JP3639666B2 - Interworking device - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an interworking apparatus.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In recent years, when communication technology has advanced and communication is performed between a communication terminal device (hereinafter referred to as a terminal) and a terminal, not only within a single network but also with a terminal connected to a different type of network. It is also possible to do.
[0003]
And when communicating in a certain network, in order to ensure the communication connectivity, communication is performed according to a communication protocol (communication protocol). In a public line such as ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), this communication protocol is defined by a standardization organization such as ITU (International Telecomunication Union).
[0004]
For example, in ISDN, the terminal-terminal connection procedure and the disconnection procedure are ITU-T Recommendation Q.3. 931. However, in the LAN (LocaL Area Network), each vendor and each organization uses a unique protocol, which is often different for each network.
[0005]
Therefore, in the case where communication is performed between terminals connected to different types of networks, such as ISDN and LAN, interwork apparatuses generally called “gateways” or “routers” are used. That is, the interworking device is a device for performing interworking between networks such as protocol conversion.
[0006]
Here, the operation of the communication system when communicating between terminals connected to different types of networks as described above will be described with reference to FIGS.
[0007]
FIG. 10 is a configuration example of the communication system. In FIG. 10, 301 is an ISDN line, 302 is a LAN such as Ethernet, and 311 is a communication terminal device having an interface to ISDN and connected to ISDN 301.
[0008]
Reference numerals 312 to 314 denote communication terminal apparatuses that have an interface to the LAN 302 and are connected to the LAN 302.
Reference numeral 321 denotes an interworking device that is connected to the ISDN 301 and the LAN 302 and performs interworking between the ISDN 301 and the LAN 302.
Reference numerals 331 to 334 denote users who log in to the LAN 301 using the terminals 311 to 314, respectively.
[0009]
The operation of the conventional communication system will be described below. As an outline, a user 331 using the terminal 311 communicates with any of the user 332 to the user 334 using any of the terminal 332 to the terminal 334 in the LAN 302, and the user 332 to the user 332 The terminal 334 may use any of the terminals 312 to 314.
[0010]
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the operation procedure at this time, and FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an outline in the case of “Y in step S305” in FIG. FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an outline in the case of “N in step S305” in FIG.
[0011]
Hereinafter, a description will be given with reference to the flowchart of FIG.
First, in step S301, the user 331 makes a call from the terminal 311 to the interwork apparatus 321.
[0012]
Next, in step S302, the terminal 311 and the interwork apparatus 321 are connected via the ISDN 301. Here, since the terminal 311 and the interwork apparatus 321 are connected, the terminal 311 is connected to the LAN 302.
[0013]
Next, in step S <b> 303, the user 331 logs into the LAN 302 from the terminal 311. As a result, the user 331 can access the LAN 302.
[0014]
Next, in step S <b> 304, the user 331 searches whether the user (incoming user) who wants to communicate is logged in to the LAN 302.
In the next step S305, if the corresponding incoming user is found as a result of the search in step S304, the process proceeds to step S306, and if not found, the process proceeds to step S310.
[0015]
In step S306, the user 331 searches for and acquires the address of the LAN terminal used by the incoming user.
Next, in step S307, the user 331 instructs the terminal 311 to start connection between the interwork apparatus 321 and the receiving terminal.
[0016]
Next, in step S308, a connection is established between the interwork apparatus 321 and the receiving terminal via the LAN 302. Thereafter, communication can be performed between the terminal 311 and the receiving terminal via the protocol conversion mechanism of the interwork apparatus 321.
[0017]
Next, in step S <b> 310, the user 331 logs out from the LAN 302.
Next, in step S <b> 311, the user 331 disconnects the connection between the terminal 311 and the interwork apparatus 321.
[0018]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
As described above, when the interworking device is used, the connection between the transmitting terminal and the interworking device and between the interworking device and the receiving terminal is divided into two stages as shown in FIG. Therefore, only after the connection between the calling terminal and the interworking device is established, information on the previous network can be obtained from the interworking device.
[0019]
Therefore, when the target incoming user is not found in the network (is not accessed), the public line connection between the calling terminal and the interworking device is wasted as shown in FIG. It was.
[0020]
In addition, since the user on the transmission terminal side has to instruct each of the two connections, there is a problem that a complicated procedure must be performed.
In addition, as a characteristic of the LAN 302, any user in the LAN 302 can be used as long as it is a user registered in the LAN 302 and the terminal, and there is a problem that it is not known which user is using which terminal in advance.
[0021]
Therefore, since the user 331 on the transmission terminal 311 side must also search for the incoming user, the procedure is complicated, and the knowledge and operation method for the two networks are required.
In view of the above-mentioned problems, the present invention enables a user to communicate via a public line and a LAN without being aware of the configuration between networks, and prevents unnecessary line connection. The purpose is to do.
[0022]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
The interwork apparatus of the present invention is an interwork apparatus for connecting a public line and a LAN to each other. When a connection request from the public line to the LAN is received, the incoming call in the LAN is received. An acquisition means for acquiring designation information for designating a destination; a search means for searching whether or not the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition means is connected in the LAN; and the search means As a result of the search, a connection execution means for executing connection with the calling terminal device when a corresponding destination is found, and a calling terminal device when a corresponding destination is not found as a result of the search by the searching means. And storing means for storing data transmitted from the transmitting terminal device.
[0023]
According to another aspect of the interworking device of the present invention, in the interworking device for mutually connecting the public line and the LAN, when a connection request from the public line to the LAN is received, An acquisition unit for acquiring designation information for designating a destination in the LAN; and a search unit for retrieving whether the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition unit is connected to the LAN. The call means for calling the destination when a corresponding destination is found as a result of the search by the search means, and the connection with the calling terminal device depending on whether there is a response as a result of the call by the call means Connection executing means for executing
[0024]
In another aspect of the interworking apparatus according to the present invention, the connection execution means executes connection with the calling terminal apparatus when there is a response as a result of the call by the calling means, and when there is no response. Reject the connection with the calling terminal device.
[0025]
In another aspect of the interworking apparatus of the present invention, when a connection request from the public line to the LAN is received in the interworking apparatus for mutually connecting the public line and the LAN, A search unit for acquiring designation information for designating a destination in the LAN, and a search for searching whether the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition unit is connected in the LAN. Means, a calling means for calling the destination when a corresponding destination is found as a result of the search by the searching means, and a calling terminal device and the destination when a response is obtained as a result of the calling by the calling means The connection execution means for executing the connection and the connection with the calling terminal device when there is no response as a result of the call by the call means. And a storing means for storing data sent from the originating terminal equipment.
[0029]
According to another aspect of the present invention, when information specifying an incoming user in the LAN is acquired from the received connection request message, when the incoming user specified by the information is found, the incoming user's When a call is made and a response is made to the call, a connection is made between the calling terminal device and the corresponding incoming user, and when there is no response, the connection is rejected. In addition, only when there is a response to the call, the interworking apparatus and the receiving terminal are connected, and the calling terminal and the interworking apparatus are connected.
[0030]
Further, according to another feature of the present invention, even when there is no response as a result of the call of the called user, the connection with the calling terminal device is executed, and the audio or video transmitted from the calling terminal device is interworked. Since it is stored in the apparatus, it is possible to transmit some message to the called user even when the user is not logged in or does not respond to the call.
[0031]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, an interworking apparatus and a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, reference numeral 101 denotes an ISDN line through which a communication terminal device 111 and an interface device 121 communicate.
Reference numeral 102 denotes a LAN such as an Ethernet for communication between the interface device 121 and the terminals 131 to 133.
[0032]
A communication terminal device 111 is connected to the ISDN 101 and has an interface to the ISDN 101.
Reference numeral 112 denotes a system control unit that controls the entire system of the communication terminal device 111 such as transmitting incoming terminal information and incoming user information to the line control unit 113 in accordance with designation from the user.
A line control unit 113 controls the line such as transmitting a SETUP message, which is a connection request message, according to an ISDN user / network interface such as the ITU-T recommendation Q series.
[0033]
As described above, reference numeral 121 denotes an interwork apparatus that is connected to the ISDN line 101 and the LAN 102 and performs interworking between the ISDN line 101 and the LAN 102.
Reference numeral 122 denotes a line control unit for performing communication protocol processing on the ISDN line 101 side in accordance with an ISDN user / network interface such as ITU-T recommendation Q series.
[0034]
A LAN control unit 123 performs communication protocol processing on the LAN 102 side in accordance with an interface used in the connected LAN 102.
Reference numeral 124 denotes a system control unit, which handles the information of the receiving terminal and the receiving user obtained from the line control unit 122, and records the recorded message in the recorded message storage memory as necessary. It performs overall control.
[0035]
125 is LAN terminal information including information about the terminal such as a LAN address and a terminal number of another terminal connected to the LAN 102.
An answering machine storage memory 126 stores received data such as audio and video received from the line control unit 122.
Reference numeral 121a denotes incoming user information acquisition means, 121b denotes incoming user search means, and 121c denotes incoming user call means.
[0036]
The incoming user information acquisition unit 121a specifies the incoming user in the LAN 102 from the connection request message transmitted from the ISDN line 101 when a connection request message requesting connection from the ISDN line 101 to the LAN 102 is transmitted. Information to be acquired.
[0037]
The incoming user search means 121b is connected to the LAN 102 when the incoming user specified by the information acquired by the incoming user information acquisition means 121a is requested to connect to the LAN 102 from the ISDN line 101. It is for searching whether or not.
[0038]
The incoming user calling means 121c is for calling up the incoming user when a corresponding incoming user is found as a result of the search by the incoming user searching means 121c.
[0039]
Reference numerals 131 to 133 denote LAN terminals, which are connected to the LAN 102 and can communicate with each other and with the interwork apparatus 121.
Reference numeral 141 denotes a user who is using the communication terminal device 111.
[0040]
Reference numerals 151 to 153 denote users who use the LAN terminal 131 to the LAN terminal 133 and log in to the LAN 102 from the respective use terminals.
FIG. 2 is an explanatory diagram showing the structure of the LAN terminal information 125. As shown in FIG. 2, the LAN terminal information 125 includes, as information on terminals connected to the LAN 102, terminal numbers assigned to identify the terminals from the ISDN line 101, terminal names, and each terminal on the LAN. The LAN address information and the like of the terminal assigned to is recorded for each terminal.
[0041]
Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the first embodiment will be described. As an outline, the user 141 using the communication terminal device 111 transmits to the user who seems to be using any one of the LAN terminals 131 to 133 via the interwork 121 and performs communication. Is. Therefore, in the following description, it is assumed that the communication terminal device 111 is a transmission terminal, and any one of the LAN terminals 131 to 133 is a reception terminal.
[0042]
First, operation | movement of the communication terminal device 111 which is a transmission terminal is demonstrated.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing the operation of the communication terminal device 111.
First, when a call is requested according to an instruction from the user 141, a SETUP message is created in step S101. The call control message such as the SETUP message is an ITU-T recommendation Q.3. 931, and its meaning is shown in FIG. Further, the inside of the SETUP message has a structure as shown in FIG.
[0043]
At this time, the information for designating the called user (name for identifying the user in the LAN, generally the login name) and the ISDN address of the interwork apparatus 121 are transmitted to the line control unit 113 by the system control unit 112, Each is encoded as a called subaddress information element and a called number information element in the SETUP message.
[0044]
Next, in step S102, a SETUP message is transmitted and a call is made to the interwork apparatus 121.
Next, when an ALERT message is received in step S103, the process proceeds to step S104, where it is determined whether or not a CONN message is received. Therefore, the process proceeds to step S105 to transmit a CONN ACK message, and the connection process with the interwork apparatus 121 is completed.
[0045]
On the other hand, if the CONN message is not received in step S104, the process proceeds from step S104 to step S110 to determine whether a DISC message is received.
[0046]
If it is received as a result of the above determination, the connection with the interwork apparatus 121 is rejected, so the process proceeds to step S111 and a REL message is transmitted. Next, in step S112, the connection rejection processing with the interwork apparatus 121 is completed by receiving the REL COMP message.
[0047]
Next, the operation of the interwork apparatus 121 will be described with reference to FIGS.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the interwork apparatus 121. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the procedure in the case of “S206, Y” in FIG. FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing an outline of the procedure in the case of “Step S206, N” in FIG.
[0048]
As shown in FIG. 4, first, in step S201, the line control unit 122 receives a SETUP message.
Next, in step S202, an ALERT message is transmitted.
Next, in step S 203, the incoming user information is acquired from the destination subaddress information element of the received SETUP message, and is transmitted to the system control unit 124.
[0049]
In step S <b> 204, access status information of the LAN 102 is acquired from the LAN 102.
Next, in step S205, the access status information acquired in step S204 is searched using the incoming user information acquired in step S203 as a search key.
[0050]
Next, in step S206, the search result in step S205 is determined. If a corresponding user is found, the process in step S207 is performed. On the other hand, if the corresponding user is not found, the process proceeds to step S215.
In step S207, the LAN address of the terminal used by the incoming user is retrieved from the LAN terminal information 125 and acquired.
[0051]
Next, in step S208, a connection is established between the interworking apparatus 121 and the corresponding receiving terminal under the control of the LAN control unit 123 using the LAN address of the receiving terminal searched in step S204.
[0052]
Next, in step S209, the interwork apparatus 121 calls the corresponding incoming user.
Next, in step S210, it is determined whether or not there is a response from the corresponding incoming user to the interwork apparatus 121. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S211.
[0053]
Next, in step S <b> 211, the interwork apparatus 121 transmits a CONN message from the line control unit 122 to indicate that the connection with the communication terminal apparatus 111 is accepted.
Next, in step S212, the connection with the communication terminal device 111 is completed by receiving the CONN ACK message.
[0054]
On the other hand, when the process proceeds to step S215, the interwork apparatus 121 transmits a DISC message from the line control unit 122, indicating that the connection with the communication terminal apparatus 111 is rejected.
Next, when the REL message is received in step S216, the process proceeds to step S217 to transmit the REL COMP message, thereby completing the connection rejection process with the communication terminal device 111.
[0055]
Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.
In the first embodiment, the interwork apparatus 121 may operate as follows.
[0056]
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the interwork apparatus 121. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing an outline in the case of “Step S406, N” in FIG.
[0057]
First, in step S401, when the line control unit 122 receives a SETUP message, the process proceeds to step S402 and transmits an ALERT message.
Next, in step S 403, the incoming user information is acquired from the destination subaddress information element of the received SETUP message and transmitted to the system control unit 124.
[0058]
In step S <b> 404, access status information of the LAN 102 is acquired from the LAN 102.
Next, in step S405, the access status information acquired in step S404 is searched using the incoming user information acquired in step S403 as a search key.
[0059]
Next, in step S406, if a corresponding user is found as a result of the search in step S405, the process proceeds to step S407, and if not found, the process proceeds to step S415.
[0060]
In step S407, the LAN address of the terminal used by the corresponding incoming user is retrieved from the LAN terminal information 125 and acquired.
Next, in step S408, a connection is established between the interwork apparatus 121 and the corresponding receiving terminal under the control of the LAN control unit 123 using the LAN address of the corresponding receiving terminal searched in step S404.
[0061]
Next, in step S409, the interwork apparatus 121 calls the corresponding incoming user.
Next, in step S410, it is determined whether there is a response from the corresponding incoming user to the interwork apparatus 121. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S411, and if the response is rejected, the process proceeds to step S415.
[0062]
When the process proceeds to step S411, it indicates that the interwork apparatus 121 transmits a CONN message from the line control unit 122 and accepts a connection with the communication terminal apparatus 111.
Next, in step S412, the connection with the communication terminal device 111 is completed by receiving the CONN ACK message.
[0063]
On the other hand, when the process proceeds from step S410 to step S415, the interwork apparatus 121 transmits a CONN message from the line control unit 122, indicating that the connection with the communication terminal apparatus 111 is accepted.
[0064]
Next, when the CONN ACK message is received in step S416, the connection between the interwork apparatus 121 and the communication terminal apparatus 111 is completed, and data can be transmitted and received.
Next, in step S 417, the system control unit starts an absence recording, and accumulates data from the line control unit 122 in the absence recording storage memory 126.
[0065]
As described above, according to the interworking apparatus and the communication system, when the ISDN line and the LAN are interconnected, when the connection request message for requesting connection from the ISDN line to the LAN is received, The information specifying the incoming user in the LAN is acquired from the received connection request message, and it is searched whether or not the incoming user specified by the acquired information is currently connected in the LAN. As a result, the line between the calling terminal and the interworking device can be connected only when the intended incoming user is logged in to the LAN, and the user is aware of the configuration between the networks. Communication without having to waste the connection fee of the line.
[0066]
In addition, when an incoming user specified by the information obtained by acquiring information specifying the incoming user in the LAN is found from the received connection request message, the incoming user is called and a response is made to the call. In this case, the connection with the calling terminal device is executed, and if there is no response, the connection is rejected. Therefore, the intended incoming user is logged in to the LAN, and there is no response to the call. Only when there is a connection, the connection between the receiving terminal and the interworking device and between the interworking device and the calling terminal can be automatically performed, so that the connection fee of the line is not wasted. be able to.
Further, when a connection request from the ISDN line to the LAN is made, the calling terminal device transmits a connection request message including information for designating an incoming user in the LAN, and receives the connection request message. When the corresponding incoming user is not found, the connection with the calling terminal device is executed and the answering machine is recorded. When the corresponding incoming user is found, the incoming user is called, When there is a response to the call, the connection with the calling terminal device is executed, and when there is no response, the connection with the calling terminal device is executed to record the answering machine. It is possible to communicate without being aware of the network configuration, and to transmit some message even when there is no incoming user Kill.
[0067]
【The invention's effect】
According to the present invention, a user can communicate via a public line and a LAN without being aware of the configuration between networks, and wasteful line connection can be prevented.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an interworking apparatus and a communication system according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a data configuration of LAN terminal information in the first embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the calling terminal.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the interworking apparatus.
FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a situation when a connection with an incoming call terminal is performed.
FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating a situation when a connection with an incoming call terminal is not performed.
FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a data structure of a SETUP message.
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the interworking apparatus in the second embodiment.
FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram illustrating a situation where an absence is recorded in the second embodiment.
FIG. 10 is a configuration diagram showing configurations of a conventional interworking apparatus and a communication system.
FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of a conventional communication system.
FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an operation state of a conventional communication system.
FIG. 13 is a sequence diagram showing an operation state of a conventional communication system.
FIG. 14: ITU-T recommendation Q.B. 7 is a diagram showing a list of call control messages (partial) defined in 931. FIG.
[Explanation of symbols]
101 ISDN line
102 LAN
111 Communication terminal device
112 System control unit
113 Line control unit
121 Interworking equipment
122 Line control unit
123 LAN controller
124 System control unit
125 LAN terminal information
126 Answer Record Storage Memory
131 LAN communication terminal device
132 LAN communication terminal device
133 LAN communication terminal device
141 users
151 users
152 users
153 users

Claims (4)

In an interworking device for connecting a public line and a LAN to each other,
An acquisition means for acquiring designation information for designating a destination in the LAN when a connection request to the LAN is received from the public line;
Search means for searching whether the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition means is connected in the LAN;
As a result of the search by the search means, a connection execution means for executing a connection with the calling terminal device when a corresponding destination is found;
As a result of the search by the search means, there is provided a storage means for executing connection with the calling terminal device when the corresponding destination is not found and storing data transmitted from the calling terminal device. Interworking device. In an interworking device for connecting a public line and a LAN to each other,
An acquisition means for acquiring designation information for designating a destination in the LAN when a connection request to the LAN is received from the public line;
Search means for searching whether the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition means is connected in the LAN;
As a result of the search by the search means, when a corresponding destination is found, a calling means for calling the destination,
An interworking apparatus comprising: a connection execution unit configured to execute a connection with a transmission terminal device according to whether or not a response has been received as a result of the calling by the calling unit. The interworking device according to claim 2,
The connection execution means executes connection with the calling terminal apparatus when there is a response as a result of the call by the calling means, and rejects connection with the calling terminal apparatus when there is no response. Interworking device. In an interworking device for connecting a public line and a LAN to each other,
An acquisition means for acquiring designation information for designating a destination in the LAN when a connection request to the LAN is received from the public line;
Search means for searching whether the destination specified by the designation information acquired by the acquisition means is connected in the LAN;
As a result of the search by the search means, when a corresponding destination is found, a calling means for calling the destination,
Connection execution means for executing connection between the calling terminal device and the destination when there is a response as a result of the calling by the calling means;
An interworking apparatus, comprising: storage means for storing data transmitted from a calling terminal device by executing connection with the calling terminal device when there is no response as a result of calling by the calling means.

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