JP2014116677A - Media communication apparatus and media communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a media communication apparatus that reduces transmission data volume of dummy data before data communication and effectively prevents quality deterioration of transmission data due to delay or loss of packets.SOLUTION: In a media communication apparatus including a communication part 11 for performing data communication through a network 10 and a communication control part 14 for controlling operation of the communication part 11 and specifying a communication destination on the basis of an input from the external, a dummy data generation part 15 for generating and outputting dummy data to be transmitted to the communication destination through the communication part 11 prior to the data communication is put side by side with the communication control part 14, and the communication control part 14 includes a dummy data transmission control function 14A for setting transmission start time of the dummy data to the communication destination to acquisition processing time of input information including the communication destination information inputted from the external.

Description

  The present invention relates to a media communication apparatus and a media communication system that mainly perform media communication such as video and audio, and more particularly to a media communication apparatus and media communication for reducing quality deterioration due to packet delay and loss immediately after the start of communication. About the system.

  When multimedia data such as video and audio is communicated in real time on an IP network, the quality may deteriorate due to delay or loss of data packets due to network congestion. In addition, in wireless networks such as 3G, LTE, and Wi-Fi, in order to save power consumption and wireless resources of terminals, they are often in a sleep state when there is no communication. For this reason, immediately after the start of communication, data near the head may be delayed or lost due to processing such as wireless reconnection or bandwidth reservation.

The following Patent Documents 1 and 2 are known as techniques related to this type of technique, that is, techniques for preventing deterioration of the quality of multimedia data.
Among these, Patent Document 1 describes a technique for transmitting dummy data in order to prevent a deterioration in the quality of multimedia data. The technology described in Patent Document 1 allows dummy data to flow in advance between nodes where a voice call is expected to occur, or between a terminal and a gateway, and replaces the dummy data with voice data at the start of the call. It is configured to prevent deterioration in sound quality due to delay or loss during a call.

  Patent Document 2 discloses a technique for transmitting dummy data before establishing a session of a media communication apparatus that exchanges media data, thereby eliminating inconveniences such as the occurrence of a delay during subsequent media data transmission. Is disclosed.

Special table 2009-531912 gazette JP 2012-165260 A

  However, among the above-described related technologies, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, transmission of dummy data is started from a predetermined time when traffic congestion is expected. Therefore, dummy data will be transmitted for a long time, and if many terminals connected to the mobile network use the method of Patent Document 1, the amount of dummy data will be enormous and the network bandwidth will be compressed. There is an inconvenience.

  Further, in the related art described in Patent Document 2, the inconvenience related to the contents described in Patent Document 1 is improved, but since a dummy packet is transmitted to the other party after a call operation, When switching the transmission of media data, there is a disadvantage that the communication delay shifts if the switching timing is bad.

[Object of the invention]
The present invention improves the inconveniences of the related arts, and is particularly effective in maintaining the quality of multimedia data to be transmitted while eliminating the communication delay at the start of transmission during data communication. It is an object of the present invention to provide a media communication apparatus and a media communication system that can transmit.

In order to achieve the above object, a media communication apparatus according to the present invention includes a communication unit that performs data communication via a network, and a communication that controls an operation of the communication unit and identifies a communication destination based on an external input. A media communication device comprising a control unit,
The communication control unit is provided with a dummy data generation unit that generates and outputs second data different from the regular data transmitted during the data communication transmitted to the communication destination via the communication unit prior to the data communication. And
The communication control unit includes a second data transmission control function for setting a start time of transmission of the second data to the communication destination during an acquisition process of input information including the communication destination information input from the outside. It is characterized by being.

  In order to achieve the above object, a media communication system according to the present invention is a media communication system including a plurality of media communication devices that perform data communication with each other via a network, and each of the plurality of media communication devices. Is provided with a media communication device that functions in the same manner as the media communication device described above.

  Since the present invention is configured as described above, according to this, the second data different from the regular data at the time of the data communication is transmitted to the communication destination before the start of the data communication, and the second data is transmitted. Since the start time is set at the time of acquisition processing of input information including the communication destination information input from the outside, transmission of the second data to the communication destination is started before a confirmation message transmission operation to the communication destination. Therefore, it is possible to switch to data communication in a stable transmission state, and it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the communication delay is deviated. And a media communication system can be provided.

It is a block diagram which shows the basic composition which shows one Embodiment of the media communication apparatus concerning this invention. It is explanatory drawing which shows an example of the media communication system containing the media communication apparatus disclosed in FIG. FIG. 3 is a block diagram illustrating a specific configuration of the media communication device disclosed in FIG. 2. It is a block diagram which shows the specific structure of the other media communication apparatus disclosed in FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation example of a signaling information acquisition unit forming part of the media communication device disclosed in FIG. 3. It is a flowchart which shows operation | movement of the operation information acquisition part which comprises the media communication apparatus disclosed in FIG. FIG. 1 and FIG. 3 are flowcharts showing the link operation of the communication control unit, the dummy data generation unit, and the multimedia data generation unit in the media communication device disclosed in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the specific Example (1) of the media communication system disclosed in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the example of the address book and information image which the media communication apparatus (smart phone) by the side of a caller in the Example (1) disclosed in FIG. 8 acquires. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication state of each smart phone of the sender | caller side and receiver side in the Example (1) disclosed in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other specific Example (2) of the media communication system disclosed in FIG. It is explanatory drawing which shows the communication state of each smart phone of the sender | caller side and receiver side in the Example (2) disclosed in FIG. It is a schematic block diagram which shows the other specific Example (3) of the media communication system disclosed in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the media communication apparatus (server apparatus) by the side of a sender in the disclosed Example (3) disclosed in FIG. It is a block diagram which shows an example of a structure of the media communication apparatus (smartphone) by the side of a receiver in Example (3) disclosed in FIG.

Next, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.
As shown in FIG. 2, the media communication system according to the present embodiment includes two media communication apparatuses 1 and 2 that perform data communication via a network 10. Here, the media communication devices 1 and 2 are not limited to two, and may be configured by three or more in the case of a three-party call, for example.

  The network 10 may be connected to a session control server that performs management, connection control, or the like of one or more media communication apparatuses 2 as communication destinations.

First, the basic configuration of the media communication device 1 will be described.
As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, the media communication device 1 controls a communication unit 11 that performs data communication via a network 10, and controls the operation of the communication unit 11 and communicates based on an external input. And a communication control unit 14 for selecting and specifying the destination.

Also, prior to the data communication, the communication control unit 14 generates and outputs second data (hereinafter referred to as dummy data) different from the regular data transmitted to the communication destination via the communication unit 11. A dummy data generation unit 15 is provided.
The communication control unit 14 includes a dummy data transmission control function 14 </ b> A that sets a start time of transmission of dummy data to a communication destination during an acquisition process of input information including the communication destination information input from the outside.

  Here, one of the input information described above indicates input information input by an external operation via the user interface 1a provided in advance in the media communication device 1. The first input process executed by the communication control unit 14 based on this input information is the communication destination selection and identification process as described above.

  Another one of the input information described above indicates input information including various control information input before data communication from another media communication device 2 via the communication unit 11. For this reason, the communication unit 11 is important as an input / output unit for transmission / reception operations between the media communication apparatuses 1 and 2.

  That is, the communication unit 11 described above operates under the control of the communication control unit 14, and transmits and receives data to and from a communication destination media communication device 2 and a device such as a session control server (not shown). As well as exchange of signals necessary for the linkage operation other than data communication to the media communication device 2 of the communication destination, communication performed with other externally connected communication devices, and various signals or Has a function to receive data.

  In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 a indicates a user interface for externally inputting an operation command for the media communication apparatus 1 and necessary information. Reference numeral 14K denotes a storage unit that stores various types of information including programs necessary for the operation of the communication control unit 14.

  Further, the communication control unit 14 is provided with a multimedia data generation unit 16 that generates necessary data to be transmitted to the media communication device 2 that is a communication destination via the communication unit 11 described above.

  Prior to data communication with the communication destination, the dummy data transmission control function 14A of the communication control unit 14 described above operates in accordance with various operation commands set and input from the user interface 1a. As described above, the data transmission start time is specified as the acquisition process of the input information including the communication destination information, and the dummy data generation unit 15 is driven and controlled, and the dummy data is transmitted to the communication destination. The communication line is set up in a smooth state (data loss and loss are avoided).

  For this reason, according to the media communication device 1 having the above-described configuration, transmission of dummy data to the communication destination is started before an operation of transmitting a confirmation message to the communication destination, and thus stable transmission state is established. It becomes possible to switch to data communication later, and it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the communication delay is shifted.

Hereinafter, this will be described in more detail.
Specifically, as shown in FIG. 3, the media communication device 1 on the transmission side in this embodiment obtains signaling information from information transmitted to and received from other media communication devices 1 via the communication unit 11. Signaling information acquisition unit 12 for analyzing and analyzing, operation information acquiring unit 13 for acquiring and analyzing user operation information on the media communication device 1 side, and dummy data for generating dummy data based on an instruction from the communication control unit 14 A generation unit 15 and a multimedia data generation unit 16 that similarly generates multimedia data based on an instruction from the communication control unit 14 are provided.

Here, the communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 and the application data generation unit 16 to generate data based on the information acquired by the signaling information acquisition unit 12 and the operation information acquisition unit 13 described above. It is configured.
Among these, as described above, the communication unit 11 transmits and receives data to and from devices such as the media communication device 1 and a session control server (not shown) that are communication destinations.

  Then, the signaling information acquisition unit 12 acquires and analyzes the signaling information transmitted and received by the communication unit 11, detects signaling performed prior to multimedia communication, and signaling performed at the start of multimedia communication (predetermined control) When a signal) is detected, this is notified to the communication control unit 14.

The above signaling will be described in detail in an embodiment described later. An INVITE message, a 180 Ringing signal, a 200 OK signal, or an acknowledgment (ACK) transmitted from one side to the other before the line connection. Etc. correspond to this.
When any of these is received via the communication unit 11, it is sent to the communication control unit 14 via the signaling information acquisition unit 12, but the communication control unit 14 is activated at the reception timing of any one of the signals. The dummy data generation unit 15 is instructed to start generation / transmission of dummy data.

  All of these are specified by the operation command information set in advance in the storage unit 14K provided in the communication control unit 14, and based on this, the communication control unit 14 specifies any one and generates dummy data. -It is configured to instruct and execute transmission start.

  Further, the operation information acquisition unit 13 acquires and analyzes user operation input information performed via the user interface 1a for the media communication device 1, and starts user operation performed prior to multimedia communication and multimedia communication. When a user operation performed sometimes is detected, this is notified to the communication control unit 14.

  When the communication control unit 14 is notified from the signaling information acquisition unit 12 or the operation information acquisition unit 13 that processing (acquisition of input information including the communication destination information described above) has been performed prior to multimedia communication, The dummy data generation unit 15 is instructed to start generation / transmission of dummy data.

  In this case, the acquisition process of the input information including the communication destination information is performed at the start of the processing operation of the communication destination selection process executed based on the input information input from the outside via the user interface 1a described above. The other one is the point in time when the processing operation of the communication destination selection process executed based on the input information is completed, and the other one is during the processing operation of the communication destination selection process. At any time.

  The timing at which the communication destination selection processing is executed is specified by the operation command information set in advance in the storage unit 14K provided in the communication control unit 14, and based on this, the communication control unit 14 is determined. Is configured to run. Specifically, it is determined by an instruction (external input) from the operator.

  On the other hand, when notified from the signaling information acquisition unit 12 or the operation information acquisition unit 13 that the processing at the start of multimedia communication has been performed, the communication control unit 14 transmits dummy data to the dummy data generation unit 15. It has a function of instructing the end and instructing the multimedia data generating unit 16 to start generating and transmitting multimedia data.

  In this case, when the above-described dummy data generation unit 15 receives a generation / transmission start instruction from the communication control unit 14, the dummy data generation unit 15 starts generating dummy data. 2 to send. In addition, when there is an instruction to end transmission from the communication control unit 14, generation and transmission of dummy data are stopped.

The multimedia data generation unit 16 includes a multimedia data generation function 16A that collects the contents for data communication and uses the contents as multimedia data.
When receiving a multimedia data generation / transmission start instruction from the communication control unit 14, the content is collected and converted into a communicable format such as encoding, packetization, and header addition. 11 to the communication destination. Thereby, data communication is started.

  Here, the multimedia data is, for example, voice recorded by the speaker 1b connected to the media communication apparatus 1, video shot by the camera 1c, or a combination of this voice and video. In this case, audio or video stored in advance in the storage device 1d connected to the media communication device 1 may be used.

Here, the configuration content of the media communication device 2 is shown in FIG.
The media communication device 2 shown in FIG. 4 also functions in the same manner as each component of the media communication device 1 shown in FIG. 2, and includes a user interface 2a, a communication unit 21, a signaling information acquisition unit 22, an operation information acquisition unit 23, a communication A control unit 24, a storage unit 24A, a dummy data generation unit 25, and a multimedia data generation unit 26 are provided.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of the media communication apparatus 1 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS.

First, an outline of the operation of the media communication device 1 will be described.
First, as described above, the media communication device 1 includes the signaling information acquisition unit 12 that acquires and analyzes the signaling information communicated by the communication unit 11, and the operation information acquisition unit 13 that acquires and analyzes user operation information. I have.

  Then, the signaling information acquisition unit 12 or the operation information acquisition unit 13 receives the signaling performed through the communication unit 11 prior to multimedia communication or notifies the communication control unit 14 when the user interface 1a detects an input operation, The communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to start transmitting dummy data.

  Further, when the signaling information acquisition unit 12 or the operation information acquisition unit 13 detects the start of multimedia communication, it notifies the communication control unit 14, and the communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to stop transmission of dummy data, The multimedia data generation unit 16 is instructed to start transmitting multimedia data.

  For this reason, in the above embodiment, since transmission of dummy data is started after detection of a signaling signal performed prior to multimedia communication or an input operation from the outside, the amount of dummy data to be transmitted can be greatly reduced. As described above, transmission of dummy data to the communication destination is started before an operation for transmitting a confirmation message to the communication destination, and therefore, it is possible to switch to data communication after establishing stable transmission state. Therefore, it is possible to avoid the disadvantage that the communication delay is shifted.

This will be described in detail below.
First, when signaling information is transmitted / received to / from a communication destination in the communication unit 11, the transmitted / received information is sent to the signaling information acquisition unit 12.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart for explaining the operation of the signaling information acquisition unit 12.
When the signaling information acquisition unit 12 acquires the signaling information from the communication destination via the communication unit 11 as a transmission / reception unit (FIG. 5: step S501), the signaling information content is analyzed (FIG. 5: step S502).

  As a result of the analysis, when the signaling is performed prior to the multimedia communication (FIG. 5: step S502 / yes), or when the signaling is performed at the start of the multimedia communication (FIG. 5: step S504 / yes). Notifies the communication control unit 14 to that effect (FIG. 5: step S505). In the case of other signaling (FIG. 5: step S504 / No), the process ends without performing notification.

On the other hand, when the user performs an input operation on the user interface 1 </ b> A of the media communication apparatus 1, the operation input information is transmitted to the operation information acquisition unit 13.
FIG. 6 shows a flowchart for explaining the operation of the operation information acquisition unit 13.

  When the operation input information is acquired (FIG. 6: step S601), the operation information acquisition unit 13 analyzes the content of the operation input information (FIG. 6: step S602).

  As a result of this analysis, when the operation is performed prior to multimedia communication (FIG. 6: step S602 / yes), or when the operation input information is performed at the start of multimedia communication (FIG. 6: step S604 / yes). ) Specifies a communication destination (FIG. 6: Step S604A): notifies the communication control unit 14 of the contents (FIG. 6: Step S605). In the case of other operation contents (FIG. 6: step S604 / No), the process is terminated without notifying the communication control unit 14.

  Specifically, the communication control unit 14 described above operates when receiving a notification from the signaling information acquisition unit 12 or the operation information acquisition unit 13. FIG. 7 is a flowchart for explaining operations of the communication control unit 14, the dummy data generation unit 15, and the multimedia data generation unit 16.

  When the communication control unit 14 receives a notification from the outside from the communication unit 11 (FIG. 7: Step S701), it is a notification of processing performed prior to multimedia communication or notification of processing at the start of multimedia communication. (FIG. 7: Step S702).

  If the notification is processing prior to multimedia communication (FIG. 7: YES in step S702), the communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to start generation and transmission of dummy data. (FIG. 7: Step S703).

On the other hand, when the notification is processing notification at the start of multimedia communication (FIG. 7: step S702 / No), the communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to stop generating and transmitting dummy data (FIG. 7). 7: Step S704), instructing the multimedia data generation unit 16 to start the generation and transmission of the multimedia data (FIG. 7: Step S705).
The transmitted multimedia data is reproduced by the media communication device 2 that is the communication destination.

(Effect of embodiment)
In the embodiment shown in FIGS. 1 to 7, the signaling information acquisition unit 12 and the operation information acquisition unit 13 detect processing performed prior to multimedia communication, and transmit dummy data based on this information. Since the time for transmitting dummy data can be reduced by starting, it is possible to prevent quality deterioration such as delay and loss at the start of communication while greatly reducing the amount of dummy data.

  Further, according to the media communication device 1 having the above-described configuration, transmission of dummy data to the communication destination is started before an operation for transmitting a confirmation message to the communication destination. Therefore, after the stable transmission state is established. It is possible to switch to data communication, and it is possible to avoid the inconvenience that the communication delay is delayed.

Next, specific examples of the above embodiment will be described.
First, the embodiment (1) will be described with reference to FIGS.
This Example (1) is an example of the above-described embodiment, and FIG.

  In this embodiment (1), smartphones 111 and 112 are used as the media communication devices 1 and 2. The functional configuration of each of the smartphones 111 and 112 is the same as the configuration content (FIGS. 2 and 3) of the media communication devices 1 and 2 in the above-described embodiment.

  Among these, the communication units 11 and 21 are realized by a combination of a wireless interface and an OS protocol stack. Further, the signaling information acquisition units 12 and 22, the operation information acquisition units 13 and 23, the communication control units 14 and 24, the dummy data generation units 15 and 25, and the multimedia data generation units 16 and 26 are provided in the smartphones 111 and 112. It is a program executed by each CPU. Each execution program is stored in advance in storage units 14K and 24K provided in the communication control units 14 and 24, respectively.

  Now, when there is communication in the communication unit 11, the content is transmitted to the signaling information acquisition unit 12. When the user operates the smartphone 111, the operation content is sent to the operation information acquisition unit 13 via the user interface 1A. Here, the smartphones 111 and 112 are connected via the network 10.

Here, it is assumed that a voice call (VoIP: Voice Over IP) via the IP network is performed from the smartphone 111 to the smartphone 112.
The user who operates the smartphone 111 activates the voice communication application, selects the user B from the address book (see FIG. 9A), and displays detailed information of the selected user B on a screen (not shown) in FIG. ) Is displayed.

  At this time, the operation information acquisition unit 13 of the smartphone 111 notifies the communication control unit 14 of the operation “selection of user B” as an input operation performed prior to communication. Upon receiving the notification, the communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to transmit dummy data. The dummy data generation unit 15 corresponds to the terminal of the user B (the smartphone 112 / media communication device 2 that is the communication destination). ) Starts transmission of dummy data.

  The dummy data is, for example, data whose payload is all 0, and the bit rate may be the same as that of the voice packet, for example. Further, not the dummy data but the voice recorded from the microphone 1B at this time may be transmitted. By transmitting voice instead of dummy data, it is possible to deliver the voice to the other party immediately after the call starts.

Next, it is assumed that the user who operates the smartphone 111 selects “call” on the detailed information screen of the user B (see FIG. 11B). The sequence at this time is shown in FIG.
Here, an example in which direct communication is performed between the smartphones 111 and 112 using SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) generally used in VOIP is shown. Note that H. H.323 or HTTP may be used.

  When “send” is selected on the smartphone 111, a SIP INVITE message is transmitted from the smartphone 111 to the smartphone 112 (FIG. 10 (1)). Upon receiving the INVITE message, the smartphone 112 first rings a ringing tone and returns a 180 Ringing message (calling signal) to the smartphone 111 at the same time (FIG. 10 (2)).

  At this time, in the smartphone 112, the signaling information acquisition unit 22 first determines that the reception of the INVITE message is signaling performed prior to communication, and notifies the communication control unit 24 accordingly. Upon receiving the notification, the communication control unit 24 instructs the dummy data generation unit 25 to start generating dummy data, and the dummy data generation unit 25 starts transmitting dummy data to the smartphone 111.

  In this case, in the smartphone 112, when the user first performs an operation of taking a call, a 200 OK response is transmitted from the smartphone 112 to the smartphone 111 (see FIG. 10 (3)). An ACK signal, which is a confirmation reply, is returned (see FIG. 10 (4)), thereby starting a voice call.

  At this time, the operation information acquisition unit 23 of the smartphone 112 determines that the operation of taking a call by the user is a setting operation performed at the start of communication, and notifies the communication control unit 24 of the operation. Upon receiving the notification, the communication control unit 24 instructs the dummy data generation unit 25 to stop transmission of dummy data, and instructs the multimedia data generation unit 16 to start transmission.

  Note that in this case, the smartphone 112 determines that the signaling information acquisition unit 22 transmits the 200 OK response or receives the ACK from the smartphone 111 as the signaling performed at the start of the call, not the operation of taking a call, and the communication. You may notify to the control part 24. FIG.

  On the other hand, in the smartphone 111, when the communication unit 11 receives 200 OK from the smartphone 112, the communication unit 11 determines that this is signaling performed at the start of communication and notifies the communication control unit 14. Upon receiving this, the communication control unit 14 immediately instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to stop transmission of dummy data, and simultaneously instructs the multimedia data generation unit 16 to start transmission.

  Thereby, each multimedia data generation part 16 and 26 of smart phones 111 and 112 encodes the voice recorded with the microphone, and transmits to the other terminal (smart phones 112 and 111) as communication information concerning data communication, respectively.

  As described above, even when the smartphones 111 and 112 are used as the media communication devices 1 and 2, as in the case of the above-described embodiment, the object of the above-described invention can be reliably achieved, and the same effect can be obtained. Can be obtained.

Next, Example (2), which is the second example of the above-described embodiment, will be described with reference to FIGS.
The above-described embodiment (1) shows an example in which the two smartphones 111 and 112 communicate directly by SIP. On the other hand, in this embodiment (2), an example in which communication is performed via a session control server (SIP server) is shown.

As shown in FIG. 11, in this embodiment (2), in addition to the configuration of the embodiment (1) described above, the session control server 103 is connected to the Internet, and the smartphones 111 and 112 are connected to the session control server 103. It is registered in.
Here, the functional configuration of each of the smartphones 111 and 112 is the same as the configuration content (FIGS. 2 and 3) in the above-described embodiment, as in the case of the above-described example (1). It shall be.

  When a call is made, connection processing is performed between the smartphone 111 and the smartphone 112 via the session control server 103. Here, each of the smartphones 111 and 112 stores the identifier of the partner terminal in a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) format such as userB @ sip-server, but not in the IP address. The session control server stores the correspondence between the URI and the IP address, and transfers the SIP message based on this correspondence.

First, as in the case of the above-described embodiment (1), it is assumed that a call starts from the smartphone 111 to the smartphone 112.
FIG. 12 shows the SIP sequence when the session control server 103 is used.
In FIG. 12, first, an INVITE message that is a control signal is transmitted from the smartphone 111 to the session control server 103 (FIG. 12 (1)). Next, the session control server 103 transfers this INVITE message to the smartphone 112 (FIG. 11 (2)) and transmits 100 Trying to the smartphone 111 (FIG. 12 (3)).

  In the above-described embodiment (1), the smartphone 111 starts transmitting dummy data to the communication destination terminal. However, in this embodiment (2), the smartphone 111 does not know the IP address of the communication destination terminal. Therefore, do not send here.

  Upon receiving the INVITE message, the smartphone 112 rings a ringing tone and simultaneously returns 180 Ringing (calling signal) to the session control server 193 (FIG. 11 (4)), and the session control server 103 sends the 180 Ringing to the smartphone 111. Transfer (FIG. 11 (5)).

  At this time, as in the case of the embodiment (1), the signaling information acquisition unit 22 of the smartphone 112 determines that the reception of the INVITE message is the signaling performed prior to the communication, and notifies the communication control unit 24 of the reception.

  Upon receiving the notification, the communication control unit 24 instructs the dummy data generation unit 25 to start generating dummy data, and the dummy data generation unit 25 starts transmitting dummy data to the smartphone 111. Since the INVITE message (control signal) received by the smartphone 112 includes the IP address of the smartphone 111, dummy data can be transmitted.

  When the smartphone 111 receives the dummy data from the smartphone 112 via the communication unit 11, the signaling information acquisition unit 12 determines that the signaling is performed prior to communication, and notifies the communication control unit 14. The communication control unit 14 instructs the dummy data generation unit 15 to start generation of dummy data, and starts transmission of dummy data to the smartphone 112. The destination IP address of the dummy data at this time is the source address of the received dummy data.

When the user of the smartphone 112 performs an operation of taking a call, a 200 OK signal is transmitted from the smartphone 112 to 111 via the session control server 103 (FIG. 12 (6) (7)), and a confirmation response is sent from the smartphone 111 to 112. A certain ACK is transmitted (FIGS. 12 (8) and (9)), and a voice call is started.
At this time, as in the case of the embodiment (1), it is determined that the operation of taking a call with the smartphone 112 and the reception of the 200 OK signal with the smartphone 111 are the operations at the start of the call, the transmission of dummy data is stopped, Media data transmission start is executed.

  Even if it does in this way, since the effect similar to the case of Example (1) mentioned above can be acquired, and since dummy data is transmitted from the smart phone 112 side of a communication destination further, it is near data communication. Dummy data transmission / reception is executed in the time zone, and therefore, not only can the amount of dummy data transmission / reception be effectively suppressed, but also after dummy data transmission / reception is executed in a stable state, data communication is performed. Since switching is possible, there is an advantage that data communication can be started in a stable state with little loss.

[Modification of Example 2]
Here, a modified example of the embodiment (2) will be described.
In the above-described embodiment (2), the smartphone 111 did not transmit dummy data when receiving 180 Ringing (see FIG. 11 (5)). However, in the modification of the embodiment (2), the smartphone 111 does not transmit the dummy data. It is characterized in that transmission of dummy data starts at the timing of receiving Ringing.

  As described above, when receiving 180 Ringing, the IP address of the communication destination is not known. Therefore, the smartphone 111 transmits dummy data to a terminal other than the communication destination such as the session control server 103. The dummy data transmission destination may be changed to the communication destination terminal when dummy data is received from the communication destination terminal.

  When sending dummy data to a terminal other than the communication destination such as the session control server 103, the transmission timing is not only when receiving 180 Ringing, but also when starting a voice call or videophone application, starting dialing with the dial pad Similar to Example (1), it may be the timing when a user is selected in the address book, or when a call button is clicked.

  As in the embodiment (2), when dummy data from the communication destination terminal (smart phone 112) is used as a trigger, the smartphone 111 is under a NAT (Network Address Translation) router, or there is a firewall in between. In some cases, dummy data from the communication destination terminal (smart phone 112) may not arrive.

In order to transmit dummy data in such a case, transmission of dummy data becomes possible according to the modification of the embodiment (2).
Band allocation in a packet communication network of a mobile communication carrier is performed for each terminal and is often not for each destination. For this reason, the same effect is often obtained even in the modified example of the embodiment (2).

  Example 3 is also an example of the above-described embodiment. FIG. 13 to FIG. 15 show the configuration contents of the present embodiment (3).

  In the present embodiment (3), the server device 113 is used as the media communication device 1 and the smartphone 114 is used as the media communication device 2. Further, this embodiment (3) shows an embodiment in the case of performing one-way video distribution from the server device 113 to the smartphone 114.

  Here, each functional configuration of the server device 113 and the smartphone 114 has the same configuration contents (FIGS. 2 and 3) as in the above-described embodiment (1) as shown in FIGS. Each one is used.

In this case, the communication unit 31 of the server device 113 is realized by a combination of a LAN interface and an OS protocol stack, and is connected to the Internet. Further, the signaling information acquisition unit 32, the communication control unit 34, the dummy data generation unit 35, and the multimedia data generation unit 36 are programs executed by the CPU of the server device 113.
Further, since the operation information acquisition unit 33 does not perform an operation according to the operation of the server device 113, the function is disabled in this embodiment (3).

  On the other hand, the smartphone 114 on the receiving side has the same configuration as the smartphones 111 and 112 of the embodiments (1) and (2) and the modified examples.

Next, the operation of the present embodiment (3) will be described.
In this example (3), it is assumed that a moving image is distributed from the server device 113 to the smartphone 114.

  A user who operates the smartphone 114 on the receiving side first opens a web browser or a video viewing application installed in the smartphone 114, accesses the server device 113, and acquires a content list.

  Next, a content of interest is selected from the content list, and a detailed explanation screen is opened. At this time, on the smartphone 114 side, the operation information acquisition unit 43 handles access (operation) to the server device 113 as an operation performed prior to communication, and notifies the communication control unit 44 of it. Upon receiving the notification, the notification control unit 44 instructs the dummy data generation unit 45 to transmit a transmission request for dummy data. Thereby, the dummy data generation unit 45 sends a transmission request for dummy data to the server device 113 via the communication unit 41.

  Receiving this dummy data transmission request, the server apparatus 113 determines that the signaling information acquisition unit 32 is signaling performed prior to communication, and notifies the communication control unit 34 of the request. The communication control unit 34 instructs the dummy data generation unit 35 to start generation and transmission of dummy data. Thereby, the server device 113 starts transmission of dummy data to the smartphone 114 via the communication unit 31.

  Next, when the user who operates the smartphone 114 selects the start of reproduction, the operation information acquisition unit 43 determines that the operation is performed at the start of communication and notifies the communication control unit 44 of the operation. Upon receiving the notification, the communication control unit 44 requests the dummy data generation unit 45 to stop dummy data, and sends a dummy data stop request from the dummy data generation unit 45 to the server device 113.

  At the same time, the communication control unit 44 instructs the multimedia data generation unit 46 to issue a request to start transmission of multimedia data (moving image), whereby the server device 113 is transmitted from the multimedia data transmission unit 46 via the communication unit 41. The video distribution start request is transmitted.

  Upon receiving the dummy data stop request and the moving image distribution start request, the server apparatus 113 determines that these are signaling performed at the start of communication by the signaling information acquisition unit 32, stops the dummy data, and starts transmitting the moving image data. To do.

  In this embodiment (3), in order to perform one-way video distribution from the server device 113 to the smartphone 114, dummy data is also transmitted in only one direction. Here, since the smart phone 114 does not transmit dummy data to the server device 113, the amount of communication can be further reduced. At the same time, the smart phone 114 receives the moving image distribution from the server device 113 with little loss. It becomes possible.

  About the embodiment mentioned above and each Examples 1-3, if the summary of the novel technical content is put together, it will become like the following additional remarks. In addition, about the main point of the technical content shown below, this invention is not limited to this.

[Appendix 1]
A media communication device including a communication unit that performs data communication via a network, and a communication control unit that controls an operation of the communication unit and identifies a communication destination based on an external input,
The communication control unit is provided with a dummy data generation unit that generates and outputs second data that is different from the normal data at the time of the data communication transmitted to the communication destination via the communication unit prior to the data communication. And
The communication control unit includes a second data transmission control function that sets a start time of transmission of second data to the communication destination during an acquisition process of input information including the communication destination information input from the outside. A media communication device characterized by that.

[Appendix 2]
In the media communication device according to attachment 1,
The input information is input information that is input by an external operation via a user interface pre-installed in the media communication device,
The media communication apparatus characterized in that the first input process processed based on the input information is the communication destination selection specifying process.

[Appendix 3]
In the media communication device according to attachment 2,
The communication control unit sets the generation / transmission time of the second data formed at the time of the input information acquisition process at the start of the processing operation of the communication destination selection process performed based on the input information. A media communication device.

[Appendix 4]
In the media communication device according to attachment 2,
The communication control unit specifies a communication destination specifying time when the second data is generated / transmitted at the time of the input processing of the input information when the processing operation of the communication destination selection processing performed based on the input information is completed A media communication device characterized in that it is sometimes set.

[Appendix 5]
In the media communication device according to attachment 1,
The media communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input information is input information input from another media communication apparatus via the communication unit before data communication.

[Appendix 6]
In the media communication device according to attachment 5,
When the communication unit receives second data sent from another media communication device, the communication control unit generates the second data in its own device / A media communication apparatus that is set as a transmission time.

[Appendix 7]
In the media communication device according to attachment 5,
The communication control unit generates / transmits the second data when receiving the control signal as an external input when the communication unit receives a control signal according to a call command from another media communication device. A media communication device characterized in that it is sometimes set.

[Appendix 8]
In the media communication device according to attachment 5,
When the communication control unit receives a control signal related to a response to a call command sent by the communication unit to another media communication device, the communication control unit determines when the control signal that is an external input is received. A media communication apparatus that is set as a time of generation / transmission.

[Appendix 9]
In the media communication device according to attachment 5,
The media communication device is configured by a server device having an equivalent configuration and function, and the communication control unit transmits second data from the other media communication device that is an information transmission destination via the communication unit. A media communication apparatus characterized in that, when a request is sent, the reception time of the second data transmission request is set as the generation / transmission time of the second data.

[Appendix 10]
In the media communication device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8,
2. A media communication apparatus, wherein the second data to be transmitted to the communication destination is composed of voice data collected in advance.

[Appendix 11]
In the media communication device according to any one of appendices 1 to 8,
The communication control unit is provided with a multimedia data generation unit having a multimedia data generation function for collecting the content for data communication and using the collected content as multimedia data,
When an operation command for the multimedia data generation unit is input via the user interface, the communication control unit is configured to generate / transmit second data to the dummy data generation unit when the operation command is input. A media communication apparatus comprising a function of instructing stop and instructing generation / transmission of the multimedia data to the multimedia data generation unit.

[Appendix 12]
A media communication system including a plurality of media communication devices that perform data communication with each other via a network,
A media communication system, wherein each of the media communication devices is configured by the media communication device according to any one of the supplementary notes 1 to 8.

  As an application example of the present invention, the present invention can be used for voice calls, video conferences, video distribution services, file downloads, and the like via an IP network.

1, 1A, 2 Media communication device 1a, 2a, 113a, 114a User interface 11, 21, 31, 41 Communication unit 14, 24, 34, 44 Communication control unit 14A, 24A, 34A, 44A Dummy data transmission control function (first 2 data transmission control function)
14K, 24K, 34K, 44K Storage unit 15, 25, 35, 45 Dummy data generation unit 16, 26, 36, 46 Multimedia data generation unit 16A, 26A Multimedia data generation function

Claims (10)

A media communication device including a communication unit that performs data communication via a network, and a communication control unit that controls an operation of the communication unit and identifies a communication destination based on an external input,
The communication control unit is provided with a dummy data generation unit that generates and outputs second data that is different from the regular data at the time of the data communication transmitted to the communication destination via the communication unit prior to the data communication. And
The communication control unit includes a second data transmission control function that sets a start time of transmission of second data to the communication destination during an acquisition process of input information including the communication destination information input from the outside. A media communication device characterized by that. The media communication device according to claim 1,
The input information is input information that is input by an external operation via a user interface pre-installed in the media communication device,
The media communication apparatus characterized in that the first input process processed based on the input information is the communication destination selection specifying process. The media communication device according to claim 2,
The communication control unit sets the generation / transmission time of the second data formed at the time of the input information acquisition process at the start of the processing operation of the communication destination selection process performed based on the input information. A media communication device. The media communication device according to claim 2,
The communication control unit specifies a communication destination specifying time when the second data is generated / transmitted at the time of the input processing of the input information when the processing operation of the communication destination selection processing performed based on the input information is completed A media communication device characterized in that it is sometimes set. The media communication device according to claim 1,
The media communication apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the input information is input information input from another media communication apparatus via the communication unit before data communication. The media communication device according to claim 5, wherein
When the communication unit receives second data sent from another media communication device, the communication control unit generates the second data in its own device / A media communication apparatus that is set as a transmission time. The media communication device according to claim 5, wherein
When the communication control unit receives a control signal related to a response to a call command sent by the communication unit to another media communication device, the communication control unit determines when the control signal that is an external input is received. A media communication apparatus that is set as a time of generation / transmission. The media communication device according to claim 5, wherein
The media communication device is configured by a server device having an equivalent configuration and function, and the communication control unit transmits the second data from the other media communication device that is an information transmission destination via the communication unit. A media communication apparatus characterized in that, when a transmission request is sent, the reception time of the second data transmission request is set as the generation / transmission time of the second data. The media communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8,
The communication control unit is provided with a multimedia data generation unit having a multimedia data generation function for collecting the content for data communication and using the collected content as multimedia data,
When an operation command for the multimedia data generation unit is input via the user interface, the communication control unit is configured to generate / transmit second data to the dummy data generation unit when the operation command is input. A media communication apparatus comprising a function of instructing stop and instructing generation / transmission of the multimedia data to the multimedia data generation unit. A media communication system including a plurality of media communication devices that perform data communication with each other via a network,
9. A media communication system, wherein each of the media communication devices includes the media communication device according to any one of claims 1 to 8.

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