JP3561458B2 - Terminal network controller - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention uses a digital line such as ISDN, or an analog line or a line connected to a PBX, and is linked to a center-side device. Contact devices such as meters and sensors for LP gas, city gas, electricity, and water are used. The present invention relates to a terminal network control device in a communication system that is connected and performs data transmission by ringing with a center device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In a no-ringing communication system to which a conventional terminal network control device (hereinafter, referred to as NCU) is applied, as shown in FIG. 1, a host device 1 and a center-side network control device (hereinafter, referred to as C-NCU) 2 The sensor-side device and the terminal-side device installed in the customer are connected via a telephone network. The telephone line network is configured by connecting a center-side exchange 3 and a terminal-side exchange 4 provided with a no-ringing trunk by a trunk line 5 to each of the exchanges 3 and 4 via a telephone line 6. Are connected respectively. In the terminal-side device, a meter 8 and a home telephone 9 are connected to the NCU 7 respectively.
[0003]
When a digital line such as ISDN is used, as shown in FIG. 2, in the center-side device, the C-NCU 2 connected to the host device 1 is connected to a terminal adapter (hereinafter referred to as TA) 10 as a connection device. Connecting. In the terminal-side device, a TA 12 is connected to a digital service unit (hereinafter, referred to as a DSU) 11, and an NCU 7 is connected to an analog port of the TA 12.
[0004]
As the connection device, there are a device in which the DSU and the TA are integrated, and a device having a TA function called a router. In addition, a contact device such as a sensor other than the meter 8 is connected to the NCU 7, and a facsimile device is connected to the NCU 7 in addition to the telephone 9 as a terminal device.
[0005]
Then, when reading the meter reading value of the customer's meter 8 from the center-side device, the center-side device transmits the reading to the customer via the TA10 on the center side. The customer is set in advance to notify the TA 12 of the caller number. The NCU 7 disconnects the line 12a from the telephone 9 so that the telephone 9 does not ring due to the pre-ringer signal output from the TA 12, receives the pre-ringer signal, and the caller number following the pre-ringer signal is a number preset in the NCU 7. If so, a ringer signal coming on-hook after receiving the caller number signal is detected and off-hook to communicate with the center-side device. If the number is not a preset number, the line 12a is switched to the telephone so that the ringer of the telephone 9 rings. In this way, communication is possible without ringing the bell of the telephone 9 on the ISDN line. In the analog line, since the caller number signal is transmitted from the exchange 4, no ringing communication based on the caller number can be performed in the same manner as described above.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, when performing the automatic meter reading using the above-mentioned caller ID notification function, the customer changes this setting after setting the TA to notify the caller ID, or resets it by mistake, When the center device is replaced, there is a problem that the meter reading from the center device cannot be performed, or the telephone cannot be called, and it is not possible to detect that a problem has occurred in the center device.
[0007]
In view of the above, the present invention provides a terminal network control device that enables a center device to easily cope with a case where a function of notification of a caller ID on a terminal side is different from an initial setting due to a change or the like. With the goal.
[0008]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
Means for solving the problems according to the present invention is to detect a signal transmitted for notification of a caller ID through a digital or analog communication line, and when the call is transmitted from the center device, the data is transmitted to and from the center device by no ringing. When transmitting, when not originating from the center-side device When connecting a terminal device such as a telephone to the communication line, or when waiting to receive a signal transmitted for caller ID notification When a different signal is received or when a signal cannot be received, this event is notified to the center-side device. Here, the signal transmitted for notification of the caller number is a pre-ringer signal and a caller number signal transmitted in a predetermined sequence.
[0009]
Specifically, when receiving a ringer signal while waiting to receive a pre-ringer signal, or when receiving a pre-ringer signal and then waiting to receive the next caller number signal When the caller ID signal cannot be received at this time, unlike the signal transmitted in a predetermined sequence, it is determined that there is an abnormality, and when any event occurs, the center side device is notified and the It is to try to.
[0010]
The cause of the above may be that, in the case of a digital line, a connecting device such as a TA is interposed in the communication line, and the connecting device is not set to perform caller ID notification or is incorrectly set. It is conceivable that this was set. Further, in the case of an analog line, a signal for transmitting the caller ID is transmitted from the exchange, which may cause an abnormality in the exchange. Further, there may be a case where a temporary malfunction of the NCU is caused by noise or the like.
[0011]
However, in any case, since a signal cannot be received in a predetermined sequence, some measure is taken by notifying the center-side device. For example, measures may be taken such as changing the settings of the connected equipment, suspending the call from the center-side device until the abnormality of the exchange is resolved, and trying the connection operation again after a while. On the other hand, the terminal-side device performs the best operation according to the situation at that time, such as notifying the center-side device and switching the terminal device such as the telephone so as to be connected to the line.
[0012]
In addition, the terminal device may notice that the settings are incorrect, and as a result of changing the settings, when it is confirmed that a signal can be normally received by calling from a device other than the center device, the center device returns to a normal state. It should just be notified that it returned to.
[0013]
Such an event often occurs continuously, and confusion arises when the event is notified to the center device each time. Therefore, the event may be notified to the center device when the event occurs continuously plural times. Therefore, there is a case where the influence of noise or the like disappears before the notification, the abnormality is eliminated, and the state returns to the normal state. This is useful in such a case. Further, by setting a flag when the notification is made to the center-side device, it is possible to prevent the notification from being performed again as long as the flag remains even if the same event occurs. This flag is deleted when it returns to a normal state.
[0014]
When this event is notified to the center device, the terminal device such as a telephone which has been disconnected from the communication line at the time of standby when the line is restored is switched to be connected to the communication line. Although you cannot answer calls from, you can use terminal equipment.
[0015]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
(1st Embodiment)
A communication system according to a first embodiment to which a terminal network control device (NCU) of the present invention is applied will be described. The overall configuration of the communication system is the same as that shown in FIG. 2, and the NCU 7 and the C-NCU 2 are connected by TA10 and 12 as connection devices, respectively, by a digital circuit network such as ISDN.
[0016]
Here, a timing chart of a normal ringer signal transmitted from the TA 12 on the terminal side when a call is received is shown in FIG. A signal is transmitted for one second, the telephone 9 rings during this time, and after a pause of two seconds, a signal is transmitted again and this is repeated until the telephone goes off-hook. FIG. 4 shows a timing chart of a signal transmitted from the TA 12 when the function of notifying the caller number to the TA 12 is set. First, a pre-linger signal of 0.5 sec is transmitted a plurality of times at 0.5 sec intervals, and thereafter a data signal including a caller number (hereinafter, referred to as a caller number signal) is transmitted within a fixed time, and the same ringer as described above is transmitted. A signal is sent.
[0017]
As shown in FIG. 5, the NCU 7 includes a line interface 20 connected to an analog terminal of the TA 12 via an analog line 12a, a terminal device interface 21 to which terminal devices such as a telephone 9 and a facsimile device are connected, and a meter 8 Interface 22 to which sensors and the like are connected, a ringer detection circuit 23 for detecting a ringer signal, a switching circuit 24 having a relay for connecting and disconnecting the telephone 9 to and from the line 12a, and a microcontroller for controlling these. A control circuit 25 including a computer (microcomputer) and a memory 26 for storing data are provided. Reference numeral 27 denotes a power source such as a battery, and further includes an off-hook detection circuit for detecting off-hook of a line.
[0018]
The control circuit 25 controls the switching circuit 24 so that the telephone 9 is disconnected from the line when the line is restored (on-hook). Here, when an incoming call arrives at the TA 12, the ringer detection circuit 23 detects a signal transmitted from the TA 12. The ringer detection circuit 23 measures the width and interval of the signal to determine whether the signal is a ringer signal. If the detected signal length is equivalent to the pre-ringer signal, a loop is formed to hook off the line, and the caller ID signal subsequently transmitted from the TA 12 is received. However, as shown in FIG. 6, when the detected signal is not a pre-ringer signal, for example, if it is 400 ms or less, 700 ms or more, it is determined that a ringer signal has come. Then, the relay of the switching circuit 24 is driven, the circuit is switched so that the telephone 9 is connected to the line, and the signal is sent to the telephone 9 to sound.
[0019]
By the way, although the TA 12 should have been set to notify the caller ID, the fact that the ringer signal was sent means that the setting change was not properly performed by the customer or the like. Can be Therefore, when such an event occurs, the NCU 7 notifies the center side device of this event by calling from the terminal, if it confirms that the line is not in use. The outgoing call is made to the telephone number of the center-side device set in the memory 26 of the NCU 7 in advance.
[0020]
As a result, the center-side device can recognize that the setting of the TA 12 in the terminal-side device has been changed or that the setting has not been properly performed, and can immediately take a corresponding action. That is, the person in charge goes to the customer and resets the TA12.
[0021]
As described above, when the ringer signal comes while the NCU 7 is waiting to receive the pre-ringer signal, the NCU 7 immediately sends a call to the center-side device and notifies the center-side device. There may be a temporary phenomenon caused by the wiring change. Therefore, the number of times that a ringer signal comes in place of the pre-ringer signal during standby is counted by a counter built in the NCU 7, and when the determined number of times is reached, a terminal call is sent to the center-side device for notification. I do. FIG. 7 shows a flowchart at this time. When the temporary phenomenon is resolved and the pre-ringer signal comes before the count reaches the specified number, the normal operation is performed thereafter.
[0022]
Therefore, when the ringer signal is detected a plurality of times, the center side device is notified. When a ringer signal is received from an external telephone, the ringer signal is sent to the telephone 9 because the line is connected to the telephone 9. It can be sounded and can cope with an operation when there is no call from the center-side device.
[0023]
(2nd Embodiment)
In the present embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, when a signal is received, it is recognized as a pre-ringer signal, and after going off-hook, a caller number signal is transmitted within a certain period of time, for example, within 6 seconds. , When the signal cannot be received. That is, if the NCU 7 does not receive this signal within a certain period of time while waiting to receive the caller ID signal, the NCU 7 determines that the ringer signal has been erroneously recognized as a pre-ringer signal, and the line is used. After confirming the status, the event is notified to the center device by calling from the terminal.
[0024]
For example, when the setting of the TA 12 is changed, the caller ID notification function is stopped, and the seizure function is set, it may be difficult to distinguish between the ringer signal and the pre-ringer signal. It is possible to respond to cases. As a result, the center-side device can recognize that the setting of the TA 12 has been changed in the terminal-side device, and can immediately take a corresponding action. That is, the person in charge goes to the customer and urges the user to reset the TA12.
[0025]
As described above, if the NCU 7 is waiting to receive the caller ID signal but cannot receive it, it immediately sends a call to the center-side device to notify the center side device. There may be cases where the setting cannot be recognized even though the setting is correct. Therefore, the number of errors in which the caller ID signal cannot be received is counted by a counter built in the NCU 7, and when the determined number is reached, a terminal call is sent to the center-side device to be notified. FIG. 8 shows a flowchart at this time. If the influence of noise or the like disappears and the caller number signal can be received before the count number reaches the specified number, the normal operation is performed thereafter.
[0026]
Therefore, when an error is detected a plurality of times, the notification is sent to the center device, so that a temporary phenomenon caused by a reading error due to noise or the like can be eliminated, and an unnecessary load on the center device can be prevented.
[0027]
Here, the reason why the caller number signal cannot be received even though the pre-ringer signal from the TA 12 is received is that the signal from the TA 12 is not a pre-ringer signal. In this case, it is determined that the signal is the ringer signal set by the customer, and the relay of the switching circuit 24 is operated to switch the line to the telephone so that the signal is transmitted to the telephone 9.
[0028]
As a result, the NCU 7 cannot respond to the call from the center-side device, but since the telephone 9 is always connected to the line, at least the telephone 9 can be used. During this time, the setting of the TA 12 may be changed, and the minimum functions of the NCU 7 can be secured.
[0029]
(Third embodiment)
In the present embodiment, the NCU 7 stores the information in the memory 26 in the NCU 7 so as to not notify the center-side device again every time the same event occurs after notifying the center-side device of the information that the event in each of the above-described embodiments has occurred. , A flag indicating that the message has been transmitted. Thus, the notification to the center-side device is performed only once at the first time.
[0030]
When the center-side device receives this information, it checks with the customer and resets the TA12. Thereafter, when a call is made from the center unit to the terminal and the NCU 7 receives the pre-ringer signal and the caller ID signal, communication is performed between the center unit and the NCU 7 so that the state becomes normal. You can confirm that you have returned. Thereafter, the flag in the memory 26 is deleted.
[0031]
As a result, the flag is held until confirmation from the center-side device is performed, so that the terminal-side device does not make a number of calls, and unnecessary calls can be reduced, thereby reducing battery consumption. it can. On the other hand, in the center-side device, information can be matched with the terminal-side device, so that the status of the terminal-side device can be always grasped.
[0032]
Alternatively, after confirming the above event at the center-side device, the person in charge goes to the customer and resets the TA12. Then, the setting unit is connected to the meter interface or the like of the NCU 7, and the setting of the NCU 7 is reconfirmed. If the setting is confirmed to be correct, the flag in the memory 26 is deleted.
[0033]
In this case, it is possible to confirm that the state has returned to normal at the actual site, and the flag is erased on the spot. To return to
[0034]
After notifying the center unit, the NCU 7 gives a flag in the memory 26. At this time, the NCU 7 does not stop the operation but continues the operation, and when the pre-ringer signal and the caller ID signal are normally received, the NCU 7 automatically notifies the center-side device of this. Function.
[0035]
By this, if the customer notices that the setting of TA12 is wrong before the confirmation by the center-side device, and corrects the setting, the information that the center-side device is abnormal is entered. Although no call is made from the side device, it can communicate with a general telephone or the like other than the center device. Therefore, if a normal signal can be received by calling from a general telephone, it can be confirmed that the NCU 7 has returned to a normal state. Therefore, the center device is notified of the return to the normal state, and the flag is deleted. Therefore, the center-side device only needs to confirm that it has returned to the normal state, and it is not necessary to take an action from the center-side device.
[0036]
Note that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and it goes without saying that many modifications and changes can be made to the above-described embodiment within the scope of the present invention. In the above embodiment, the center device and the terminal device are connected by a digital network, but the present invention can also be applied to a communication system connected via an analog network or a PBX. At this time, since a pre-ringer signal, a caller number signal, and a ringer signal are transmitted in a series of flows from the exchange or the PBX, a connecting device such as a TA is unnecessary. Then, when an abnormality occurs in the caller ID notification function of the exchange, the fact can be notified to the center-side device to take measures.
[0037]
【The invention's effect】
As is apparent from the above description, according to the present invention, when performing communication using caller ID notification, if a signal transmitted for caller ID notification cannot be correctly received, some abnormality has occurred. Therefore, by notifying this to the center-side device, the center-side device can grasp the status of the terminal-side device, and can easily and quickly respond to the situation.
[0038]
Therefore, it is possible to immediately eliminate a situation in which a call from the center device cannot be answered, so that communication with the center device can be performed and a highly reliable communication system can be constructed. .
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a communication system using an analog line. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a communication system using a digital line. FIG. 3 is a timing chart of a ringer signal. FIG. FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing the internal configuration of the terminal network control device. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the timing of relay switching when a ringer signal is received. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing standby of reception of a pre-ringer signal. Flowchart [Fig. 8] Flowchart for waiting for reception of a caller ID signal [Explanation of reference numerals]
1 Host device 2 Center side network control device (C-NCU)
3 Exchange (LS)
4 Exchange (LS)
6 Telephone line 7 Terminal network controller (NCU)
8 Meter 9 Telephone 11 Digital Service Unit (DSU)
12 Terminal adapter (TA)
24 switching circuit 25 control circuit 26 memory

Claims (10)

A terminal device such as a telephone is connected, detects a signal transmitted for notification of a caller ID through a communication line, and makes a communication with the center device without ringing the terminal device when calling from the center device. A terminal network control device of a communication system for performing data transmission between the terminal devices and connecting the terminal device to a communication line when not transmitting from the center-side device,
If you receive a different signal while waiting to receive a signal sent for caller ID , or if you are waiting to receive a signal sent for caller ID If you can not receive this signal, the terminal network, characterized in that to hold a flag that this event a comprises means for notifying the OLT, and notifies the OLT to the event is resolved Control device. A terminal device such as a telephone is connected, detects a signal transmitted for notification of a caller ID through a communication line, and makes a communication with the center device without ringing the terminal device when calling from the center device. A terminal network control device of a communication system for performing data transmission between the terminal devices and connecting the terminal device to a communication line when not transmitting from the center-side device,
When a ringer signal is received while waiting to receive a pre-ringer signal, a means for notifying the center side device of this event and the terminal device disconnected from the communication line are connected to a communication line. A switching means, and holding a flag indicating that the center-side device has been notified until the event is resolved . 3. The terminal network control device according to claim 2, wherein when a ringer signal is received a plurality of times continuously, the center device is notified. A terminal device such as a telephone is connected, detects a signal transmitted for notification of a caller ID through a communication line, and makes a communication with the center device without ringing the terminal device when calling from the center device. A terminal network control device of a communication system for performing data transmission between the terminal devices and connecting the terminal device to a communication line when not transmitting from the center-side device,
After receiving the pre-ringer signal, if unable to receive the signal when waiting to receive the next coming caller ID signal, comprising means for notifying the event to the OLT, the event A terminal network control device, wherein a flag indicating that the center device has been notified is retained until the terminal network control device is canceled . 5. The terminal network control device according to claim 4, wherein when a caller number signal cannot be received continuously a plurality of times, the center side device is notified. 6. The communication device according to claim 4, further comprising means for switching a terminal device disconnected from the communication line to connect to the communication line, wherein the terminal device is connected to the communication line after notifying the center-side device. Terminal network controller. 2. A system according to claim 1, further comprising: means for notifying the center device when a signal is normally received after notifying the center device. 6 The terminal network control device according to any one of the above. A terminal device such as a telephone is connected, detects a signal transmitted for notification of a caller ID through a communication line, and communicates with the center device without ringing the terminal device when the call is from the center device. A terminal network control device of a communication system for performing data transmission between the terminal devices and connecting the terminal device to a communication line when not transmitting from the center-side device,
  If you receive a different signal while waiting to receive a signal sent for caller ID, or if you are waiting to receive a signal sent for caller ID Means for notifying the center-side device of this event when the signal cannot be received, and means for notifying the center-side device when the signal is normally received after notifying the center-side device. A terminal network control device, comprising: 9. The terminal network control device according to claim 8 , wherein a flag indicating that the center device has been notified is retained until the event is resolved. The terminal network control device according to any one of claims 1 to 7, wherein the flag is deleted when a signal generated by a call from the center-side device that has received the notification can be normally received.

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