JP3264445B2 - Multimedia communication terminal - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to communication between remote points through a digital network such as an ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network) by combining a plurality of media such as images (moving images, still images), voices, and data. The present invention relates to a multimedia communication terminal that performs.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, practical use of a communication service using an ISDN line has been started.
AV (Audio Visual) services such as a video conference system have been receiving attention. For the AV service, CCI
TT (International Telegraphand Telephone Consulti
ve Committee (International Telegraph and Telephone Consultative Committee) has established international standardization standards and has issued drafts.
For example, the service regulations, protocol regulations, and multimedia multiplex frame structure regulations for AV services
H. TT Recommendation or Draft Recommendation 221, H .; 242, H .; 3
20, etc. H. In the 221, 64
BAS (B) used for exchanging frame structures and terminal capabilities in an AV service on a B channel having a transmission rate of kbps to 1920 kbps, and further specifying a communication mode.
The coding allocation of itrate Allocation Signal) is defined. H. In 242, BA between AV terminals
A protocol for capability exchange and communication mode switching using S is defined. At 320, an outline of the entire AV service system is defined.

In a conventional multimedia communication terminal, a communication path between terminals of an initial channel and an additional channel is set (CCITT recommendation I series), and then synchronization in an in-channel (B channel) is established. Thereafter (CCITT recommendation H.221), a predetermined protocol (CCITT recommendation H.242) such as an exchange sequence of terminal capabilities using BAS or a mode switching sequence by designating a communication mode in the in-channel is executed, and Multimedia communication of voice, images, data, and the like is performed.

[0004] Further, each terminal is free to change its own terminal capability according to the situation.
TT Recommendation H. When the capabilities are exchanged according to H.242, which communication mode is used within the range of the exchanged capabilities is not specified, and can be set freely. For example, if the transfer rate capability of the exchanged capabilities is 2B, the transfer rate mode is 1B or 2B.
When B is available and 2B is used as the transfer rate mode, communication using a plurality of B channels becomes possible. When communication is performed using a plurality of channels, a new call setting procedure is started, and an additional channel is set on the set B channel (in-channel).
A mode switching procedure to the transfer rate mode corresponding to the set number of additional channels is executed.

[0005]

However, in the conventional multimedia communication terminal capable of using a plurality of B channels, an operator operates an operation unit such as a keyboard when setting or disconnecting a call for an additional channel. In such a case, it is necessary to start the operation for call setting or call disconnection, and the operator has to perform a troublesome operation.

That is, when the transfer rate mode is increased within the range of the transfer rate capability exchanged after the initial channel setting, the operator newly executes a call setting procedure for setting an additional channel, and thereafter, An operation of changing the transfer rate mode is required, and when the transfer rate mode is reduced, the operator needs to perform an operation such as a call disconnection procedure for an unused additional channel. There is a problem that the call control operation has to be performed, which imposes a burden on the operator.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, even without operator complex call control operation, the setting in the terminal of the specified number of channels to be used
Respect for the desired multimedia communication can be performed
It is an object to provide a multimedia communication device and a multimedia communication method .

[0008]

In order to achieve the above object, an invention according to claim 1 is a multimedia communication apparatus for performing communication by combining a plurality of media.
And communication means for communicating with another terminal using the channel, using
Change instructing means for instructing a change in the number of channels to be used;
Number of channels set when a change instruction is issued
Was performed based on a request from the terminal itself,
Judgment has been made based on the request from
And having a control means for controlling the change of the number of channels based on further instructions.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication means for performing multimedia communication on a plurality of channels based on negotiation with a partner terminal, and a communication device for controlling the terminal itself or the partner.
Use based on channel number change instruction from terminal
Changing means for changing the number of channels , wherein the changing means
Is the channel that was set when the change was instructed.
If the number of channels is set by your terminal, your terminal
The number of channels can be changed by the
The number of channels set at the time of the
Is set, if the channel
And having a control means for controlling so as not to the number of changes.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 3 is a multimedia communication method for communicating by combining a plurality of media, and a communication step of communicating with the destination terminal using a plurality of channels, number of channels used To change
A change instructing step, which is set when the change is instructed.
The number of available channels is determined based on the request from the terminal.
Whether it was done or based on a request from the partner terminal
And changing the number of channels based on the change instruction.
Characterized by a control step of controlling.

Furthermore, the invention according to claim 4, based on the negotiation with the partner terminal, and a communication step of performing Ma <br/> Ruchi media communication in a plurality of channels, the own terminal or phase
Based on the instruction to change the number of channels from the hand terminal,
Changing the number of channels to be changed.
The process is set at the time when the change instruction is issued.
If the number of channels is set by the terminal,
Change of the number of channels by
The number of channels set when the
If the terminal is the one set, the channel
Characterized the this <br/> having a control step of controlling so as not to change the Le number.

[0012]

According to the first and third aspects of the present invention, the variable
When the number of channels set at the time the
Was made based on a request from the own terminal, or
To make changes based on the request
The change of the number of channels based on is controlled.

According to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, the channel set when the change instruction is issued.
If the number of channels is set by your terminal, your terminal
Channel number can be changed by
The other terminal sets the number of channels set when
Change the number of channels by your own terminal.
Is controlled so as not to cause

Further, according to the third invention, the call addition setting means is provided when the change from the first transfer rate mode to the second transfer rate mode larger than the first transfer rate mode is specified during communication. Thus, additional channels can be automatically added without requiring an operation by the operator.

[0015] According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the first communication mode is established during communication.
Is changed from the transfer rate capability of the first transfer rate capability to the second transfer rate capability smaller than the first transfer rate capability, the change / disconnection means does not require an operation by an operator, and the second transfer rate capability is changed to the second transfer rate capability. It is possible to automatically change to the corresponding transfer rate mode, and it is possible to automatically disconnect the unused additional channel without requiring an operation by an operator.

[0016]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a multimedia communication terminal according to the present invention.

In FIG. 1, reference numeral 1 denotes a handset (transmitter / receiver) for inputting / outputting audio, reference numeral 2 denotes a microphone for inputting audio, and reference numeral 3 denotes a speaker for outputting audio. In this embodiment, the handset 1, the microphone 2, and the speaker 3 constitute the voice input / output unit 4.

Reference numeral 5 denotes an audio interface unit, which performs a switching process for switching between the handset 1, the microphone 2, and the speaker 3, which are the audio input / output means 4, and detects whether the handset 1 is in an on-hook state or an off-hook state. An on / off hook detection process, an echo cancellation process for canceling an echo when the microphone 2 and the speaker 3 are used, a process of generating a tone such as a dial tone, a ring tone, a busy tone, and a ring tone are performed. Reference numeral 6 denotes an audio encoding / decoding unit which is 64 kbps PCM A-law, 64 k
bps PCM μ-law, 64kbps / 56kpbs / 48kpbs S
B-ADPCM, 32 kbps ADPCM, 16 kbps (for example, APC-AB), 8 kbps, etc., according to audio signal coding rules and audio signal decoding rules, encode the transmission audio signal and decode the received audio signal.

Reference numeral 7 denotes a camera for inputting a self-portrait and the like, and reference numeral 8 denotes a document camera for inputting pictures, drawings and the like. Reference numeral 9 denotes a display unit, which includes a display screen for displaying an input image from the camera 7 or the document camera 8 and an image received from the partner communication terminal. And. In this embodiment, the camera 7, the document camera 8, and the display unit 9 use the image input / output unit 1.
0.

Reference numeral 11 denotes a video interface unit, which performs a switching process for switching between the camera 7 and the document camera 8, a display switching process for switching the display between an input image and a received image on a display screen, and a process for switching the input image and the received image. And an image signal synthesizing process or the like for dividing and displaying on the display screen. 12 is the CCITT Draft Recommendation H.12. 261 is a video encoding / decoding unit that encodes a transmission image and decodes a reception image signal according to H.261.

Reference numeral 13 denotes a data terminal for performing data communication, and reference numeral 14 denotes a data interface unit.

An operation unit 15 includes a keyboard, a touch panel, and the like for inputting various control information.
Reference numeral 16 denotes a system control unit, which includes a CPU, a ROM,
M, an auxiliary storage device, etc., to monitor the state of each unit such as the audio interface unit 5 and the video interface unit 11 to control the entire apparatus, and to create a desired display screen and execute an application program according to the state. Do. 17
Is a demultiplexing unit, which is a CCITT recommendation H.264. 221, the transmission audio signal from the audio encoding / decoding unit 6, the transmission image signal from the video encoding / decoding unit 12, and the data from the data interface unit 14 are used as information signals, and further, control commands from the system control unit 16. Is multiplexed as a BAS for each transmission frame, and the received frame is separated into media and BAS as constituent units, and each unit (audio encoding / decoding unit 6, video encoding / decoding unit 12,
To the data interface unit 14).

Reference numeral 18 denotes a line interface unit for controlling a line in accordance with an ISDN user network interface (CCITT recommendation I series) in accordance with a command transmitted to and received from the system control unit 16.

In the multimedia communication terminal configured as described above, after operating the operation unit 15 to set a communication path with the partner terminal, voice, image and transmission data are input.

When a voice is input from the handset 1 or the microphone 2, the voice interface unit 5 executes a predetermined process according to an instruction from the system control unit 16, and the transmission voice signal is converted into a voice coding / decoding unit 6. Is input to Then, in the voice coding / decoding section 6, the transmission voice signal is coded according to a predetermined coding rule according to an instruction from the system control section 16, and the transmission voice signal is then sent to the demultiplexing section 17. . Next, in the multiplexing / demultiplexing unit 17, the transmission voice signal is multiplexed together with other signals for each transmission frame unit, passed through a predetermined line control (CCITT recommendation I series) in the line interface unit 18, and transmitted to the partner communication terminal An audio signal is sent.

When an image is input by the camera 7 or the document camera 8, the video interface unit 11 executes a predetermined process according to an instruction from the system control unit 16, and the transmission image signal is converted into a video encoding / decoding unit 12. Is input to Then, in the video encoding / decoding unit 12,
The transmission image signal is encoded according to a predetermined encoding rule according to an instruction from the system control unit 16 (CCITT
Draft Recommendation H. 261), the transmission image signal is sent to the demultiplexing unit 17. Next, in the demultiplexing unit 17, the transmission image signal is multiplexed together with other signals for each transmission frame unit, and is subjected to predetermined line control (CCITT recommendation I series) in the line interface unit 18,
An image signal is sent to the other communication terminal. In the transmission of the image signal, the input image can be displayed on the display unit 9 to monitor the input information.

When the transmission data is input to the data terminal 13, the data interface unit 14 executes a predetermined process according to an instruction from the system control unit 16, and then the transmission data is demultiplexed by the demultiplexing unit 17. Are multiplexed together with the signal of each transmission frame unit, and the line interface unit 1
The transmission data is sent to the other communication terminal through a predetermined line control (CCITT recommendation I series) in FIG.

In the above-described transmission of voice, image, and transmission data, commands are appropriately transmitted and received between the demultiplexing unit 17 and the system control unit 16, and the other party is transmitted with the desired transfer rate capability and transfer rate mode. It is configured to be able to transmit to a communication terminal.

On the other hand, when signal information is received from the other communication terminal, the signal information is sent to the demultiplexing section 17 through predetermined line control in the line interface section 18 (CCITT recommendation I series).

Then, the demultiplexing unit 17 separates the received frame into each unit of the medium and the BAS, and sends the signal information to each unit.

That is, when the received signal information is a received voice signal, the signal is decoded by the voice coding / decoding section 6 in accordance with an instruction from the system control section 16 and then subjected to predetermined processing in the voice interface section 5 to perform handset 1 reception. Or, it is output to the speaker 3.

When the received signal information is a received image signal, it is decoded by the video encoding / decoding unit 12 in accordance with an instruction from the system control unit 16 and then subjected to predetermined processing in the video interface unit 11 to be received. The image is displayed on the display unit 9
Will be displayed.

Further, when the received signal information is received data, it is sent from the data interface unit 14 to the data terminal 13, and the received data is output to the data terminal 13.

FIG. 2 is a front view of the display unit 9. The display unit 9 has a display screen 19 provided at a substantially central portion thereof. The transfer rate capability and the transfer rate mode are displayed on the display screen 19, and the transfer rate capability and the transfer rate mode are designated by moving the first cursor 20 and the second cursor 21 by operating the operation unit 15. You. In this embodiment, 1B and 2B can be used as the transfer rate capability and the transfer rate mode, respectively. Also, the transfer rate capability indicates that the first cursor is currently designated as 2B.

The transfer rate mode can be specified within the range of the set transfer rate capability 2B. That is, since the transfer rate capability is currently set to 2B, the transfer rate mode is 1B or 2B.
Can be selected. In the present embodiment, the transfer rate mode is currently designated as 2B by the second cursor 21.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure performed at the start of communication when communication is performed between the own communication terminal A and the other communication terminal B.

First, in order to start communication, a call setup procedure is performed on the D channel according to the ISDN user / network interface (CCITT recommendation I series) (procedure P30).
0).

Next, CCIT is performed on the set B channel.
Recommendation T. H. A frame synchronization procedure is performed according to H.221 (procedure P301).

When frame synchronization is established, CCITT
Recommendation H. A capacity exchange procedure is performed by the BAS according to H.242 (procedure P302). In the capability exchange procedure P302, the transfer rate capability, voice,
The terminal capability such as data is transmitted to the partner communication terminal B, and the partner terminal capability such as the transfer rate capability is also received from the partner communication terminal B. Then, the range of the capability that matches between the own terminal capability and the partner terminal capability is set as the communicable capability in the communication together with the partner terminal capability together with the system control unit 16.
In the RAM.

Next, after executing the above-mentioned capability exchange procedure P302, the CCITT Recommendation H.264 is used to specify a communication mode in which communication is actually performed within the range of the communicable capability. 24
A mode switching procedure is performed by the BAS according to the procedure 2 (procedure P3).
03). In the mode switching procedure P303, the transfer rate mode, speech coding,
The communication mode such as the data rate is adjusted within the range of the communicable capacity, and the communication mode is transmitted to the communication terminal B as the own communication mode. At this time, the partner communication terminal B also transmits its own communication mode. The received communication mode of the partner communication terminal B is stored in the RAM of the system control unit 16 as the partner communication mode.

As described above, the communication mode between the own communication terminal A and the other communication terminal B is determined, and the communication between the own communication terminal A and the other communication terminal B becomes possible. After that, when the terminal capability or the communication mode is changed, the capability exchange procedure P
302 or the mode switching procedure P303 is executed again. Further, when an additional channel is added, a call setting procedure P300 for setting an additional channel is executed, a frame synchronization procedure P301 on the set additional channel is executed, and, if necessary, a capability exchange procedure P302. And a mode switching procedure P303 is executed.

FIGS. 4 and 5 are flowcharts showing a control procedure in the transmission side system control unit 16 of the multimedia communication terminal (first embodiment) according to the first invention.
At the start of communication, the transfer rate capability and the transfer rate mode are set in advance by the first cursor 20 and the second cursor 21.
B shows the case where it is designated.

In FIG. 4, first, an initial channel setting procedure is started (step S400). That is, the execution of the call setting procedure on the D channel is notified to the line interface unit 18 based on the dial information of the other communication terminal input from the operation unit 15 and the like. Next, it is determined whether the call setting procedure in the line interface unit 18 has been completed normally (step S401). If it is determined that the processing has not been completed normally, it is determined that the setting of the initial channel has failed, and the processing is terminated as it is (see FIG. 5). On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing has been completed normally, the execution of the frame synchronization procedure on the set initial channel is notified to the demultiplexing unit 17 (step S402).

Next, it is determined whether or not the synchronization procedure in the demultiplexing unit 17 has been completed normally (step S4).
03). And if it is determined that it is not a normal end,
It is determined that communication is not possible due to synchronization failure, the execution of a call disconnection procedure for releasing the set initial channel is notified to the line interface unit 18 (step S404), and the process is terminated. On the other hand, if it is determined that the process has been completed normally, the execution of the capability exchange procedure based on the currently set own terminal capability is notified to the demultiplexing unit 17 (step S405).

Next, the communication capability is determined from the partner terminal capability and the own terminal capability based on the result of the capability exchange from the demultiplexing unit 17, and the communication capability together with the partner terminal capability is stored in the RAM.
(Step S406).

After the communicable capability is determined and stored, the control procedure of FIG. 5 is executed. That is, it is checked whether or not the transfer rate capability is 2B among the determined communicable capabilities (step S407). If the transfer rate capability is 2B, the call setting procedure for defining the additional channel is executed by the line. The interface unit 18 is notified (step S408).

Next, it is determined whether or not the call setting procedure in the line interface section 18 has been completed normally (step S409). When it is determined that the process has been completed normally, the execution of the frame synchronization procedure on the set additional channel is notified to the demultiplexing unit 17 (step S4).
10).

Next, it is determined whether or not the synchronization procedure in the demultiplexing section 17 has been completed normally (step S41).
1). If it is determined that the process has been completed normally, step S412 is performed.
To start the mode switching procedure and set the transfer rate mode to 2
The switching process ends at B. On the other hand, if the termination is not determined to be normal, it is determined that communication is impossible due to the failure of the synchronization of the additional channel, and the execution of the call disconnection procedure for releasing the set additional channel is notified to the line interface unit 18 (step (S413) After changing the transfer rate mode specified on the display screen 19 to 1B (step S4).
14), and notifies the demultiplexing unit S17 of the execution of the mode switching procedure to the transfer rate mode 1B (step S41).
4), end the process.

If it is determined in step S407 that the communicable transfer rate capability is not 2B (that is, if it is 1B), it is determined in step S409 that normal termination has not been determined and that setting of an additional channel has failed. In this case, the transfer rate mode is changed to 1B (step S41).
4) In the same manner as described above, the mode switching procedure is started (step S412), and the process ends.

Note that steps S407 to S41
If the mode received from the partner communication terminal is notified from the demultiplexing unit 17 during the period 2, this is stored in the RAM as the communication mode of the partner communication terminal.

As described above, in the first embodiment,
After setting the initial channel and then exchanging the capability with the partner communication terminal, it is possible to automatically set the additional channel, and the operator manually operates the operation unit as before in setting the additional channel Thus, the desired multimedia communication can be performed quickly and smoothly.

FIG. 6 shows a transmission side system control unit 16 of the multimedia communication terminal (second embodiment) according to the second invention.
Is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the case where the additional channel is deleted by changing the transmission-side transfer rate mode to 1B while communicating in the transmission-side transfer rate mode 2B using the additional channel. Is shown.

First, the operator operates the operation unit 15 to move the second cursor 21 on the display screen 19 (see FIG. 2) to change the transfer rate mode from 2B to 1B (step S500). Next, 2B of the own transfer rate mode
The demultiplexing unit 17 executes the mode switching procedure from mode to 1B.
(Step S501). Next, it is checked whether or not the transfer rate mode (reception side) of the partner communication terminal stored by executing the mode switching procedure is 1B (step S).
502). If the transfer rate mode on the receiving side is 1B, it is determined whether the currently set additional channel is set on the own communication terminal side (step S50).
3). If the own communication terminal is on the additional channel setting side, it notifies the line interface unit 18 of the execution of the call disconnection procedure for releasing the set additional channel (step S504), and ends the processing.

On the other hand, if the receiving-side transfer rate mode is not 1B in step S502, the process is terminated. If it is determined in step S503 that the own communication terminal is not on the additional channel setting side, the additional channel is set by the other communication terminal, and the process ends.

As described above, in the second embodiment,
When the transfer rate mode is changed from 2B (first transfer rate mode) to 1B (second transfer rate mode) during communication, the additional channel that is no longer used is automatically disconnected, so that the operator can promptly operate. Also, desired multimedia communication can be performed smoothly.

FIG. 7 shows a transmitting side system control unit 16 of the multimedia communication terminal (third embodiment) according to the third invention.
Is a flowchart showing a control procedure in the above, and shows a case where an additional channel is added by changing the transmission side transfer rate mode to 2B during communication in the transmission side transfer rate mode of 1B.

First, the operator operates the operation unit 15 to move the second cursor 21 on the display screen 19 (see FIG. 2) to change the transmission-side transfer rate mode from 1B to 2B (step S600). .

Next, it is checked whether or not an additional channel has already been set (step S601). If the additional channel is set, the demultiplexing unit 17 is notified of the execution of the procedure for switching the transmission-side transfer rate mode from 1B to 2B (step S602), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if the additional channel has not been set, the execution of the call setting procedure for setting the additional channel is notified to the line interface unit 18 (step S60).
3) It is determined whether the call setting procedure by the line interface unit 18 has been completed normally (step S60).
4). If it is determined that the setting is not normal termination, it is determined that the setting of the additional channel has failed, the process proceeds to step S608, the transmission side rate mode is returned to 1B, and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the processing has been completed normally, the execution of the frame synchronization procedure on the set additional channel is notified to the demultiplexing unit 17 (step S605).
It is determined whether the synchronization procedure by the demultiplexing unit 17 has been completed normally (step S606). If it is determined that the operation has been normally completed, a mode switching procedure is executed,
The transfer rate mode is changed from 1B to 2B (step S602), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the communication has not been completed normally, it is determined that communication is impossible due to the failure of the additional channel synchronization, and the execution of the call disconnection procedure for releasing the set additional channel is notified to the line interface unit 18. (Step S607), the transmission side transfer rate mode is returned to 1B (Step S608), and the process is terminated.

As described above, in the third embodiment,
When the transfer rate mode is changed from 1B (first transfer rate mode) to 2B (second transfer rate mode) during communication, an additional channel is automatically added, so that the operator can quickly and smoothly. Desired multimedia communication can be performed.

FIG. 8 is a flow chart showing a control procedure in the transmission side system control section 16 of the multimedia communication terminal according to the fourth invention (fourth embodiment), during communication with the transmission side rate capability 2B. 2 shows that the additional channel is deleted by changing the transfer rate capability on the transmission side to 1B.

First, the operator operates the operation unit 15 to move the nineteenth cursor 20 on the display screen 19 (see FIG. 2) to change the transfer rate capability from 2B to 1B (step S701).

Next, it is determined whether or not the current transmission-side transfer rate mode is 2B (step S702). And
If it is determined that the transmission side transfer rate mode is 2B, the transmission side transfer rate mode currently specified on the display screen 19 is changed to 1B (step S702).
The demultiplexing unit 17 is notified of the execution of the procedure for switching the transmission-side transfer rate mode from 2B to 1B (step S).
703), and then the transmission side transfer rate capability from 2B to 1B
The demultiplexing unit 17 is notified of the execution of the capacity exchange procedure to the demultiplexer 17 (step S704). On the other hand, if it is determined in step S701 that the transmission-side transfer rate mode is not 2B,
Since the transmission-side transfer rate mode is 1B, the process directly proceeds to step S704 to notify the demultiplexing unit 17 of the execution of the capability exchange procedure for the transmission transfer rate capability 1B.

Next, it is determined whether or not the transfer rate capability on the receiving side stored by executing the capability exchange procedure is 1B (step S705). If the transfer rate capability of the receiving side is 1B, the transfer rate capabilities of the transmitting side and the receiving side match, and the process ends. on the other hand,
If the receiving-side transfer rate capability is not 1B but 2B, the stored communicable transfer rate capability is changed from 2B to 1B (step S706), and it is determined whether an additional channel is currently set (step S706). Step S70
7). Then, if it is determined that the additional channel has not been set, the process ends. If an additional channel has been set, it is determined whether the additional channel has been set on the own communication terminal side (step S70).
8). If the additional channel is set on the other communication terminal side, the process is terminated as it is, while if the own communication terminal is on the additional channel setting side, the call disconnection procedure for releasing the set additional channel is performed. The execution is notified to the line interface unit 18 (step S709), and the process ends.

As described above, in the fourth embodiment, when the transfer rate capability is changed from 2B (first transfer rate capability) to 1B (second transfer rate capability) during communication, the transfer rate mode is changed. Since it is automatically adjusted to change to 1B and the additional channels that are no longer used are automatically disconnected, the operator can quickly and smoothly perform desired multimedia communication.

FIG. 9 and FIG. 10 are diagrams of the receiving-side system control unit 16 showing a process of receiving a command from the demultiplexing unit 17 when signal information from the transmitting-side communication terminal is received by the demultiplexing unit 17. It is a flowchart of a control procedure.

In FIG. 9, when a command from the demultiplexing unit 17 is received, it is determined whether or not the received command is an in-channel (B-channel) command for notifying a mode or capability (step S801). . If it is determined that the received command is not an in-channel command, a process of receiving another command (for example, error information due to frame synchronization failure) is executed (step S80).
2), end the process. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received command is an in-channel command, the received command (BA
It is determined whether or not S) is a transfer rate mode command (step S803). If it is determined that the command is a transfer rate mode command, the received transfer rate mode is the same as the currently stored transmission side transfer rate mode. It is determined whether or not it is (step S804), and if they are the same, the process ends. On the other hand, if the transmission rate mode is not the same as the transmission rate mode, the stored transmission rate mode is changed to the received transmission rate mode (step S80).
5). Next, the changed transmission rate mode of the transmitting side is set to 1
It is determined whether it is B or not (step S806). If it is determined that the transmission-side transfer rate mode is 1B, it is determined whether the own transfer rate mode (reception side) is 1B (step S807). If the transfer rate mode on the receiving side is not 1B, the process is terminated as it is. on the other hand,
When the transfer rate mode on the receiving side is 1B, it is determined whether or not the currently set additional channel has been set on the own communication terminal side (receiving side) (step S808). And, when the additional channel is not set in the receiving communication terminal,
Since the transmitting communication terminal is on the additional channel setting side, the process ends as it is. On the other hand, when the receiving communication terminal is the additional channel setting side, the line interface unit 18 is notified of the execution of the call disconnection procedure for releasing the set additional channel (CCITT recommendation 1 series) (Step S).
809), and the process ends.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S806 that the transmission-side transfer rate mode is not 1B, it is determined whether the stored communicable transfer rate capability is 2B (step S810). When the communicable transfer rate capability is not 2B (that is, when the communicable transfer rate capability is 2B), the process is terminated. On the other hand, when the communicable transfer rate capability is 2B, it is determined whether the transmission-side transfer rate mode is 1B. (Step S811). If the reception transfer rate mode is not 1B (that is, 2B),
On the other hand, if the receiving side transfer rate mode is 1B, the receiving side transfer rate mode is changed from 1B to 2B.
B (step S812), and notifies the demultiplexing unit 15 of the execution of the mode switching procedure from 1B to 2B of the receiving-side transfer rate mode (step S813), and ends the processing.

If it is determined in step S803 that the received in-channel command is not a transfer rate command, the control procedure shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

That is, first, it is determined whether the received command is a terminal capability command (step S81).
4). If the received command is not a terminal capability command, a process for receiving another mode command such as voice decoding and data rate is executed (step S815), and the process ends. On the other hand, if it is determined that the received in-channel command is a terminal capability command, it is determined whether the terminal capability command is a transfer rate capability command (step S816). If it is determined that the received command is not a transfer rate capability command, it is determined that the received command is another terminal capability command such as voice, data, etc., and a process of receiving these terminal capability commands is executed (step S817), and the process is terminated. When it is determined that the transfer rate capability is the transfer rate capability, it is determined whether the received transfer rate capability command is the same as the stored transfer rate capability (step S81).
8) If the values are the same, the process ends. If the values are not the same, the stored transmission rate capability is changed so that the transmission rate capabilities of the transmission side and the reception side are the same (step S819).

Next, a new communicable transfer rate capability is determined from the changed transmission-side transfer rate capability and receiving-side transfer rate capability (step S820), and thereafter, the newly determined communicable transfer rate capability is determined. Is 1B or not (step S821). If the communicable transfer rate capability is 1B, the process is terminated as it is, while if it is not 1B (that is, 2B), it is determined whether the transfer rate mode on the receiving side is 1B (step S822). . And the receiving side transfer rate mode is 1B
In the case of, the process is terminated as it is, while if it is not 1B (that is, in the case of 2B), the transfer rate mode on the receiving side is changed to 1B (step S823), and then the mode switching procedure to the transfer rate mode 1B on the receiving side Is notified to the demultiplexing unit 17.

Thereafter, it is determined whether or not an additional channel has been set (step S825). If the additional channel has not been set, the process ends.
If an additional channel has been set, it is determined whether or not the own communication terminal is on the additional channel setting side (step S82).
6) If it is not the additional channel setting side, the process is terminated as it is, while if its own communication terminal is the additional channel setting side, a call disconnection procedure of the additional channel is executed (step S8).
27), end the processing.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and it goes without saying that the present invention can be modified without departing from the scope of the invention.

In the above embodiment, the description has been made for the ISDN basic interface (2B + D).
+ D) and the like.
Further, in the above embodiment, the additional channel to be disconnected when the low transfer rate capability or the transfer rate mode is specified is only the additional channel set by the own communication terminal. May be cut off, and it is also possible to select any one of them.

[0076]

As described in detail above, according to the first and third aspects of the present invention , the setting is made when a change instruction is issued.
The number of channels that have been
Was performed or based on a request from the partner terminal
The change in the number of channels based on the change instruction.
Is controlled, so it can be
It is possible to perform communication control that respects the setting in
You.

According to the second and fourth aspects of the present invention, the channel set when the change instruction is issued.
If the number of channels is set by your terminal, your terminal
Channel number can be changed by
The other terminal sets the number of channels set when
Change the number of channels by your own terminal.
For example, during communication in 2B , the user wants to open 1B at his own terminal for some reason, changes to 1B communication, and immediately returns to 2B under the control of the partner terminal. , 1B can be prevented from being eventually secured.

Further, the multimedia communication terminal according to a third aspect of the present invention has the designation means, and the first transfer rate mode designated by the designation means sets the first transfer mode by the designation means during communication. When a change to the second transfer rate mode, which is larger than the rate mode, is specified, additional call setting means for automatically setting additional channels is provided, so that the operator can quickly perform complicated call control operations without performing complicated call control operations. In addition, the additional setting of the additional channel can be easily performed.

Further, a multimedia communication terminal according to a fourth aspect of the present invention includes the designation means, and the first transfer rate capability designated by the designation means is set to be the first transfer rate by the designation means during communication. When a change to a second transfer rate capability smaller than the rate capability is designated, the transfer rate mode is automatically changed to a transfer rate mode corresponding to the second transfer rate capability, and the unused additional channel is changed. Since a change / disconnection means for automatically disconnecting the call is provided, the operator can quickly and easily change to the transfer rate mode according to the transfer rate capability without performing a complicated call control operation. Additional channels can be released.

As described above, according to the first to fourth aspects, the additional channel can be automatically set or released according to the designated transfer rate capability and transfer rate mode, which is convenient for the operator. Further, a multimedia communication terminal having a better user interface can be obtained. Moreover, since the extra additional channel is automatically released, the communication fee can be reduced.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a multimedia communication terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a front view showing an example of a display unit of the multimedia communication terminal according to the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram showing an operation procedure at the start of communication.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart (1/2) showing a control procedure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a flowchart (2/2) showing a control procedure of the first embodiment.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to the second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure according to a third embodiment.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating a control procedure of a fourth actual finger example.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart (1/2) showing an example of a control procedure on the receiving side.

FIG. 10 is a flowchart (2/2) showing an example of a control procedure on the receiving side.

[Explanation of symbols]

15 operation unit (designation means) 16 system control unit (call setting means, call disconnection means, call addition setting means, change / disconnection means)

Claims (4)

(57) [Claims] 1. A multimedia communication apparatus for performing communication by combining a plurality of media, comprising: communication means for communicating with a partner terminal using a plurality of channels; and change instructing means for instructing a change in the number of channels to be used. And the channel set when the change instruction is issued.
Whether the number was made based on a request from the
Judgment was performed based on the request from the end, the said
Control means for controlling a change in the number of channels based on a change instruction . 2. A communication means for performing multimedia communication on a plurality of channels based on negotiations with a partner terminal, and receiving a channel number change instruction from the own terminal or the partner terminal.
Change means for changing the number of channels used based on the
The change means is set when the change instruction is given.
When the number of channels set by the terminal is set
Allows the terminal to change the number of channels,
The number of channels set when the change instruction is issued
When the other terminal is set,
Control means for controlling the number of channels to be prevented from changing . 3. A multimedia communication method for performing communication by combining a plurality of media, comprising: a communication step of performing communication with a partner terminal using a plurality of channels; and an instruction to change the number of channels to be used. Change instructing step to be performed, and a channel set when the change is instructed.
Whether the number was made based on a request from the
Judgment was performed based on the request from the end, said
Control system that controls the change of the number of channels based on the change instruction
Multimedia communication method characterized by having a degree. 4. A communication step for performing multimedia communication on a plurality of channels based on negotiation with a partner terminal, and a change instruction of the number of channels from the own terminal or the partner terminal.
Based on, and a changing step of changing the number of switch Yaneru used
The change step is set when the change instruction is given.
When the number of channels set by the terminal is set
Allows the terminal to change the number of channels,
The number of channels set when the change was instructed
When the other terminal is set,
Control process to control not to change the number of channels due to
Multimedia communication method characterized by having a.