JP3554694B2 - Terminal network controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system for performing data communication using a digital line represented by ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), which is connected to an analog port of a TA (Terminal Adapter) and a caller number is set. The present invention relates to a terminal network control device that can perform a non-ringing incoming call by a caller number signal transmitted from an TA to an analog port in response to an added incoming call.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a communication system in which data communication is performed between a terminal side system and a center side system using a digital line such as ISDN, a meter 43 and a telephone 7 are connected to a terminal network control device 10 as shown in FIG. In order to connect these analog line devices to a digital line, the terminal network control device 10 is connected to the analog port 411 of the terminal adapter (TA) 41 as a connection device, and the line terminal unit (DSU) 40, the terminal network It is connected to the center system 1 via the exchange 3 and the center exchange 2 via a digital network. The personal computer 5 is connected to the digital port 410 of the TA 41, and the facsimile 6 is connected to the analog port 412.
[0003]
Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 7-107197 discloses a communication system in which data communication is performed between a terminal-side system and a center-side system using a telephone line. A terminal network control device has been proposed which performs a no-ringing communication when a caller ID signal is detected and the detected caller ID is a call from the center side system. For use in the system, it is necessary to set the operation mode of the TA 41 so that the caller ID signal is transmitted from the analog port of the TA 41 when receiving a call.
[0004]
The operation mode of the TA is set by a communication operation using a personal computer 5 or the like connected to the data port, as shown in FIG. 1, or the PB button of the telephone 7 connected to the analog port is handled by the TA 41 as shown in FIG. In this method, the user operates while looking at the instruction manual and sets the value using the PB signal.
[0005]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart for operating the PB button of the telephone 7 to set the TA 41 by the PB signal. The procedure for setting the operation mode of the TA will be described with reference to FIG. 2. First, the receiver is raised (step 1), and after confirming the dial tone (step 2), an instruction for setting the operation mode is given by '*', Press the "*" or "1" PB button to send to the TA side (step 3). While confirming the audible sound signal and the response by voice synthesis from the TA 41 (step 4), the ports to be set in order are selected (step 5). For example, when the port to be set is the analog port 1, the PB button of "1" is pressed, and if there is a response from the TA41, then the setting is selected to use the caller number display function of the TA41 ( Step 7) After receiving the response from the TA 41, press the "1" PB button to instruct "to" to display the caller ID (step 9). After the response from the TA 41, the user presses “♯”, which is an instruction to end the operation (step 11), puts the receiver off (step 13), and completes the operation setting of the TA 41. After completing these operations, the operation check of the terminal network control device 10 has been performed.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, in a communication system in which data communication is performed between a terminal network control device and a center system using a digital line, a caller number signal is detected by an incoming call with a caller number added, and the detected caller number signal is detected. In order to perform the no-ringing communication when the caller number originated from the center-side system, it is necessary to set the operation mode of the TA so that the caller ID signal is transmitted from the analog port of the TA when an incoming call is received. Normally, this setting must be performed by operating the PB button of a personal computer or telephone connected to the TA.
[0007]
However, when the terminal network control device is installed, the TA is usually installed indoors. Therefore, after the terminal network control device is installed outdoors and wiring work is completed, the personal computer is installed at home with permission from the user. Since the method of setting the operation mode of the commercially available TA differs depending on the TA, it is necessary to operate the PB button of the telephone while checking the user's instruction manual of the TA. Therefore, there are cases where it takes a long time to set the operation mode of the TA, inconveniences the user, or even refuse to attach the terminal network control device.
[0008]
Also, after the installation, the user changes the connection device such as the TA, or resets the TA setting to the factory setting, so that the operation setting contents of the TA when the terminal network control device is installed are set. In some cases, the terminal network control device having contents different from those described above does not operate normally. In such a case, it is necessary for the system operator to go to the user's house and perform a TA operation setting again.
[0009]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to solve the above-described problems, a terminal network control device according to the present invention has an operation procedure storage unit that stores an operation procedure of a setting signal for setting an operation mode of a connected device such as a TA, Setting signal transmitting means, which transmits the setting signal stored in the operation procedure storage means to set the operation mode of the connected device, and sets the operation mode of the connected device when the terminal network control device is installed. The operation setting can be easily performed.
[0010]
Here, examples of the connection device include a TA, and the concept includes a device in which a DSU and a TA are integrated and a device having a TA function called a router. Further, as the setting signal, a PB signal used for a telephone line can be exemplified. However, the setting signal is not particularly limited as long as it can set an operation mode of a connected device such as a TA, and may be an FSK signal or a PSK signal.
[0011]
Also, since the method of setting the operation mode of a commercially available TA differs for each TA, it is desirable that the operation procedure storage means can store a plurality of operation procedures so as to correspond to a plurality of types of TAs. Correspondingly, a communication means for receiving an instruction of the type of the connected TA is provided, and when the type of the connected TA is instructed by the communication, the setting signal transmitting means corresponds to the type of the instructed TA. If the setting signal is transmitted in accordance with an operation procedure such as a PB signal, it is possible to cope with a change in the type of TA of the user during operation.
[0012]
Further, if the terminal network control device is provided with a communication means for receiving the setting signal operation procedure, the setting signal operation procedure is received by communication, and the received setting signal operation procedure is stored in the operation procedure storage means, When the terminal network control device is installed, the operation procedure corresponding to the connected device such as the TA can be stored.
[0013]
Examples of the communication partner include a center-side system or a setting device that sets internal setting data of the terminal network control device. In the case of communication with the setting device, the terminal network control device transmits a setting signal such as a PB signal corresponding to a key operation of the setting device to set the operation mode of the TA, and stores the operation procedure. If the information is stored in the means, the storing of the operation procedure and the setting operation can be performed in parallel.
[0014]
As the operation procedure storage means, a RAM installed in the terminal network control device can be exemplified. As the memory, a nonvolatile memory such as an rewritable EEPROM or flash ROM having a large storage capacity is preferable.
[0015]
In the operation procedure storage means as described above, it is possible to store the previously operated PB signal operation procedure, and in addition to this, a timer means for periodically performing a resetting operation is provided. If the setting signal is periodically transmitted from the setting signal transmitting means by the clock signal, the operation setting is periodically repeated. Therefore, even if the operation mode of the connected device is changed by the user, the installation of the terminal network control device is performed. You can return to the time setting.
[0016]
Also, depending on the connected device such as the TA to be set, the response time is slow even if the setting signal is transmitted from the setting signal transmitting means, and the setting of the connected device such as the TA fails even if the setting signal is simply sequentially transmitted. Sometimes. In order to cope with this, the setting signal operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage means includes a procedure for instructing a waiting time in which the response of various connected devices is sufficient, and a waiting time instruction signal is transmitted from the setting signal transmitting means. Then, after the time measured by the timer means, the next setting signal is transmitted, so that it is possible to respond to the response of various connected devices.
[0017]
Similarly, depending on the connected device such as a TA to be set, there is a device that responds with a call progress tone (CPT) such as a dial tone, a ringback tone, or a busy tone in addition to the PB signal. , The operation setting of the TA may fail. Therefore, in order to cope with such a TA responded by the CPT, a call progress tone detecting means is provided, and a call progress tone receiving procedure is included in the setting signal operation procedure. Settings can be made more reliably.
[0018]
As described above, in a communication system in which data communication is performed between a terminal side system and a center side system using a digital line, the operation setting of a connected device such as a TA connected to the line is connected to the analog port. Can be easily performed from the terminal network control device. Therefore, after the terminal network control device is installed, a caller ID signal is detected based on the incoming call to which the caller ID is added, and when the detected caller ID is a call from the center-side system, data to be transmitted by no ringing is used. Communication can be done smoothly.
[0019]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
An embodiment of a terminal network control device according to the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. The system configuration to which the terminal network control device according to the embodiment of the present invention is applied is basically the same as the configuration shown in FIG. 1 described in the section of “Prior Art”. Therefore, FIG. 1 will be referred to again in the following description.
[0020]
The terminal network control device 10 is connected to the analog port 411 of the TA 41 of the terminal system 4 shown in FIG. 1, and the gas meter 43 and the telephone 7 are connected. The setting device 8 is connected when necessary, such as during construction or maintenance.
[0021]
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal network control device according to the present embodiment. The terminal network control device 10 includes a polarity reversal detection unit 101 for detecting inversion of the line polarity, a call signal detection unit 102 for detecting a call signal (ringer), an off-hook detection unit 103 for detecting line off-hook, Dial unit 104 for making a call from the side, a line communication unit 105 for transmitting and receiving to and from the outside through a line, a switching unit 106 having a relay for connecting and disconnecting the telephone 7 to and from the line, a gas meter 43 and setting A terminal device communication unit 115 having interface units 116 and 117 to which the unit 8 is connected, a control unit 111 for controlling these functional units, and a built-in battery 118 are provided.
[0022]
The control unit 111 includes a microcomputer 112, a memory unit 114, and a timer unit 113. The line communication unit 105 includes a modem unit 107 for modulating or demodulating a digital signal and an analog signal, a PB signal receiving unit 108, a PB signal transmitting unit 109, and a CPT detecting unit 110 for detecting a call progress tone (CPT). ing.
[0023]
The PB signal operation procedure for setting the operation mode of the TA 41 is stored in the memory unit 114 as the PB signal operation procedure storage unit. FIG. 4 is a PB signal table in the memory unit 114. FIG. 5 is a flowchart of the TA setting operation.
[0024]
The basic setting operation of the TA 41 when the terminal network control device 10 is installed will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. First, a re-off hook is performed by the dial unit 104 as a dial means (step 21), and a response from the TA 41 is returned. After waiting for three seconds as a time (step 22), the leading value is read from the PB signal table for TA setting shown in FIG. 4 (step 23). In this case, since the value of the table is '*', the PB signal of '*' is transmitted from the PB table for 100 msec (step 25). Next, after waiting for 100 msec in consideration of the processing time of the TA 41 (step 26), the next value of the PB signal table is taken out, and it is determined whether or not it is “empty” (step 24). A value PB signal is transmitted, and if it is "empty", it indicates that the setting signal operation procedure has been completed, so that it goes on-hook (step 27) and the setting operation of the TA is completed.
[0025]
The above basic setting operation is a case where the operating procedure stored in the memory unit 114 is a single operation procedure. However, since the setting operation of the TA 41 differs depending on the model, a plurality of operation procedures are stored in the memory unit 114 in accordance with the setting operation. An instruction is issued by communication from the setting unit 1 or the setting unit 8, and a new TA operation mode can be easily set.
[0026]
FIG. 6 is a PB signal table corresponding to a plurality of types of TA settings stored in the memory unit 114 as a PB signal operation procedure storage unit. In FIG. 6, (A) to (X) in the left column represent types of TA. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal network control device 10 includes a line communication unit 105 that is a communication unit with the center system 1 or a terminal device communication unit 115 that is a communication unit with the setting unit 8. Alternatively, both are provided, and a setting signal is transmitted to the TA 41 in accordance with an instruction from these communication means in accordance with a setting signal operation procedure corresponding to the type of the specified connected device.
[0027]
The terminal network control device 10 receives a PB signal operation procedure for setting the TA 41 from these communication units, and stores it in the memory unit 114 serving as a PB signal operation procedure storage unit. If this operation procedure is sent for each of a plurality of types of TAs, it is stored as a PB signal table for setting a plurality of types of TAs.
[0028]
When receiving a message notifying the type of the TA 41 to which the terminal network control device 10 is connected by these communication means, the PB signal table corresponding to the TA is read, and the setting operation is performed according to the TA setting operation flowchart shown in FIG. I do. For example, if the type of the notified TA is (C), the PB signals'#',' 1 ',' 2 ',' * ',' 4 ',' 1 ',' 1 ',' * ',' * ',' 1 ',' ♯ ',' ♯ 'are sent out in order.
[0029]
When the TA is changed to a TA other than the TA stored in the memory unit 114 of the terminal network control device 10, it can be set in the same manner as the telephone by operating the keys of the setting device. The setting operation will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of operation keys of the setting device, and FIG. 8 is a flowchart of manual setting using the keys of the setting device.
[0030]
First, the setting device 8 is operated to set the terminal network control device 10 to a manual setting mode in which the TA 41 is set by a key operation of the setting device 8. Upon receiving the message in the manual setting mode from the setting device 8 (step 31), the terminal network control device 10 goes off-hook by the dial unit 104 (step 32) and enters the manual setting mode. In this manual setting mode, when a numeral from 0 to 9 and keys * and で are pressed on the setting device 8, the terminal network control device 10 receives which key is pressed (step 33) and presses the key. A PB signal corresponding to the key is transmitted for 100 msec (step 36). If a monitor speaker is connected to a connection terminal (not shown) of the line, operation can be performed by the setting device 8 while listening to the PB signal. The operator only needs to operate the keys of the setting device 8 in accordance with the instruction manual of the TA, and can set the TA 41 in the user's home with the terminal network control device 10 installed outdoors without using the user's home telephone. .
[0031]
At this time, the operation procedure is stored in the PB signal table of the memory unit 114 (step 35), and when the user must reset the TA, for example, when the user accidentally returns the TA to the factory default, The operation procedure stored in the unit 114 can be used. In the manual setting mode, when a numeral other than 0 to 9 and keys other than * and ♯ are pressed on the setting device 8, the terminal network control device 10 determines that the manual setting mode is ended (step 38). On-hook (step 39), and the operation ends.
[0032]
As a method of using the operation procedure stored in the memory unit 114, the terminal network control device 10 may periodically perform a reset operation on the TA 41. In other words, the TA settings are changed while the user is using the TA, or the settings are reset to the factory defaults. As a result, the terminal network control device 10 may not operate normally. In response to this, the previously operated PB signal operation procedure is stored in the memory unit 114, and the same setting operation is periodically (for example, once / day) performed from the time of the operation by the timer unit 113 which is a timer unit. Is performed, the terminal network control device 10 can return to the setting at the time of installation within one cycle even if the operation mode of the TA is changed by the user. In this case, the memory unit 114 is preferably an electrically erasable / writable EEPROM or flash ROM.
[0033]
Also, depending on the TA 41 to be set, in the setting operation procedure using the PB signal, there is a response from the TA that is slow, a notification of the operation procedure by voice, and a response with a call progress tone (CPT). If the PB signals are sequentially transmitted, the setting may fail. As a countermeasure, the operation procedure stored in the memory unit 114 may be provided with a waiting time, or the CPT detection unit 110 may be provided.
[0034]
FIG. 9 is a PB signal table including a procedure for instructing a waiting time. In this example, if there is a character 'P', it indicates that time is to be waited for the number of seconds of the following numeral '2'.
[0035]
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a PB table including a call progress tone detection procedure and a CPT pattern. In this example, if there is a character 'C', the following numeral '1' or '2' indicates a call progress tone pattern. The call progress tone pattern of “C1” waits for the reception of a continuous call progress tone. The continuation in this case means 3 seconds or more. The call progress tone pattern of “C2” waits for the reception of the call progress tone that is ON for two consecutive seconds.
[0036]
FIG. 11 shows an operation flowchart of TA setting when a procedure for instructing a waiting time and a procedure for detecting a call progress tone are included. After the on-hook (Step 41), the value is taken out from the received PB signal table (Step 42). If the value from the PB signal table is the character 'P' (Step 43), the process waits for the next number of seconds. Thereby (step 44), it is possible to cope with a TA having a slow response.
[0037]
Depending on the TA to be set, a response from the TA may be a call progress tone in the procedure of the setting operation using the PB signal. After transmitting the PB signal, in the TA in which the response uses the call progress tone, the provision of the call progress tone receiving means makes it possible to confirm whether the TA has been successfully set.
[0038]
In this example, if there is a character "C" (step 45), if a call progress tone pattern represented by the following numeral is detected, the procedure proceeds to the next procedure according to each pattern. If it is not the character "C", it is determined whether it is not "empty" (step 48). If it is not "empty", the PB signal is transmitted for 100 msec (step 49), and then it waits for 100 msec (step 50). If it is “empty”, it is determined that the setting operation has been completed, and the on-func is performed (step 51), and the setting operation is completed.
[0039]
As described above, when the operation setting of the TA 41 is completed, the terminal network control device 10 detects a caller number signal due to an incoming call to which the caller number transmitted from the center side system 1 is added, and the detected caller number signal is detected. When the caller ID is a call from the center-side system, communication can be performed without ringing.
[0040]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, the operation mode of the connected device such as the TA has been set by a person by operating the dial button of the telephone until now. Accordingly, when installing the terminal network control device, the terminal network control device can be smoothly installed outdoors without bothering the user.
[0041]
Also, by storing setting signal operation procedures corresponding to a plurality of types of connected devices, the operation modes of the plurality of types of connected devices can be set, so that the type of the connected device of the user is changed during operation. However, an instruction can be issued by communication from the center system or the setting device to easily set an operation mode of a new connected device. For connected devices other than the stored plural types of connected devices, settings can be made in the same manner as with a telephone by operating the keys of the setting device.
[0042]
Further, by providing the timer means, the operation procedure performed last time is stored, and the setting is repeated periodically. Therefore, even if the operation mode of the TA is changed by the user, the operation time of the installation is within one cycle. You can revert to settings.
[0043]
Also, in the setting of the connected device by the setting signal, there is a difference in the response timing and response of the operation procedure depending on the connected device.Therefore, by adding a waiting time to the operation procedure and by providing a call progress tone detection unit, Reliable setting is possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a diagram of a communication system on an ISDN line.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart of setting a TA using a PB button of a conventional telephone.
FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing an internal configuration of a terminal network control device of the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a PB signal table for setting a TA.
FIG. 5 is an operation flowchart of TA setting.
FIG. 6 is a PB signal table corresponding to a plurality of types of TA settings.
FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of operation keys of the setting device.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart of manual setting using a key of a setting device.
FIG. 9 is a PB signal table including a procedure for instructing a waiting time.
FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram showing a PB table including a call progress tone detection procedure and a CPT pattern.
FIG. 11 is an operational flowchart of TA setting when a procedure for instructing a waiting time and a procedure for detecting a call progress tone are included.
[Explanation of symbols]
1: center-side system 2: center-side exchange 3: terminal-side exchange 4: terminal-side system 5: personal computer 6: facsimile 7: telephone 8: setting device 9: ISDN
10: No ringing communication device 40: DSU (Digital Service Unit)
41: TA (Terminal Adapter)
43: Gas meter 410: Data port 411: Analog port 1
412: Analog port 2
101: pole detection unit 102: call signal detection unit 103: off-hook detection unit 104: dial unit 105: line communication unit 106: telephone separation relay 107: modem unit 108: PB signal reception unit 109: PB signal transmission unit 110: CPT Detecting unit 111: Control unit 112: Microcomputer 113: Timer unit 114: Memory unit 115: Terminal device communication unit 116: Meter interface unit 117: Setting unit interface unit 118: Battery

Claims (9)

Connected to the analog port of the connection device of the digital network, the caller ID signal is detected by the incoming call with the caller ID added, and when the detected caller ID is a call from the center side system, no ringing communication A terminal network control device that performs
Communication means for receiving a setting signal operation procedure for setting an operation mode of the connection device; operation procedure storage means for storing an operation procedure of a setting signal received by the communication means; and setting for terminal transmission Signal transmission means is provided,
The setting signal operation procedure received by the communication means is stored in the operation procedure storage means, and the setting signal stored in the operation procedure storage means is transmitted to the connection equipment by the setting signal transmission means , whereby the operation of the connection equipment is performed. A terminal network control device, wherein a mode is set. Connected to the analog port of the connection device of the digital network, the caller ID signal is detected by the incoming call with the caller ID added, and when the detected caller ID is a call from the center side system, no ringing communication Terminal network control device that performs
Operation procedure storage means for storing a plurality of types of setting signal operation procedures for setting operation modes corresponding to a plurality of types of connected equipment; setting signal transmitting means for terminal transmission; Communication means for receiving a type of instruction,
When receiving the instruction of the type of the connected device connected by the communication means, from among the plurality of setting signal operation procedures stored in the operation procedure storage means, the setting signal operation corresponding to the type of the specified connected device A terminal network control device, wherein a procedure is selected and a setting signal is transmitted in accordance with the selected setting signal operation procedure. 3. The terminal network control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a communication unit with a center system. 3. The terminal network control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication unit is a communication unit with a setting device that sets internal setting data of the terminal network control device. 5. The apparatus according to claim 4, wherein a setting signal corresponding to a key operation of the setting device is transmitted to set an operation mode of the connected device, and the operation procedure is stored in the operation procedure storage means. The terminal network control device as described in the above. Timer means, the operation procedure storage means stores a setting signal operation procedure operated last time, and the setting signal sending means periodically sends a setting signal in response to a time signal from the timer means. The terminal network control device according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein The setting signal operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage means includes a step of instructing a waiting time, and the setting signal sending means includes a waiting time instructed by the timer means in accordance with the waiting time instruction signal. after counting the terminal network control apparatus according to claim 1, characterized in that so as to deliver the next setting signal. The terminal network according to any one of claims 1 to 7 , further comprising a call progress tone detection means, wherein the setting signal operation procedure stored in the operation procedure storage means includes a call progress tone reception procedure. Control device. Terminal network controller according to claim 1 wherein the setting signal is a PB signal.

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