JP2009141713A - Usb multi-function telephone, multi-function telephone controller, and usb multi-function telephone system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide USB multi-function telephone connected to computers on an IP network to perform IP telephone communications, a multi-function telephone controller for controlling the same, and a USB multi-function telephone system. <P>SOLUTION: The USB multi-function telephone 3 transmits information relating to the operation of dial keys 311 and function keys (line keys 310 and function keys 312) to the multi-function telephone controller 4 via a USB port 361, and the multi-function telephone controller 4 executes processing for implementing functions corresponding to the information relating to the operation which has been transmitted from the USB multi-function telephone 3. The multi-function telephone controller 4 transmits information relating to control which has been generated thereby, to the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB port, and the USB multi-function telephone 3 changes how a display 320 or a lamp 321 is displayed or outputs voice from a speaker 331 or a speaker 340, corresponding to the received information relating to control. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2009,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an IP phone and a multi-function phone.

  In recent years, IP telephone (including Internet telephone) services that can make a call via an IP network have become widespread. As one aspect of a telephone device used for an IP telephone, a telephone that performs network protocol processing, call control processing, voice signal processing, etc. by itself and can directly connect to an IP network (for example, LAN) is known. . Such a telephone is called an IP telephone.

  As another aspect of a telephone device used for an IP phone, a telephone device such as a call control process or a voice signal process is realized by software operating on a computer such as a PC (Personal Computer). Such a telephone device is called a soft phone. For example, a user can operate an application program that realizes a softphone using a keyboard or a mouse connected to a computer, and can make a call using a headset or a handset connected to the computer. The headset and handset are connected to the computer by, for example, USB (Universal Serial Bus).

  For example, Patent Document 1 discloses an Internet telephone device including a PC having Internet telephone software for making a call through the Internet network, and a USB telephone that functions as an audio device by exchanging voice with the Internet telephone software via USB. Is described.

JP 2004-128789 A

  By the way, there is a telephone system in which a function such as an extension telephone is realized by connecting a private branch exchange (PBX) and a multi-function telephone in a telephone network. In such a telephone system, by operating various function buttons provided in the multi-function telephone, for example, various functions for making / receiving calls or making extension calls by selecting a station line (phone number) Is provided. Here, the multi-function telephone means, for example, a telephone having a line key for making / receiving a call for each office line (telephone number).

  However, the USB telephone and the handset described in Patent Document 1 do not include various function buttons equivalent to the multi-function telephone. Further, there are known handsets and headsets equipped with a minimum device such as a speaker and a microphone for use at the same time as a softphone, but these also do not have various function buttons. For this reason, the IP telephone system cannot meet the user's desire to use a multi-function telephone with the same usage and ease of use as in the past.

  The present invention has been made in response to the above-mentioned demands, and is a USB multi-function telephone that performs IP telephone communication by connecting to a computer on an IP network, a multi-function telephone control device that controls the USB multi-function telephone, An object of the present invention is to provide a USB multifunction telephone system composed of these combinations.

  An invention related to a USB multi-function phone that meets the above-described demand is a USB multi-function phone that is connected to a computer that performs VoIP signaling control via a USB port and performs IP phone communication, and includes a dial key and the dial key. Dial information transmitting means for transmitting operation information to the computer via the USB port, a function key, and function information indicating the operation content of the function key are transmitted to the computer via the USB port. And a function information transmitting means for transmitting.

  Here, the USB multi-function telephone includes an output interface and control information receiving means for receiving control information indicating the operation content of the output interface from the computer via the USB port, and the control information receiving means. Output interface control means for controlling the output interface according to the content of the received control information may be provided.

  In addition, the USB multi-function telephone includes a display device as the output interface, and the output interface control means changes the display of the display device according to the content of the control information. There may be.

  An invention relating to a program that satisfies the above-described request is for causing a computer having a USB port to execute a function as a multi-function telephone control device that causes a USB multi-function telephone connected via the USB port to perform IP telephone communication. A dial information receiving step of receiving dial information indicating operation contents of a dial key of the USB multifunction telephone by the USB communication means of the computer via the USB port; and The function information receiving step of receiving the function information indicating the operation content of the function key by the USB communication means via the USB port, and the communication means of the computer using the dial information received in the dial information receiving step That performs VoIP signaling control via And a function realizing step for performing a process for realizing a function according to the content of the function information using the function information received in the function information receiving step. And

  Further, in the function realizing step, when the function information specifies a calling telephone number, the VoIP signaling control is performed using the dial information and the calling telephone number in the signaling control step. Instructing to do may be a feature.

  Also, the program described above creates a control information creation step for creating control information indicating the operation content of the output interface of the USB multifunction telephone, and the control information created in the control information creation step via the USB port. The control information transmission step of transmitting by USB communication means may be executed by the computer.

  The program may be characterized in that, in the control information creation step, control information indicating a stage of the VoIP signaling control is created.

  The invention relating to the multi-function telephone control apparatus that meets the above-mentioned demand is obtained by installing the above-described program in a computer.

  The invention relating to the USB multi-function telephone system that meets the above-mentioned demand comprises the USB multi-function telephone and the multi-function telephone control device.

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

  FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system configuration of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  As shown in the figure, in this system, an intranet / IP telephone system 1 and another system 12 are connected via an IP network such as an IP telephone network 10 and an Internet network 11. The intranet / IP telephone system 1 is a network system built on the premises such as a company or a factory, for example. A computer network and an IP telephone network are integrated on a LAN 2. The other system 12 is, for example, an in-house LAN or a corporate intranet. On the other system 12, for example, an IP phone 13, a PC 14 with a soft phone installed, a headset 15, a PC 16, and the like are provided, and these devices are connected via the IP phone network 10 and the Internet network 11. Can make calls and communications.

  The intranet / IP telephone system 1 includes a USB multifunction telephone 3, a multifunction telephone controller 4, a call control server 5, a PC 6, a headset 7, a PC 8, and an IP telephone 9. The USB multifunction telephone 3 and the headset 7 are connected to the LAN 2 via the multifunction telephone control device 4 and the PC 6, respectively. The multi-function telephone control device 4, the call control server 5, the PC 6, the PC 8, and the IP telephone 9 are each directly connected to the LAN 2.

  The USB multi-function telephone 3 is a multi-function telephone to which the present invention is applied. The USB multi-function telephone 3 is connected to the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB, and control data indicating operation contents of various buttons, for example, operation contents of dial keys. Data indicating operation contents of function buttons such as line keys and the like, and the control data received from the multi-function telephone control device 4, for example, the contents to be displayed on the display Change the display on the screen according to the data. In addition, voice data input from a handset microphone or the like is transmitted to the multi-function telephone control device 4, and voice data received from the multi-function phone control device 4 is output from a speaker.

  The USB multifunction telephone 3 is configured as shown in FIG. 2, for example. As shown in the figure, the USB multifunction telephone 3 includes a line key 310, a dial key 311, various buttons of a function key 312, a display 320, a lamp 321, a handset 330, a speaker 340, and a microphone 350. And a USB port 361, and is configured in the same manner as a general multifunction telephone. Here, the line key 310 and the function key 312 are collectively referred to as function keys. As will be described later, the USB multi-function telephone 3 is configured to control each of the above devices, such as a CPU, a RAM, and a ROM, an interface (I / F) for connecting these and the above respective devices, a driving unit, and the like. Is provided.

  The line key 310 is a button for assigning a telephone number (transmission number) in advance and executing outgoing / incoming calls for each telephone number. An LED (Light Emitting Diode) or the like may be provided inside, and the LED may be turned on or blinked depending on the state of incoming / outgoing calls. The dial key 311 is a button for inputting a telephone number, an abbreviated dial number, or the like when making a call. The function key 312 is a button for executing various functions such as outgoing / incoming history display, on-hook, outgoing call, hold, and transfer. Instead of the line key 310, a free function key may be provided so that the user can set various functions such as a line key and transfer.

  The display 320 is a display device for displaying the date, time, call time, call state, and the like, and includes, for example, an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display). The lamp 321 is a display device for displaying a call state such as an incoming call, an external line call, an internal line call, and the like, and includes, for example, an LED. The handset 330 includes a speaker and a microphone, and is a device for inputting and outputting voice during a call. The speaker 340 outputs a ring tone or outputs a voice in a hands-free call or the like. The microphone 350 collects sound in a hands-free call or the like. The USB port 361 is a port for connecting to a device having a USB port such as the multi-function telephone control device 4.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the multi-function telephone control device 4 is a computer to which the present invention is applied, and executes operation control of the USB multi-function telephone 3, call control processing, voice signal processing, and the like. The multi-function telephone control device 4 is connected to the USB multi-function telephone 3 via USB.

  The multi-function telephone control device 4 is a general computer. For example, as shown in FIG. 3, a CPU 400 that performs various operations, a main storage device 410 that stores programs and data, and an auxiliary storage device 420 such as a hard disk. A communication device 430 such as a network adapter for communicating with an external device on the network such as LAN2, a LAN port 431 for connecting to a network such as LAN2, an input device 440 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display, etc. Output device 450, a reading device 460 that reads information from a portable storage medium having portability such as a CD-ROM, and a USB that controls data transmission by USB and communicates with a USB device such as USB multifunction telephone 3. USB port 471 for connecting the controller 470 and a USB device Equipped with a.

  The call control server 5 performs control (call control) of VoIP (Voice Over Internet Protocol) signaling via an IP network such as the IP telephone network 10 and the Internet network 11. It also controls extension calls and various functions of multi-function phones. The call control server 5 is, for example, a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server or an IP-PBX, and is a device that realizes these functions by dedicated hardware or software. Of course, the VoIP method is not limited to SIP. H.323 may be used. Here, the call control server 5 has a built-in IP router function. Of course, the LAN 2 may be configured with the IP router as another device.

  The PC 6 is a general computer in which a soft phone is installed, and a headset 7 is connected to the PC 6. The PC 8 is a general computer. The IP telephone 9 is directly connected to the LAN 2.

  Next, functional configurations of the USB multifunction telephone 3 and the multifunction telephone control device 4 will be described.

  FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the USB multifunction telephone 3. As shown in this figure, the USB multi-function telephone 3 includes a main control unit 30, a button key monitoring control unit 31, a display control unit 32, a handset control unit 33, a speaker control unit 34, and a microphone control unit 35. And a USB control unit 36. These functional units are constructed, for example, by the CPU 300 loading a predetermined program stored in advance in the ROM 302 onto the RAM 301 and executing it. These functional units control each device via an I / F and a drive unit (not shown) provided for the CPU to control each device (see FIG. 2).

  The main control unit 30 receives control data transmitted from the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB control unit 36 and controls other functional units so that processing corresponding to the control content of the control data is executed. To do. For example, control data including a call state (calling, ringing, talking, on hold, etc.) is received, and the display control unit 32 changes the display 320 display, the lighting color of the lamp 321, and the like. Request. In addition, the main control unit 30 receives state sound data (voice data indicating that a call is being made, calling, etc.) and voice data sent from the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB control unit 36, and the handset control unit 33. And output to the speaker control unit 34.

  Further, the main control unit 30 receives a user operation (pressing of the line key 310, the dial key 311, and the function key 312) input via the button monitoring control unit 31, and displays the operation content as dial information or function information. As control data and transmitted to the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB control unit 36. Also, the user's voice data input through the handset control unit 33 and the microphone control unit 35 is received and transmitted to the multi-function telephone control device 4 through the USB control unit 36.

  The button key monitoring control unit 31 detects an operation of the line key 310, the function key 311, and the dial key 312 via a drive unit (not shown), and outputs it to the main control unit 30.

  The display control unit 32 performs display on the display 320 and lighting / flashing of the lamp 321 via a drive unit (not shown) according to the contents of the control data received via the main control unit 30, for example, the call state. Control.

  The handset control unit 33 performs D / A conversion on the state sound data and sound data received via the main control unit 30 via a drive unit (not shown), and outputs the result as sound from the speaker 331 of the handset 330. In addition, the voice input from the microphone 332 of the handset 330 is A / D converted via the drive unit and output to the main control unit 30 as voice data.

  The speaker control unit 34 performs D / A conversion on voice data received via the main control unit 30, for example, voice data of a ring tone, via a drive unit (not shown), and outputs the voice data from the speaker 340.

  For example, in the hands-free mode, the microphone control unit 35 performs A / D conversion on the voice input via the microphone via a drive unit (not shown), and outputs the voice data to the main control unit 30.

  The USB control unit 36 controls communication by the USB controller 360 and transmits / receives control data and audio data to / from the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB port 361.

  FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the multi-function telephone control device 4. As shown in the figure, the multi-function telephone control device 4 includes a call control unit 40, an RTP / RTCP control unit 41, an encoding / decoding processing unit 42, a USB control unit 43, and a network processing unit 44. A network interface (I / F) control unit 45 and a telephone application unit 46 are provided.

  These functional units are achieved, for example, when the CPU 400 loads and executes a predetermined program 421 stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 420 on the main storage device 410. The program is downloaded from the portable storage medium via the reading device 460 or from the network via the communication device 430 to the auxiliary storage device 420, and then loaded on the main storage device 410 and executed by the CPU 400. You may do it. Alternatively, the program may be loaded directly from the portable storage medium via the reading device 460 or the USB controller 470 or from the network via the communication device 430 onto the main storage device 410 and executed by the CPU 400.

  Here, the call control unit 40, the RTP / RTCP control unit 41, the encoding / decoding processing unit 42, and the telephone application unit 46 are necessary for providing an IP telephone service using the USB multifunction telephone 3. For example, it is distributed to the user in a state stored as a program in a portable storage medium such as a CD-ROM. The user can perform IP telephone communication by installing a program stored in a CD-ROM or the like in the computer and connecting the USB multifunction telephone 3.

  The call control unit 40 controls VoIP signaling such as outgoing and incoming calls according to SIP, for example. Of course, the VoIP method is not limited to SIP. H.323 may be used. In addition, control data is received from the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43, and processing corresponding to the control data is performed, or processing for generating control data for controlling the USB multifunction telephone 3 is performed. To do. For example, the call control unit 40 receives control data including dial information and function information indicating a call operation from the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43 or indicates a call from the telephone application unit 46. An instruction is accepted and signaling control for establishing a session is started. In addition, control data including function information indicating operation of a function key such as a line key or a hold key is received, and processing corresponding to the operation is performed. The call control unit 40 also transmits status sound data (dial tone, ringback tone, busy tone, hold tone, etc.) corresponding to each stage of signaling control (for example, outgoing, ringing, on hold, etc.) Transmit to the functional telephone 3. For example, the state sound data 422 is encoded (compressed) and stored in the auxiliary storage device 420 in advance.

  After the session is established by the call control unit 40, the RTP / RTCP control unit 41 controls transmission / reception of voice data by RTP. The transmission rate is controlled by RTCP. For example, the RTP / RTCP control unit 41 converts the audio data received from the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the encoding / decoding processing unit 42 into an RTP packet and outputs it to the network processing unit 44. Also, voice data is extracted from the RTP packet received from the network processing unit 44 and output to the encoding / decoding processing unit 42. In addition, the RTP / RTCP control unit 41 performs jitter absorption control that prevents deterioration of voice quality caused by packet delay (fluctuation) on the network.

  The encoding / decoding processing unit 42 performs encoding (compression), decoding (decompression), and the like of audio data using a codec. For example, the encoding / decoding processing unit 42 receives user's voice data from the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43, compresses it, and outputs it to the RTP / RTCP control unit. Also, the compressed audio data is received from the RTP / RTCP control unit 41, decompressed, and transmitted to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43. Also, the encoding / decoding processing unit 42 decodes (expands) the state sound data designated by the call control unit 40 and transmits it to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43.

  The USB control unit 43 controls communication by the USB controller 470 and transmits / receives control data and audio data to / from the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB port 471.

  The network processing unit 44 performs protocol processing such as TCP, UDP, and IP. For example, an RTP packet is received from the RTP / RTCP processing unit 41, and a UDP header and an IP header are added to the network I / F processing unit 45. Also, it receives an IP packet from the network I / F processing unit 45, extracts an RTP packet, and outputs it to the RTP / RTCP control unit 41.

  The network interface (I / F) control unit 45 controls communication by the communication device 430 and performs communication with other devices connected to the LAN 2 such as the call control server 5 via the LAN port 431.

  The telephone application unit 46 provides a user with functions as a soft phone such as outgoing calls, telephone book management, and presence management. For example, the telephone application unit 46 displays a screen for accepting the user's operation on the output device 450, accepts the user's operation via the input device 440, and establishes a session with the telephone number selected from the telephone directory. Request to the call control unit 40, or the status of the other party of the designated telephone number is acquired from the presence server and displayed on the output device 450.

  Next, characteristic operations realized by the USB multifunction telephone 3 and the multifunction telephone control device 4 having the above-described configuration will be described with reference to FIGS.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of establishing a call session by operating the line key of the USB multifunction telephone. Here, a description will be given assuming that the USB multifunction telephone 3 makes a call with the other party's IP telephone 12 through the IP telephone network 10. Further, SIP signaling will be described as an example.

  First, the USB multi-function telephone 3 accepts pressing of the line key 310 and notifies the multi-function telephone control device 4 (S1000). Specifically, when the button key monitoring control unit 31 detects that the line key 310 is pressed by a user operation, the main control unit 30 identifies control data (for example, identifying a key) including function information indicating the content of the key operation. And the like are transmitted to the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB control unit 36.

  Upon receiving a notification of pressing of the line key 310 from the USB multi-function telephone 3, the multi-function telephone control device 4 determines a calling number (S1010). Specifically, when control data indicating that the line key 310 is pressed is received via the USB control unit 43, the call control unit 40 uses a telephone number assigned in advance to the line key 310 indicated by the control data as a calling number. decide. The correspondence between the line key 310 and the telephone number is obtained by, for example, allowing the user to set a telephone number for each line key 310 via the GUI screen provided by the telephone application unit 46, and the call control unit 40 holds data indicating the correspondence. It is managed by doing.

  Further, upon receiving a notification of the pressing of the line key 310 from the USB multi-function telephone 3, the multi-function telephone control device 4 requests the USB multi-function telephone 3 to sound a dial tone (DT) (S1020). Specifically, when receiving control data indicating that the line key 310 is pressed via the USB control unit 43, the call control unit 40 reads dial tone status sound data stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 420 or the like, The encoding / decoding processing unit 42 is instructed to perform decoding and transmission to the USB multifunction telephone 3. The encoding / decoding processing unit 42 decodes the state sound data and transmits it to the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43. Of course, the state sound data of the dial tone is stored in advance on the USB multi-function telephone 3, and the USB multi-function telephone 3 decodes the state sound data and rings according to a request from the call control unit 40. Also good.

  Upon receiving a dial tone ringing request from the multi-function telephone control device 4, the USB multi-function telephone 3 reproduces the dial tone (S1030). Specifically, upon receiving dial tone status sound data via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 transmits the status sound data to the handset control unit 33 and causes the speaker 331 of the handset 330 to output it.

  Subsequently, the USB multi-function telephone 3 accepts pressing of the dial key 311 and notifies the multi-function telephone control device 4 (S1040). Specifically, when the button key monitoring control unit 31 detects that the user presses the dial key 311, the main control unit 30 controls the control data including the dial information indicating the contents of the key operation (for example, identifying the key). And the like are transmitted to the multi-function telephone control device 4 via the USB control unit 36.

  Then, the multi-function telephone control device 4 receives a notification of pressing of the dial key 311 from the USB multi-function telephone 3 (S1050). Specifically, when control data indicating depression of the dial key 311 is received via the USB control unit 43, the call control unit 40 sequentially stores numbers corresponding to the dial key 311 indicated by the control data. Of course, the inputted dial information may be sequentially stored on the USB multi-function telephone 3 so that the dial information is collectively sent to the multi-function telephone control device 4 when the call key is pressed.

  The USB multi-function telephone 3 accepts the pressing of the call key and notifies the multi-function telephone control device 4 (S1060). Specifically, when the button key monitoring control unit 31 detects that the transmission key is pressed by a user operation, the main control unit 30 uses the USB control unit 36 to send control data indicating the contents of the key operation to the multifunctional function. It transmits to the telephone control apparatus 4.

  The multi-function telephone control device 4 receives a notification of pressing of the call key from the USB multi-function phone 3 and performs a call process (S1070). Specifically, when receiving control data indicating that the call key is pressed via the USB control unit 43, the call control unit 40 determines the number string stored in S1050 as the telephone number of the incoming call destination, and the network processing unit 44. A process for transmitting information necessary for establishing a call via the network is performed. First, the call control unit 40 inquires of a server such as ENUM (tElephone Number Mapping) that manages correspondence between a telephone number and a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) provided by an ISP (Internet Service Provider) or a telephone carrier. As a result, a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) that identifies the destination is acquired. Then, an INVITE message including the URI is transmitted to the call control server 5. Here, the source of the INVITE message is the URI or IP address assigned to the multi-function telephone control device 4.

  When receiving the INVITE message, the call control server 5 transmits the INVITE message to the destination IP telephone 12 (S1080). The INVITE message reaches the destination IP telephone 12 via the IP telephone network 10 (S1090). When the IP phone 12 receives the INVITE message, the IP phone 12 rings a ringtone (S1100) and transmits a 180 Ringing message indicating that a call is being made to the multi-function telephone control device 4 (S1110). The 180 Ringing message reaches the call control server 5 via the IP telephone network 10 (S1120). When receiving the 180Ringing message, the call control server 5 transmits the 180Ringing message to the multi-function telephone control measure 4 of the transmission source (S1130).

  Upon receiving the 180 Ringing message, the multifunction telephone control device 4 requests the USB multifunction telephone 3 to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 (S1140). Specifically, when the 180 Ringing message is received via the network I / F control unit 45 and the network processing unit 44, the call control unit 40 sends control data indicating that the call is in progress to the USB control unit 43. Via USB to the multifunctional telephone 3.

  Upon receiving a request to update the display 320 and lamp 321 from the multifunction telephone control device 4, the USB multifunction telephone 3 updates the display (S1150). Specifically, when the control data is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 causes the display control unit 32 to display characters such as “calling” on the display 320 or the lamp 321. Make it blink.

  In addition to the display update request of the display 320 and the lamp 321, the multi-function telephone control device 4 requests the USB multi-function telephone 3 to ring the ring back tone (RBT) (S1160). Specifically, the call control unit 40 reads and decodes the ringback tone state sound data stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 420 or the like, and decodes and transmits it to the USB multifunction telephone 3. The unit 42 is instructed. The encoding / decoding processing unit 42 decodes the state sound data and transmits it to the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43. Of course, the ringback tone state sound data is stored in advance on the USB multi-function telephone 3, and the USB multi-function telephone 3 decodes the state sound data in response to a request from the call control unit 40. May be.

  Upon accepting a ringback tone ringing request from the multifunction telephone control device 4, the USB multifunction telephone 3 reproduces the ringback tone (S1170). Specifically, when the ringback tone state sound data is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 transmits the state sound data to the handset control unit 33 and outputs it from the speaker 331 of the handset 330. .

  In step S1110, after transmitting the 180 Ringing message to the multi-function telephone control apparatus 4, when detecting that the handset has been lifted, the IP telephone 12 transmits a 200 OK message indicating a response to the multi-function telephone control apparatus 4 (S1180). The 200 OK message reaches the call control server 5 via the IP telephone network 10 (S1190). The call control server 5 transmits the 200 OK message to the multi-function telephone control device 4 (S1200).

  Upon receiving the 200 OK message, the multi-function telephone control device 4 requests the USB multi-function telephone 3 to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 (S1210). Specifically, when a 200 OK message is received via the network I / F control unit 45 and the network processing unit 44, the call control unit 40 sends control data indicating that a call is in progress to the USB control unit 43. Via USB to the multifunctional telephone 3.

  Upon receiving a request to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 from the multifunction telephone control device 4, the USB multifunction telephone 3 updates the display (S1220). Specifically, when the control data is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 causes the display control unit 32 to display characters such as “busy” on the display 320 or the lamp 321. Turn it on.

  When the call is established as described above, a call is performed between the USB multifunction telephone 3 and the IP telephone 12 (S1230). Specifically, in S1210, the call control unit 40 transmits an ACK message to the IP telephone 12 to establish a call, and switches to voice data call control via the RTP / RTCP control unit 41. That is, the audio data sent from the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB controller 43 is encoded by the encoding / decoding processor 42, RTP packetized by the RTP / RTCP controller 41, and the IP telephone. 12 is transmitted. The voice data included in the packet transmitted from the IP telephone 12 via the network I / F control unit 45 is extracted by the RTP / RTCP control unit 41, decoded by the encoding / decoding processing unit 42, It is transmitted to the USB multifunction telephone 3.

  As described above, the USB multi-function telephone and the multi-function telephone control apparatus perform processing in cooperation, so that a call can be performed with a user operation from the USB multi-function telephone as a trigger. Further, the user can make a call only by operating the USB multi-function phone.

  FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of establishing a call session by operating the multi-function telephone control device. As in FIG. 6, the description will be made on the assumption that the USB multifunction telephone 3 makes a call with the counterpart IP telephone 12 through the IP telephone network 10. Further, SIP signaling will be described as an example. In addition, about the process similar to FIG. 6, the same code | symbol is attached | subjected and description is abbreviate | omitted.

  The telephone application unit 46 of the multi-function telephone control device 4 performs, for example, a user operation on a GUI screen (for example, a screen on which line keys, dial keys, phone book buttons, etc.) displayed on the output device 450 are displayed. The process is accepted via the input device 440, and a process corresponding to the operation is requested to the call control unit 40 (S2000). Here, it is assumed that the operation of making a call has received a press of a line key (designation of a call number), a press of a dial key, and a press of a call key. Upon accepting these operations, the telephone application unit 46 requests the call control unit 40 to establish a call with the counterpart terminal having the designated destination telephone number.

  When receiving the request from the telephone application unit 46, the call control unit 40 requests the USB multifunction telephone 3 to shift to the off-hook state (S2010). Specifically, control data indicating an off-hook state is transmitted to the USB multi-function telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43.

  The USB multifunction telephone 3 accepts the off-hook request and shifts to the off-hook state (S2020). Specifically, when control data indicating an off-hook state is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 instructs the handset control unit 33 to shift to the off-hook state.

  Further, the call control unit 40 requests the USB multifunction telephone 3 to shift the speaker to the ON state (S2030). Specifically, the control data indicating the speaker ON state is transmitted to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43.

  The USB multifunction telephone 3 accepts the speaker ON request and shifts the speaker to the ON state (S2040). Specifically, when control data indicating the speaker ON state is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 instructs the speaker control unit 34 to shift the speaker 340 to the ON state.

  Further, the call control unit 40 requests the USB multifunction telephone 3 to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 (S2050). Specifically, control data indicating that the call is being transmitted is transmitted to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43.

  Upon receiving a request to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 from the multifunction telephone control device 4, the USB multifunction telephone 3 updates the display (S2060). Specifically, when the control data is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 causes the display control unit 32 to display characters such as “calling” on the display 320 or the lamp 321. Or blink.

  Thereafter, the call control unit 40 performs processing for transmitting information necessary for establishing a call via the network processing unit 44 using the destination telephone number designated in S2000 (S2070). The specific processing content is the same as S1060 (FIG. 6).

  As described above, the USB multi-function telephone and the multi-function telephone control apparatus perform processing in cooperation, so that a call can be performed with a user operation from the multi-function telephone control apparatus as a trigger. In addition, the user can use the USB multifunction telephone by using various convenient functions provided by application programs on the multifunction telephone control apparatus. Here, the case of making a call by dialing from the multi-function telephone control device has been explained, but of course, the telephone number displayed on the browser screen is specified by specifying the telephone number stored in the telephone directory. By doing so, you may make it transmit.

  FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of holding a call by operating a hold key of the USB multifunction telephone. The call is put on hold after the call is started (S1230) as described with reference to FIGS.

  The USB multifunction telephone 3 accepts pressing of the hold key and notifies the multifunction telephone control device 4 (S3000). Specifically, when the button key monitoring control unit 31 detects that the hold key is pressed by a user operation, the main control unit 30 uses the USB control unit 36 to send control data indicating the contents of the key operation to the multifunctional function. It transmits to the telephone control apparatus 4.

  The multi-function telephone control device 4 receives a hold key press notification from the USB multi-function phone 3 and performs a hold process (S3010). Specifically, upon receiving control data indicating pressing of the hold key via the USB control unit 43, the call control unit 40 first transmits information notifying the hold to the IP telephone 12 that is the other party of the call. Perform the process. For example, a re-INVITE message destined for the URI of the IP telephone 12 is transmitted to the call control server 5. When receiving the re-INVITE message, the call control server 5 transmits the re-INVITE message to the IP telephone 12 (S3020). The re-INVITE message reaches the IP telephone 12 via the IP telephone network 10 (S3030). When the IP telephone 12 receives the re-INVITE message (S3040), for example, it transmits a 200 OK message indicating a response to the multi-function telephone control device 4 (not shown). When receiving the 200 OK message, the call control unit 40 transmits an ACK message to the IP phone 12 (not shown).

  In addition, when control data indicating pressing of the hold key is received via the USB control unit 43 (S3010), the call control unit 40 performs the following processes of S3050, S3070, and S3090.

  First, the call control unit 40 instructs the encoding / decoding processing unit 42 to read the status sound data of the on-hold tone stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 420, etc., decode it, and send it to the USB multifunction telephone 3. To do. Then, the encoding / decoding processor 42 decodes the state sound data and transmits it to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB controller 43 (S3050). Of course, the status sound data of the holding tone is stored in advance on the USB multi-function telephone 3, and the USB multi-function telephone 3 is made to decode and sound the status sound data in accordance with a request from the call control unit 40. Also good.

  Upon receiving a request for ringing a hold tone from the multi-function telephone control device 4, the USB multi-function phone 3 reproduces the hold tone (S3060). Specifically, when the status sound data of the holding sound is received via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 transmits the status sound data to the handset control unit 33 and outputs it from the speaker 331 of the handset 330.

  In addition, the call control unit 40 transmits control data indicating the on-hold state to the USB multifunction telephone 3 via the USB control unit 43 in order to update the display of the display 320 and the lamp 321 (S3070). ).

  Upon receiving a request to update the display 320 and the lamp 321 from the multifunction telephone control device 4, the USB multifunction telephone 3 updates the display (S3080). Specifically, when receiving control data indicating that the state is on hold via the USB control unit 36, the main control unit 30 displays, for example, characters such as “on hold” on the display control unit 32. 320 is displayed or the lamp 321 is blinked.

  In addition, the call control unit 40 transmits an on-hold message and the status sound data of the on-hold tone stored in advance in the auxiliary storage device 420 or the like to the destination IP telephone 12 so as to transmit the RTP / RTCP control unit 41. To instruct. Then, the RTP / RTCP control unit 41 converts the message indicating the hold status and the voice data of the hold tone into RTP packets, and transmits the IP phone 12 via the network I / F control unit 45 (S3090). The packet including the message indicating the hold status and the status sound data of the hold tone reaches the IP telephone 12 via the call control server 5 and the IP telephone network 10 (S3100, S3110).

  When receiving a packet including a message indicating that the call is on hold and a status sound data of the hold sound, the IP telephone 12 turns on the lamp 321 with a color indicating that the call is on hold, or displays “Pending” on the display 320, for example. (S3120). Of course, the status sound data of the hold tone is stored on the IP telephone 12 in advance, and when the notification is received from the multi-function telephone control device 4, the IP telephone 12 sounds by decoding the status sound data. It may be.

  As described above, the USB multi-function telephone and the multi-function telephone control apparatus perform processing in cooperation with each other, so that the user operation from the USB multi-function telephone can be held as a trigger. Also, the user can place a hold only by operating the USB multi-function phone. Of course, the user's operation from the multi-function telephone control device may be used as a trigger for holding.

  The embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

  According to the present embodiment, a USB multi-function telephone that connects to a computer on an IP network and performs IP telephone communication, a multi-function telephone control device that controls the USB multi-function telephone, and a USB multi-function telephone comprising a combination thereof. Can provide a system. As a result, the user can receive an IP telephone service using the multi-function telephone and can use the function of the multi-function telephone by the same operation as that of the conventional multi-function telephone. That is, a user who has conventionally used a multi-function telephone can use the USB multi-function telephone without a sense of incongruity, as in the past. In addition, the user can receive new services (phone directory transmission, outgoing / incoming call history management, presence management, application-linked outgoing call function, etc.) using a GUI of the computer, etc. The function of the multi-function telephone can be used.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, the multi-function telephone is connected to the computer via USB. This makes it possible to use USB bus power feeding and eliminates the need for a new power cable. In addition, it is not necessary to newly wire a LAN cable. Therefore, unlike a conventional IP telephone, cable work at the time of system introduction becomes unnecessary, and the introduction cost is reduced. Further, according to the present embodiment, when the multi-function telephone makes a call, the IP address of the computer connected via USB is used. Thereby, consumption of IP addresses can be suppressed, and network design becomes easy.

  The present invention has been described in connection with exemplary embodiments. Obviously, many alternatives, modifications, and variations will be apparent to practitioners skilled in this art. Accordingly, the above-described embodiments of the present invention are intended to illustrate and not limit the gist and scope of the present invention.

1 is a diagram showing an outline of a system configuration of an embodiment to which the present invention is applied. The figure which shows the example of the external appearance of a USB multifunctional telephone. The block diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a multifunction telephone control apparatus. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a USB multifunctional telephone. The block diagram which shows the function structure of a multifunction telephone control apparatus. The sequence diagram which shows the flow which establishes a telephone call session by operation of the line key of USB multifunctional telephone. The sequence diagram which shows the flow which establishes a telephone call session by operation of a multifunction telephone control apparatus. The sequence diagram which shows the flow which carries out the holding of the telephone call by operation of the holding key of USB multifunctional telephone.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Intranet IP telephone system, 2 ... LAN, 3 ... USB multi-function telephone, 4 ... Multi-function telephone control apparatus, 5 ... Call control server, 6 ... PC, 7 ... Headset, 8 ... PC, 9 ... IP phone, 10 ... IP phone network, 11 ... Internet network, 12 ... Other systems, 13 ... IP phone, 14 ... PC, 15 ... Headset, 16 ... PC,
310 ... Line key, 311 ... Dial key, 312 ... Function key, 320 ... Display, 321 ... Lamp, 330 ... Handset, 340 ... Speaker, 350 ... Microphone 360, USB controller, 361 USB port,
400 ... CPU, 410 ... main storage device, 420 ... auxiliary storage device, 421 ... program, 422 ... status sound data, 430 ... communication device, 431 ... LAN port, 440 ... Input device, 450 ... Output device, 460 ... Reading device, 470 ... USB controller, 471 ... USB port,
30 ... main control unit, 31 ... button key monitoring control unit, 32 ... display control unit, 33 ... handset control unit, 34 ... speaker control unit, 35 ... microphone control unit, 36: USB control unit,
40 ... Call control unit, 41 ... RTP / RTCP control unit, 42 ... Encoding / decoding processing unit, 43 ... USB control unit, 44 ... Network processing unit, 45 ... Network interface control unit, 46 ... telephone application unit

Claims (12)

A USB multi-function telephone connected to a computer that performs VoIP signaling control via a USB port and performing IP telephone communication,
Dial keys and
Dial information transmitting means for transmitting dial information indicating the operation content of the dial key to the computer via the USB port;
Function keys and
Function information transmitting means for transmitting function information indicating the operation content of the function key to the computer via the USB port;
USB multi-function phone characterized by The USB multi-function phone according to claim 1,
An output interface;
Control information receiving means for receiving control information indicating the operation content of the output interface from the computer via the USB port;
Output interface control means for controlling the output interface according to the content of the control information received by the control information receiving means,
USB multi-function phone characterized by The USB multi-function phone according to claim 2,
A display device as the output interface;
The output interface control means includes
Changing the display of the display device according to the content of the control information;
USB multi-function phone characterized by The USB multi-function phone according to claim 3,
A speaker is provided as the output interface,
The output interface control means includes
If it is determined that the control information includes audio information, the audio information is output as audio from the speaker;
USB multi-function phone characterized by A program for causing a computer having a USB port to execute a function as a multi-function telephone control device that causes a USB multi-function telephone connected via the USB port to perform IP telephone communication,
Dial information reception step of receiving dial information indicating the operation content of the dial key of the USB multifunction telephone by the USB communication means of the computer via the USB port;
A function information receiving step of receiving, by the USB communication means, the function information indicating the operation contents of the function keys of the USB multifunction telephone;
A signaling control step for performing VoIP signaling control via communication means included in the computer, using the dial information received in the dial information receiving step;
Using the function information received in the function information receiving step, causing the computer to execute a function realization step for performing processing for realizing a function according to the content of the function information,
A program characterized by The program according to claim 5,
In the function realizing step,
If the function information specifies a calling telephone number, instructing the signaling control step to perform the VoIP signaling control using the dial information and the calling telephone number;
A program characterized by The program according to claim 5,
Displaying a screen for accepting a user operation by the output means of the computer, causing the computer to execute a user operation accepting step of accepting a user operation by the input means of the computer;
In the user operation reception step,
Display dial keys and function keys on the screen, accept dial information indicating operation contents of the dial keys, and function information indicating operation contents of the function keys;
In the signaling control step, using the dial information,
In the function realizing step, the function information is used.
A program characterized by The program according to claim 5,
A control information creating step for creating control information indicating the operation content of the output interface of the USB multifunction telephone;
Causing the computer to execute a control information transmission step of transmitting the control information created in the control information creation step by the USB communication means via the USB port;
A program characterized by The program according to claim 8, wherein
In the control information creation step,
Creating control information indicating a stage of the VoIP signaling control;
A program characterized by The program according to claim 8, wherein
In the control information creation step,
Selecting, as the control information, state sound information corresponding to the VoIP signaling control stage from a plurality of state sound information stored in advance in the storage device of the computer;
A program characterized by A multi-function telephone control device comprising a USB port and causing a USB multi-function telephone connected via the USB port to perform IP telephone communication,
Dial information receiving means for receiving, via the USB port, dial information indicating the operation content of the dial key of the USB multifunction telephone;
Function information receiving means for receiving function information indicating the operation contents of the function keys of the USB multi-function telephone via the USB port;
Signaling control means for performing VoIP signaling control using the dial information received by the dial information receiving means;
Using function information received by the function information receiving means, and a function realizing means for performing processing for realizing a function according to the content of the function information,
A multi-function telephone control device. A USB multi-function telephone system in which a USB multi-function telephone and a multi-function telephone control device that performs VoIP signaling control and causes the USB multi-function telephone to perform IP telephone communication are connected via a USB port,
The USB multifunction telephone is
Dial keys and
Dial information transmitting means for transmitting dial information indicating the operation content of the dial key to the computer via the USB port;
Function keys and
Function information transmitting means for transmitting the function information indicating the operation content of the function key to the computer via the USB port;
The multi-function telephone control device
Dial information receiving means for receiving dial information transmitted from the USB multifunction telephone via the USB port;
Functional information receiving means for receiving functional information transmitted from the USB multi-function telephone via the USB port;
Signaling control means for performing VoIP signaling control using the dial information received by the dial information receiving means;
Using function information received by the function information receiving means, and a function realizing means for performing processing for realizing a function according to the content of the function information,
A featured USB multi-function telephone system.

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