305). As a result of the comparison, if both device information numbers match (S306: YES), the cooperation is notified to the user that the cooperation is established thereby (S307), and the operation of the cooperation processing ends. This notification of completion can be performed, for example, by displaying a message indicating that the cooperation processing of the television adapter device 5 has been completed on the display unit 52 of the television receiver 6.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in S304 that the device information number is not stored in the storage unit 44 and it has not been linked, the device information number of the IP telephone device 3 included in the received 200 OK response is stored in the storage unit 44. Store (S308), notify the user of the completion of cooperation in the same manner as described above (S307), and the operation of the cooperation processing ends.

  In S303, if a 200 OK response is not received even after a predetermined time has elapsed, or if the device information numbers do not match in S306, the message transmission / reception unit 41 determines that the number M of multicast transmissions of the M-SEARCH command is M. It is determined whether the specified number of times X has been reached (M ≧ X?) (S309). Therefore, if the number of transmissions M has not reached the prescribed number of times X, the M-SEARCH command is again multicast transmitted in the same manner as in S301 (S310), the number of times of multicast transmission M is incremented (S311), and the process returns to S302 again. Note that the case where the device information numbers do not match in S306 means that there are a plurality of IP telephone devices on the LAN 4 and a 200 OK response is received first from an IP telephone device different from the first linked device. Conceivable.

  While the 200 OK response from the IP telephone apparatus 3 cannot be received or the 200 OK response cannot be received from the IP telephone apparatus having the stored device information number, the number of transmissions M of the M-SEARCH command is finally the specified number X. (S309: YES), the message transmission / reception unit 41 stops multicast transmission of the M-SEARCH command and switches to broadcast transmission. Therefore, it is determined whether or not the number N of broadcast transmissions has reached the prescribed number Y (S312). If the number of transmissions N has not reached the prescribed number Y, the M-SEARCH command is broadcast again (S313). The broadcast transmission count M is incremented (S314), and the process returns to S302 again.

  When the number N of transmissions of the M-SEARCH command finally reaches the specified number Y (S312: YES), it is determined that an abnormality has occurred in the cooperation process, and an error is notified to the user (S315).

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the operation of the cooperation process of the IP telephone apparatus shown in FIG. When the IP telephone device 3 is activated, M-SEARCH command reception processing is executed (S401), and a state of waiting for reception of an M-SEARCH command including the device information number of the television adapter device 5 is entered (S402). Therefore, when the M-SEARCH command is received (S402: YES), the cooperation processing unit 73 confirms whether or not the device information number is stored in the storage unit 74, and has already cooperated with the predetermined television adapter device. It is determined whether or not (S403).

  If the device information number is already stored in the storage unit 74 and it is determined that the device has been linked, the linkage processing unit 73 stores the device information number of the TV adapter device 5 included in the M-SEARCH command and the storage unit 74. Is compared with the device information number stored in (S404). As a result of the comparison, if both device information numbers match (S405: YES), the cooperation is notified to the user that the cooperation has been established thereby (S406), and the device information number of the IP telephone device 3 is notified. A 200 OK response including the above is transmitted to the television adapter device 5 (S407). This notification of completion can be performed, for example, by displaying on the LCD 64 of the IP telephone apparatus 3 a message that the cooperation process of the IP telephone apparatus 3 has been completed.

  On the other hand, in S403, if the device information number is not stored in the storage unit 74 and it is determined that the cooperation is not completed, the device information number of the television adapter device 5 included in the received M-SEARCH command is stored in the storage unit 74. (S408), the user is notified of the completion of cooperation (S406), and a 200 OK response is transmitted (S407).

  If the device information number stored in the storage unit 74 does not match in S405 (S405: NO), it is determined that an M-SEARCH command has been received from another TV adapter device that is not linked on the same LAN 4. Therefore, the process returns to S401 and waits for reception of the next M-SEARCH command.

  FIG. 9 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the IP videophone system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. This IP videophone system 101 has a configuration substantially similar to that of the IP videophone system 1 shown in FIG. 1, but differs in that it further includes an IP phone device 103. That is, the system of FIG. 9 shows a state in which an IP telephone device 103 that can only make a call without a videophone function is added. Here, the same components as those in the IP videophone system 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the IP telephone device 103 is the same device as the IP telephone device 3. Although not shown, the communication partner of the IP videophone system 101 is the same as in FIG. Regarding IP videophone system 101, matters not specifically mentioned below are the same as those of IP videophone system 1 described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure during cooperation between the IP telephone device and the television adapter device shown in FIG.

  When the TV adapter device 5 is activated (S501), an M-SEARCH command (see FIG. 4A) to which the device information number is added as its device information is sent to the IP telephone device under the router 7 via the router 7. It is sent out (S502). When the IP telephone device 3 receives the M-SEARCH command, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit 74, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit 74, and the TV adapter device 5 Establish cooperation. Similarly, when the IP telephone apparatus 103 receives the M-SEARCH command, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit.

  Therefore, the IP telephone device 3 returns a 200 OK response (see FIG. 4B) with the device information number and the like added as its device information to the television adapter device 5 (S503). Similarly, the IP telephone device 103 returns a 200 OK response with the device information number added as its device information to the television adapter device 5 (S504).

  When the TV adapter device 5 receives the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit 44, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit 44 and the IP phone. Establish cooperation with the device 3. On the other hand, when the TV adapter apparatus 5 receives the 200 OK response from the IP telephone apparatus 3 after receiving the 200 OK response from the IP telephone apparatus 3, the apparatus information number included in the 200 OK response is acquired, and the apparatus The information number is compared with the device information number of IP telephone apparatus 3 already stored in storage unit 44. Here, since the device information numbers do not match, the TV adapter device 5 rejects the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 103.

  Here, the case where the 200 OK response from IP telephone apparatus 3 is received before the 200 OK response from IP telephone apparatus 103 is shown, but the 200 OK response of IP telephone apparatus 103 is received first. In such a case, the 200 OK response of the IP telephone device 3 is rejected.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the remote controller 27 to instruct the start of videophone communication (S505), the video adapter device 5 transmits the M-SEARCH command again as in S502 (S506). Therefore, the IP telephone apparatus 3 acquires the device information number included in the M-SEARCH command, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 74. Here, since the device information numbers match, the IP telephone apparatus 3 returns a 200 OK response in the same manner as in S503 (S507). Similarly, when IP telephone apparatus 103 receives the M-SEARCH command, it compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit. Here, since the device information numbers match, IP telephone apparatus 103 returns a 200 OK response (S508).

  When the TV adapter device 5 receives the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 3, it compares the device information number included in the 200 OK response with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 44. Here, since the device information numbers match, the television adapter device 5 continues to cooperate with the IP telephone device 3 established at the time of the previous activation. On the other hand, when the TV adapter device 5 receives the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 103, it compares the device information number of the IP telephone device 3 already stored in the storage unit 44 with being included in the 200 OK response. Here, since the device information numbers do not match, the TV adapter device 5 rejects the 200 OK response from the IP telephone device 103.

  In this way, even when a plurality of IP telephone apparatuses are connected to the LAN 4, appropriate linkage processing is possible. Here, an example in which two IP telephone devices are connected is shown, but the same processing can be performed even when the number of IP telephone devices is further increased.

  In the above description, the case of cooperation with the IP telephone apparatus that has returned the response first has been described. Alternatively, the M-SEARCH command is included in the M-SEARCH command that the television adapter apparatus 5 transmits in S502 or S506. By adding destination information (device information number, etc.) that designates the IP telephone device 3 that should receive the message, the IP telephone device 103 that has received the M-SEARCH command rejects the M-SEARCH command without establishing cooperation. Such a configuration is also possible.

  Further, the TV adapter device 5 can receive a 200 OK response from a plurality of IP telephone devices, and select a linked IP telephone device from the device information number of the IP telephone device included in the 200 OK response. It is.

  FIG. 11 is a system configuration diagram showing the configuration of the IP videophone system according to the third embodiment of the present invention. This IP videophone system 201 has substantially the same configuration as the IP videophone system 1 shown in FIG. 1, but differs in that it further includes a TV adapter device 205 and a television receiver 206. In the system of FIG. 11, for example, two IP telephone devices, two television adapters, and two television receivers are installed under the router 6, but there is a case where the power of one IP telephone device is turned off. Conceivable. Here, the same components as those in the IP videophone system 1 shown in FIG. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and the TV adapter device 205 and the television receiver 206 are the same as those in the TV adapter device 5 and the television receiver. Assume that each of the devices is the same as the machine 6. Although not shown, the communication partner of the IP videophone system 201 is the same as in FIG. Regarding IP videophone system 201, matters not particularly mentioned below are the same as those of IP videophone system 1 described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation at the time of cooperation between the IP telephone apparatus and the TV adapter apparatus shown in FIG.

  When the TV adapter device 5 is activated (S601), an M-SEARCH command (see FIG. 4A) to which the device information number is added as its device information is sent to the IP telephone device under the router 6 via the router 6. It is sent out (S602). When the IP telephone device 3 receives the M-SEARCH command, since the device information number is not yet stored in the storage unit 74, the acquired device information number is stored in the storage unit 74. A 200 OK response (see FIG. 4B) with the device information number added as its own device information is returned to the television adapter device 5 (S603).

  After that, when the television adapter device 205 is activated (S604), an M-SEARCH command to which a device information number or the like is added as its own device information is transmitted to the LAN 4 (S605). When IP telephone apparatus 3 receives the M-SEARCH command, it compares the device information number included in the M-SEARCH command with the device information number already stored in the storage unit. Here, since the device information numbers do not match, IP telephone apparatus 3 does not send back a 200 OK response.

  Here, the case where the television adapter device 5 is activated before the television adapter device 205 and the cooperation process is started is shown, but when the television adapter device 205 is activated first, the television adapter is reversed. Cooperation between the device 205 and the IP telephone device 3 is established.

  Thereafter, when the user operates the remote controller 27 to instruct the start of videophone communication (S606), the video adapter device 5 transmits the M-SEARCH command again as in S602 (S607). Therefore, the IP telephone apparatus 3 acquires the device information number included in the M-SEARCH command, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 74. Here, since the device information numbers match, the IP telephone apparatus 3 returns a 200 OK response in the same manner as in S603 (S608).

  The TV adapter device 5 acquires the device information number included in the 200 OK response, and compares the acquired device information number with the device information number already stored in the storage unit 44. Here, since the device information numbers match, the television adapter device 5 continues to cooperate with the IP telephone device 3 established at the time of the previous activation.

  In this way, even when a plurality of television adapter devices are connected to the LAN 4, it is possible to stably maintain the initially established cooperation. Here, an example is shown in which two television adapter devices are connected, but the same processing can be performed even when the number of television adapter devices is further increased.

  Although the present invention has been described in detail based on specific embodiments, these embodiments are merely examples, and the present invention is not limited to these embodiments. For example, for the cooperation process, the IP telephone device performs the same operation as the cooperation control unit of the TV adapter device shown in the embodiment, while the TV adapter performs the same operation as the cooperation control unit of the IP phone device shown in the embodiment. A configuration that is executed by an apparatus is also possible.

  The adapter device for a receiver, the IP telephone apparatus, the IP videophone system, the communication cooperation method in the IP videophone system, the communication apparatus, and the communication system include a plurality of apparatuses that individually communicate information such as audio and video. Receiver adapter device, IP phone device, and IP video phone that realize the video phone service by cooperating the IP phone device and the receiver. The present invention is useful as a communication cooperation method in a system and an IP videophone system, and a communication apparatus and communication system for performing predetermined multimedia communication.

1 is a system configuration diagram of an IP videophone system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. The block diagram which shows the detail of the television adapter apparatus of FIG. 1, and a television receiver FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing details of the IP telephone apparatus in FIG. The figure which shows an example of the message transmitted / received in the process of cooperation with an IP telephone apparatus and a television adapter apparatus Sequence diagram showing communication procedure during cooperation between IP telephone device and TV adapter device Sequence diagram showing communication procedure during re-cooperation between IP telephone apparatus and TV adapter apparatus Flow chart showing operation of cooperation processing of TV adapter device Flow chart showing operation of cooperation processing of IP telephone apparatus System configuration diagram of an IP videophone system according to a second embodiment of the present invention The sequence diagram which shows the communication procedure at the time of cooperation between the IP telephone apparatus and television adapter apparatus shown in FIG. System configuration diagram of an IP videophone system according to a third embodiment of the present invention FIG. 11 is a sequence diagram showing a communication procedure during cooperation between the IP telephone device and the TV adapter device shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1, 101, 201 IP videophone system 2 IP network 3,103 IP telephone device 4 LAN
5,205 TV adapter device (adapter device for receiver)
6,206 Television receiver 41, 71 Message transmission / reception unit (search message sending means, response message sending means)
42,72 Information acquisition unit (information acquisition means)
43, 73 Cooperation processing unit (cooperation processing means)
44, 74 Storage unit (storage means)

Claims (15)

An IP telephone device that transmits and receives voice data to and from a call party via an IP network;
An adapter device for a receiver connected to the IP telephone device via a router and transmitting / receiving video data synchronized with the audio data to / from the call destination;
An IP videophone system comprising a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data,
The IP videophone system, wherein the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver exchange device information with each other via the router, and establish mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information. Either one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver receives a search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information via the router in order to search for a partner device to be linked. When,
Information acquisition means for acquiring device information of the counterpart device in response to the search message;
2. The IP videophone system according to claim 1, further comprising cooperation processing means for establishing cooperation with the partner apparatus based on the acquired apparatus information.   Either the IP telephone device or the adapter device for the receiver further has storage means for storing device information of the device to be linked, and the linkage processing means is configured such that the information acquisition means 3. The IP videophone system according to claim 2, wherein the acquired device information is compared with the device information stored in the storage means, and the link is established only when the two match.   Either one of the IP telephone device that has received the search message and the adapter device for the receiver has response message sending means for sending a response message including its own device information in response to the search message, and the information The IP videophone system according to claim 2, wherein the acquisition unit acquires the device information included in the response message.   Either one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver further has storage means for storing device information of the device to be linked, and the response message sending means is based on the search message. 5. The IP videophone system according to claim 4, wherein the acquired device information is compared with the device information stored in the storage means, and the response message is transmitted only when the two match.   The search message includes destination information for specifying a device to be linked, and the response message sending means determines whether or not the response message can be sent based on the destination information. 4. The IP videophone system according to 4.   3. The IP videophone system according to claim 2, wherein the search message sending means sends the search message when power is turned on.   3. The IP videophone system according to claim 2, wherein the search message sending means multicasts the search message a predetermined number of times until the cooperation is established.   9. The IP videophone system according to claim 8, wherein the search message sending means broadcasts the search message a predetermined number of times until the cooperation is established when the previous cooperation is not established by the multicast transmission. .   Either one of the IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver further includes an operation means for setting the timing of the cooperation by the user's operation, and the search message sending means is a user's user in the operation means. 3. The IP videophone system according to claim 2, wherein the search message is transmitted according to an operation. An adapter device for a receiver that cooperates with an IP telephone device and transmits / receives video data to / from a call destination of the IP telephone device,
Search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information to a router connected to search for the IP telephone device to be linked;
Information acquisition means for acquiring device information of the IP telephone device in response to the search message;
An adapter device for a receiver, comprising: cooperation processing means for establishing cooperation with the IP telephone device based on the acquired device information. An IP telephone device that transmits and receives audio data via an IP network in cooperation with a communication device that transmits and receives video data to and from a call destination,
Receiving means for receiving a search message including device information of the communication device from the communication device;
Response message sending means for sending a response message including its own device information to the communication device that has received the search message;
An IP telephone apparatus comprising: a cooperation processing unit that establishes cooperation with the communication apparatus based on the received apparatus information of the communication apparatus. An IP telephone device that transmits and receives voice data to and from a call party via an IP network;
An adapter device for a receiver connected to the IP telephone device via a router and transmitting / receiving video data to / from the call destination;
A communication cooperation method in an IP videophone system including a receiver that reproduces video based on the video data,
The IP telephone device and the adapter device for the receiver perform a step of exchanging mutual device information via the LAN, and a step of establishing mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information. Communication cooperation method in an IP videophone system. A first communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from a communication destination;
A communication system comprising a second communication device connected to the first communication device via a router and transmitting / receiving another communication data in synchronization with the communication data with the communication destination,
The communication system characterized in that the first and second communication devices exchange device information with each other via the router, and establish mutual cooperation based on the exchanged device information. In cooperation with another communication device that transmits and receives communication data to and from a communication destination, the communication device that transmits and receives another communication data in synchronization with the communication data with the communication destination,
Search message sending means for sending a search message including its own device information through a router to which it is connected to search for the other communication device to be linked;
Information acquisition means for acquiring device information of the other communication device in response to the search message;
A communication apparatus comprising: a cooperation processing unit that establishes cooperation with the other communication apparatus based on the acquired apparatus information.

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