JP3772817B2 - Communication system, internet terminal, telephone terminal and terminal control program - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system having a function of realizing a voice call via a telephone line network and a function of performing data communication via an Internet network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Currently, a call service is provided for calling a telephone terminal connected to a telephone line network via a server connected to the Internet network and performing a voice call. By using this call service, the Internet network is provided. It is possible to make a voice call by calling a telephone terminal connected to a telephone line network even from an Internet terminal connected to.
[0003]
In such a call service, the call charge is generally set lower than that of a voice call through a telephone line network by a telephone terminal. However, in the process in which voice is transmitted as data on a packet basis through the Internet network. It is easy to be affected by packet loss and delay, and there is a risk that the call quality will deteriorate as the distance to the call destination becomes longer.
[0004]
From this, it is assumed that some users would like to make a voice call over the telephone line network even if the call charge is high if the call quality of the voice call by the call service is lower than a certain level. Is done. Such a user may use a call service and a telephone line network separately for each outgoing call and voice call. For such a different use, the call service and the telephone line each time a call is made. It is very time consuming to compare the call charges in each network and consider the voice quality based on the distance to the call destination.
[0005]
Therefore, various techniques have been proposed as techniques for reducing such labor. As a specific example, for example, when making a call with a terminal having two functions of a general telephone function and an internet phone function, which voice communication method is used among the general telephone function and the internet phone function, A method of determining service data (conditions) such as a call charge, a distance to a call destination, and call quality based on a registered database (table) has been proposed (see Patent Document 1). According to this method, the voice communication method used for outgoing calls and voice calls is determined to be either a general telephone function or an Internet phone function based on service data registered in the database. And can be used easily according to the purpose of use such as emphasis on quality. In this publication, the general telephone function is a function for making a call (or calling or calling) / voice call through a telephone line network, and the Internet phone function is a function for making a call (or This is a function for making a voice call (connection request, call) (including a voice call by a call service).
[0006]
By the way, in recent years, various call services have been provided, and some service data relating to call charges and call times are updated depending on the usage status.
For example, it is a point-based call service in which a user can be registered with a service provider and a voice call can be made free of charge for a time corresponding to a point given by the service provider. In this call service, the points for each registered user are stored in the server on the service provider side, and when this point is registered, or when a specific link destination provided on a web page is accessed, it is necessary. A fixed amount is added, and a point corresponding to the call time is subtracted when a voice call is made by a call service (see, for example, Patent Document 2). In this way, “point”, which is service data related to the call time, is updated (changed) depending on the usage status.
[0007]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-178503 (page 8-10)
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-268275 A
[0008]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
Here, it is conceivable to use a telephone service in which such service data is updated as an Internet phone function in a configuration in which the above-described voice communication system can be used properly. When the phone function is determined, there is a possibility that calling and voice communication cannot be performed.
[0009]
For example, in a point-based call service, a call / voice call cannot be made unless there are points remaining on the server on the service provider side. If the phone function is determined, as a result, it becomes impossible to make a call / voice call.
[0010]
As this countermeasure, for example, the remaining points are registered in the database as one item of service data, and when there are no points exceeding a predetermined threshold, the Internet phone function is not used. It can be considered. However, since the “points” in the point-based call service increase or decrease as needed depending on the usage status of the call service, the user needs to perform an operation such as re-registering the remaining points in the database in a timely manner.
[0011]
As described above, when a call is made via the Internet network in a configuration in which the general telephone function and the Internet phone function, that is, the telephone line network and the Internet network can be used properly when making a call, the service data is updated according to the use situation. In order to be able to use the telephone service, there has been a problem that the operation load on the user is greatly increased.
[0012]
The present invention uses a call service in which service data is updated according to the use situation without significantly increasing the addition of operations to the user in a configuration in which a telephone line network and an Internet network can be selectively used for making a call. An object of the present invention is to provide a communication system, an Internet terminal and a telephone terminal that can be used, and to provide a terminal control program that can be used in these.
[0013]
[Means for Solving the Problems and Effects of the Invention]
In order to solve the above problem, the communication system according to claim 1 has a function of realizing a voice call via a telephone line network and a function of performing data communication via an Internet network. Is recorded in the recording means whether or not the telephone service can be used to make a voice call with the partner terminal when the partner terminal is designated as the telephone terminal to be called by the specifying means. Determine based on. Then, when the service calling means determines that the call service can be used by the determining means, the service calling means calls the partner terminal using the call service.
[0014]
The database recorded in the recording means of this communication system associates the service providing server with service data related to the available call time or available call charge when using the call service provided by this service providing server. Registered in the registered state. The call service is a service for calling a telephone terminal connected to a telephone line network via the Internet network and realizing a voice call with the telephone terminal responding to the call.
[0015]
Further, in this communication system, the first acquisition unit acquires service data stored in the service providing server from the service providing server, and the first registration unit acquires the service data acquired by the first acquiring unit. Is registered in correspondence with the service providing server.
[0016]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the communication system has a function of realizing a voice call via the telephone line network. If the determination unit determines that the call service can be used, the call service The other party terminal is called by the service calling means using. As a result, the telephone line network and the Internet network can be used properly when making a call.
[0017]
Here, the determination means determines whether or not the call service is available based on the database recorded in the recording means. The service data acquired from the service providing server by the first acquisition means is stored in this database. It is registered by one registration means. Therefore, even if the service data in this call service is updated at any time, the user does not have to perform an operation of re-registering the service data updated at any time in the database. Therefore, in a configuration in which a telephone line network and an Internet network can be used properly at the time of making a call, it is possible to use a call service in which service data is updated according to the use situation without greatly increasing the operation added to the user. .
[0018]
In addition, the above-mentioned available call time is, for example, a value indicating a time when the call service can be used with a unit charge, or a voice call can be made free (or a predetermined charge) based on points given from the service provider side. In a point-based call service, this is the time corresponding to points. Further, the available call charge indicates, for example, a charge necessary for using the call service per unit time.
[0019]
The designation means is means for allowing the user to designate a partner terminal which is a telephone terminal to be a call partner.
The service calling means is means for calling a partner terminal using a call service, and is a means for accessing the service providing server and calling the partner terminal by the call service according to a predetermined procedure. .
[0020]
The first acquisition unit is a unit for acquiring service data from the service providing server. For example, the service providing server describes data (for example, data indicated by the service data when the call service is used) , Web page) is configured to be distributed to the communication system, the content indicated by the service data may be extracted from this data. Further, when the service providing server is configured to transmit the service data to the request source when receiving the service data request according to a predetermined communication procedure, the service providing server requests the service data according to the communication procedure. What is necessary is just to comprise.
[0021]
The timing at which the first acquisition unit acquires the service data may be, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed by the user. Here, as the “predetermined operation”, an operation of designating a partner terminal by a designation unit can be considered. In this way, if service data can be obtained at the timing when the user designates the partner terminal by the designation means, that is, the user performs an operation to make a call, the latest service data at the time of making the call is obtained and the database is updated. It is suitable because it can be kept.
[0022]
As described above, as a specific configuration for the first acquisition unit to acquire the service data in response to the operation of the designation unit, as described in claim 2, the first acquisition unit is connected to the partner terminal by the designation unit. A configuration can be considered in which service data is acquired when is specified.
[0023]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the first acquisition unit obtains the service data at the timing when the designation unit designates the partner terminal, that is, the user performs the operation for calling the partner terminal. Can be acquired.
The timing at which the first acquisition unit acquires service data may be a fixed time interval. Thus, if service data can be acquired at regular time intervals, the latest service data is obtained at regular time intervals, even if the service data is changed regardless of the use of the call service, and the database is stored. This is preferable because it can be updated.
[0024]
As described above, as a specific configuration for the first acquisition unit to acquire the service data at a constant time interval, the first acquisition unit is configured to acquire the service data at a constant time interval. Can be considered.
According to the communication system configured as described above, the first acquisition unit can acquire service data at regular time intervals.
[0025]
By the way, when the call service provided by the service providing server is a service whose service data is updated (changed) as needed depending on the usage status, when the voice call using this call service ends, the update contents of the service data are displayed. If it can be confirmed, it is preferable because the user can determine a policy such as how (or can) use this call service in the future.
[0026]
In this way, the service providing server stores (stores) data whose contents are updated as the call service is used, as service data when using the call service provided by the service providing server itself. In this case, for example, the configuration described in claim 4 can be considered as a configuration that allows the update contents of the service data to be confirmed.
[0027]
In the communication system according to claim 4, first, when the voice call using the call service is terminated, the second acquisition unit receives service data stored in the server from the service providing server that provides the call service. As described above, data whose contents are updated as the call service is used is acquired. And a content alerting | reporting means alert | reports the content shown by the service data acquired by the 2nd acquisition means.
[0028]
According to the communication system configured as described above, when the voice call using the call service is completed, the user can confirm the update contents of the service data by the notification by the content notification unit.
Further, in this configuration, when the voice call using the call service is terminated, it is desirable that the updated contents of the service data be reflected in the database recorded in the recording means.
[0029]
Thus, in order to make the update content of the service data reflected in the database, for example, as described in claim 5, the second registration unit uses the service data acquired by the second acquisition unit. A configuration may be adopted in which the information is registered in the database recorded in the recording means in a state associated with the service providing server.
[0030]
According to the communication system configured as described above, when the voice call using the call service is finished, the updated contents of the service data can be reflected in the database by the second registration unit.
In the communication system according to the sixth aspect, service data corresponding to each of the plurality of service providing servers is registered in the database recorded in the recording unit. Then, the determination means determines whether or not the call service provided by the service providing server corresponding to the service data can be used for each service data registered in the database in an order according to a predetermined priority order.
[0031]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the determination unit can determine whether or not each call service provided by each of the plurality of service providing servers can be used in an order according to a predetermined priority. . Therefore, even when two or more services among a plurality of call services are available, it is possible to determine whether or not the services can be used in order from the call service with the highest priority among them.
[0032]
Note that the above-mentioned “priority order” is, for example, an order determined in advance by the user, and in this case, the database associates data that can specify the priority order for each call service. You just have to register it. Alternatively, a plurality of service providing servers that provide a point-based call service capable of making a voice call for free (or a predetermined charge) based on points given from each service provider, and service data indicating points in each call service Are registered in the database in a state in which they are associated with each other, the order is the order of the largest or smallest point.
[0033]
Further, the determination means described above is a means for determining whether or not the call service is available based on a database recorded in the recording means. As a specific determination method, for example, the call service is a service A point-based service that allows voice calls for free (or at a specified charge) based on points given by the provider, and when the data indicating the points is registered as service data in the database, the points are It is only necessary to determine that the call service can be used only when the predetermined threshold value is exceeded. This “point” can specify a time (available call time) in which a voice call can be performed free of charge (or a predetermined charge). In this case, if the number of points is extremely small and a voice call cannot be made free of charge (or a predetermined charge) for a time corresponding to the threshold point or more, it is determined that the call service cannot be used. Can do.
[0034]
Thus, as a configuration for determining that the call service can be used only when the point is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold by the determination unit, a configuration as described in claim 7 can be considered.
The communication system according to claim 7 specifies, in the database recorded in the recording means, usable call time in which a voice call can be made free of charge or with a predetermined call charge as a service data using a call service. Possible data is registered. The determination unit determines that the call service can be used only when the available call time specified by the service data registered in the database is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold.
[0035]
According to the communication system configured in this way, service data (points) that can specify a time during which a voice call can be performed free of charge (or a predetermined charge) (available call time) is determined by the determination means. Only when the threshold value is exceeded, it can be determined that the call service can be used.
[0036]
Further, as a response after the determination means determines that the call service cannot be used, as described in claim 8, a voice call cannot be performed with the partner terminal by the impossible notification means. It is only necessary to notify the effect.
According to the communication system configured as described above, when it is determined that the call service is unusable, the user can confirm the fact by notification by the impossible notification unit.
[0037]
Further, as a response after the determination means determines that the call service cannot be used, it may be operated in the same manner as a normal telephone terminal. Specifically, as described in claim 9, the determination is performed. If it is determined by the means that the call service is not available, the telephone call means may call the partner terminal designated by the designation means via the telephone line network.
[0038]
According to the communication system configured as described above, when it is determined that the call service cannot be used, the partner terminal can be called via the telephone line network in the same manner as a normal telephone terminal.
In addition, as a response to the case where the above-mentioned determination means determines that the call service is not available, the user can be permitted or not permitted to make a call via the telephone network as described in claim 10. If there is a call setting means to be set, and the determination means determines that the call service cannot be used in a state in which the call setting means is set to permit the call, the specification means specifies The call determination means determines that the call service cannot be used in a state where the call origination means is called via the telephone line network while the call setting means is set not to allow the call. In this case, the impossibility notifying unit may notify that the voice communication with the partner terminal cannot be performed.
[0039]
According to the communication system configured as described above, as a response after it is determined that the call service is not available, the counterpart terminal designated by the designation means is called via the telephone network, or the counterpart terminal It can be switched according to the setting contents by the call setting means whether to notify that a voice call cannot be made between the two.
[0040]
Here, if it is set to allow the call by the call setting means, when it is determined that the call service is not available, the other terminal is called via the telephone line network in the same way as a normal telephone terminal. Can call. Further, if it is set not to permit the call by the call setting unit, the user cannot make a voice call with the partner terminal when it is determined that the call service is not available. This can be confirmed by notification by the impossible notification means.
[0041]
The service calling means described above is a means for calling a partner terminal using a call service. For example, the service providing server is logged in based on identification data for identifying a user registered in advance. Later, it is configured to make a call to the partner terminal by inputting request data for requesting a call to the partner terminal, which is data that can identify the telephone number of the partner terminal. What is necessary is just to comprise as Claim 11.
[0042]
In the communication system according to an eleventh aspect, identification data of a user who uses the communication system is registered in the database recorded in the recording means in association with the service providing server and the service data. The service calling means can specify the telephone number of the partner terminal after logging in to the service providing server based on the identification data registered in the database when the determining means determines that the call service can be used. By outputting the request data to the service providing server, the corresponding counterpart terminal is called.
[0043]
According to the communication system configured as described above, after the service calling unit logs in to the service providing server based on the identification data, the request data for requesting a call to the partner terminal is output to the service providing server. By doing so, it is possible to make a call using the call service of the other party terminal.
[0044]
The communication system according to claim 12, wherein the recording means can specify whether to use a call service or a telephone line network when performing a voice call with each of a plurality of counterpart terminals. Data is being recorded.
In this communication system, first, when the other terminal is designated by the designation means, the usage specifying means records which one of the call service and the telephone line network should be used for performing a voice call with the other terminal. It specifies based on the use specific data recorded on the means.
[0045]
When the use specifying means specifies that the call service should be used, the determining means determines whether the call service can be used based on the service data, while using the telephone line network. Is identified, it is determined that the call service is not available.
[0046]
According to the communication system configured as described above, only when the partner terminal specified by the specifying unit specifies that the call service should be used when performing a voice call by the use specifying unit, the call by the determining unit is performed. It can be determined whether the service is available.
[0047]
In particular, in the case of a communication system including the telephone call means according to claims 8 and 10, the use specifying means is used when specifying which of the call service and the telephone line network should be used. For specific data, for example, call service should be used for the other party terminal that wants to reduce the call charge, and the other party terminal that wants to make a voice call with high call quality should use the telephone line network Can be used separately according to the purpose of use such as paying importance or quality importance.
[0048]
A communication system according to claim 13 has a function of performing data communication via the Internet network with respect to the communication system according to claim 1, and includes at least recording means, determination means, service call means, A signal transmission capable of transmitting various signals, comprising an Internet terminal having an acquisition means and a first registration means, and a telephone terminal having a function for realizing a voice call via a telephone network and having at least a designation means Both terminals are connected via a route. In this communication system, the telephone terminal includes a telephone-side output unit that outputs various signals to the Internet terminal via the signal transmission path, and the Internet terminal outputs the various signals to the telephone terminal via the signal transmission path. Output means are provided.
[0049]
In this communication system, first, when the other terminal is designated by the designation means, the telephone terminal outputs a call request signal for requesting a call to the other terminal by the telephone side output means to the Internet terminal.
Next, the Internet terminal that has input this call request signal determines whether or not the call service can be used by the determining means. If it is determined that the call service can be used, the service calling means calls the partner terminal. Then, a possible notification signal for notifying that the telephone service is available is output to the telephone terminal by the Internet side output means.
[0050]
Then, the telephone terminal that has received this possibility notification signal switches the transmission path used for input / output of the audio signal to / from the outside of the telephone terminal to the signal transmission path by the path switching means.
Furthermore, in this communication system, the Internet terminal acquires service data by the first acquisition unit, and registers the acquired service data in the database by the first registration unit.
[0051]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the Internet terminal and the telephone terminal connected via the signal transmission path input and output various signals via the signal transmission path. 3 functions in the same manner as the communication system described in any one of 3 above. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0052]
Further, as described in claim 14, the communication system includes the second acquisition unit according to claim 4 or 5 in the Internet terminal, and the content notification unit according to claim 4 in the telephone terminal. And the Internet terminal acquires service data by the second acquisition means, outputs the service data to the telephone terminal by the Internet side output means, and when the telephone terminal inputs the service data from the Internet terminal, You may comprise so that the content shown by this service data may be alert | reported by a content alerting | reporting means.
[0053]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the Internet terminal functions similarly to the communication system according to claim 4 or 5 by outputting service data to the telephone terminal via the signal transmission path. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0054]
Furthermore, since the content notification means is provided in the telephone terminal, the user can check the content indicated by the service data on the telephone terminal side.
Further, as the communication system according to claim 15, the telephone terminal includes the second registration unit according to claim 5, so that the telephone terminal has the communication system according to claim 5. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0055]
Further, in the communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, the Internet terminal is provided with the impossible notification means according to claim 8 or claim 10, as described in claim 16. Thus, since the Internet terminal functions as a part of the communication system according to claim 8 or 10, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0056]
Furthermore, since the impossible notification means is provided in the Internet terminal, the user can confirm on the Internet terminal side that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal.
In addition, the communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15 is provided with an impossible notification means according to claim 8 or claim 10 in a telephone terminal as described in claim 17, and the Internet. The terminal determines whether or not the call service can be used by the determination means, and if it is determined that the call service cannot be used, an impossible notification signal for notifying that the call service cannot be used is output on the Internet side. The telephone terminal that outputs to the telephone terminal by the means and inputs the impossibility notification signal may be configured to notify the impossibility notifying means that the voice communication with the partner terminal cannot be performed. .
[0057]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the Internet terminal outputs an impossible notification signal to the telephone terminal via the signal transmission path, thereby functioning similarly to the communication system according to claim 8 or 10. To do. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0058]
Further, since the impossible notification means is provided in the telephone terminal, the user can confirm on the telephone terminal side that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal.
Further, the communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15 is configured such that, as described in claim 18, a telephone terminal includes the telephone calling unit according to claim 9, and an Internet terminal is provided, If the determination means determines that the call service cannot be used, an impossible notification signal for notifying that the call service cannot be used is output to the telephone terminal by the Internet-side output means. The telephone terminal to which the signal is input may be configured to call the partner terminal specified by the specifying means via the telephone line network by the telephone calling means.
[0059]
According to the communication system configured as described above, the Internet terminal functions in the same manner as the communication system according to claim 9 by outputting an impossible notification signal to the telephone terminal via the signal transmission path. Therefore, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0060]
Furthermore, the communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15 is connected to an Internet terminal as described in claim 19, and the call setting means, the impossibility notifying means, and the telephone call according to claim 10. By providing the calling means, it functions as a part of the communication system according to the tenth aspect, so that the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0061]
Furthermore, since the impossible notification means is provided in the Internet terminal, the user can confirm on the Internet terminal side that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal.
In addition, the communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 19 is provided with a usage specifying unit according to claim 12 in an Internet terminal as in claim 20, to which the claim 12 is provided. Since it functions as a part of the described communication system, the same operation and effect as the communication system can be obtained.
[0062]
In this configuration, the recording means includes a first recording means in which the above-mentioned database is recorded and a second recording means in which the above-mentioned use specifying data is recorded as separate recording means. The second recording means may be provided in the telephone terminal instead of the Internet terminal.
[0063]
An Internet terminal according to claim 21 is an Internet terminal constituting the communication system according to claim 13, and is at least a recording means, a determination means, a service calling means, a first acquisition means, a first registration means. And the Internet side output means of Claim 13 is provided.
[0064]
Since the Internet terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 13, the communication system including the Internet terminal as a part is a communication system according to claim 13. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
[0065]
Further, as described in claim 22, the Internet terminal is provided with the second acquisition unit according to claim 4 or claim 5, and the service data is acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the service data is You may comprise so that it may output outside by an internet side output means.
[0066]
Since the Internet terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 14, the communication system including the Internet terminal as a part of the communication terminal according to claim 14. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
[0067]
Further, the Internet terminal according to any one of claims 21 and 22 may be provided with the impossible notification means according to claim 8 or claim 10 as described in claim 23.
Since the Internet terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 16, the communication system including the Internet terminal as a part includes the communication system according to claim 16. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
[0068]
In addition, when the Internet-side output means determines that the call service cannot be used by the determining means as described in claim 24, the Internet terminal according to any one of claims 21 to 23 is called. An impossibility notification signal for notifying that the service cannot be used may be output to the outside.
[0069]
Since the Internet terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 17 or claim 18, the communication system including the Internet terminal as a part includes claim 17 or 18. The same operation and effect as the communication system according to claim 18 can be obtained.
[0070]
An Internet terminal according to claim 21 or claim 22 is provided with the call setting means, impossible notification means and telephone call means according to claim 10 as described in claim 25. Thus, a part of the communication system according to the nineteenth aspect can be configured. Therefore, the communication system partially including the Internet terminal has the same operation and effect as the communication system according to the nineteenth aspect. Obtainable.
[0071]
Further, if the Internet terminal according to any one of claims 21 to 25 is provided with the use specifying means according to claim 12 as described in claim 26, the Internet terminal according to claim 20 is provided. Therefore, the communication system having the Internet terminal as a part can obtain the same operations and effects as those of the communication system according to the twentieth aspect.
[0072]
A telephone terminal according to claim 27 is a telephone terminal constituting the communication system according to claim 13, and is characterized by comprising at least a path switching means, a designation means, and a telephone side output means. To do.
Since the telephone terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 13, the communication system having the telephone terminal as a part of the communication terminal according to claim 13. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
[0073]
In addition, as described in claim 28, the telephone terminal includes the content notifying unit according to claim 4, and the content notifying unit indicates the service data when the service data is input from the outside. You may comprise so that the content to be notified may be alert | reported.
Since the telephone terminal configured in this way can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 14, the communication system having the telephone terminal as a part thereof is a communication system according to claim 14. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
[0074]
Further, if the telephone terminal according to claim 27 or claim 28 includes the second registration means according to claim 5 as described in claim 29, the communication terminal according to claim 15 is provided. Since a part of the system can be configured, the communication system including the telephone terminal as a part can obtain the same operation and effect as the communication system according to the fifteenth aspect.
[0075]
Further, the telephone terminal according to any one of claims 27 to 29 is provided with the impossibility notifying unit according to claim 8 or claim 10 as described in claim 30, and the impossibility notifying unit. However, when an impossible notification signal is input from the outside, it may be configured to notify that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal.
[0076]
Since the telephone terminal configured as described above can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 17, the communication system including the telephone terminal as a part is a communication system according to claim 17. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
Further, the telephone terminal according to any one of claims 27 to 29 includes the telephone calling means according to claim 9 as described in claim 31, and the telephone calling means is externally provided. When the impossible notification signal is input, the counterpart terminal designated by the designation unit may be called via the telephone line network.
[0077]
Since the telephone terminal configured in this way can constitute a part of the communication system according to claim 18, the communication system having the telephone terminal as a part thereof is a communication system according to claim 18. The same actions and effects can be obtained.
A terminal control program according to claim 32 is provided.
A terminal control program for causing a computer system to execute various procedures for controlling the Internet terminal according to claim 21,
A determination procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the determination means, a service call procedure for causing the part to function as the service call means, a first acquisition procedure for causing the part to function as the first acquisition means, A first registration procedure for functioning as first registration means and an Internet-side output procedure for functioning as the Internet-side output means are included.
[0078]
Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 21, the Internet terminal comprising the computer system as a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 21 The same actions and effects as the terminal can be obtained.
[0079]
The terminal control program may be a program including a second acquisition procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the second acquisition unit according to claim 22. Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to Claim 22, the Internet terminal that is a part of this computer system is described in Claim 22. Functions and effects similar to those of an Internet terminal can be obtained.
[0080]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 32 may be a program including an impossible notification procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the impossible notification procedure according to claim 23. Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 23, the Internet terminal having this computer system as a part of the structure is described in claim 23. Functions and effects similar to those of an Internet terminal can be obtained.
[0081]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 32 may be a program that outputs an impossible notification signal in the Internet side output procedure in the same manner as the Internet side output means according to claim 24. Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 24, the Internet terminal having the computer system as a part of the computer system is described in claim 24. Functions and effects similar to those of an Internet terminal can be obtained.
[0082]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 32 includes a call setting procedure and an impossible notification procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the call setting means and impossible notification means according to claim 25. It is good also as a program. Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 25, the Internet terminal having this computer system as a part of the structure is described in claim 25. Functions and effects similar to those of an Internet terminal can be obtained.
[0083]
Furthermore, the terminal control program according to claim 32 may be a program including a usage specifying procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the usage specifying means according to claim 26. Since the computer system that controls the Internet terminal by this program can constitute a part of the Internet terminal according to claim 26, the Internet terminal having this computer system as a part of the structure is described in claim 26. Functions and effects similar to those of an Internet terminal can be obtained.
[0084]
Note that the terminal control program according to claim 32 is, for example, an Internet terminal itself, a computer system, or a user who uses these via a recording medium such as an FD or a CD-ROM, or a communication network such as the Internet. Is provided. Further, as a computer system for executing these terminal control programs, for example, a computer system built in an Internet terminal, a computer system connected to the Internet terminal via a wireless or wired communication path so as to be able to perform data communication, etc. are used. can do.
[0085]
A terminal control program according to claim 33 is provided.
A terminal control program for causing a computer system to execute various procedures for controlling a telephone terminal according to claim 27,
Functions as a route switching procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the route switching means, a specification procedure for functioning as the designation means, and a telephone side output procedure for causing the telephone side output means to function An Internet-side output procedure is included.
[0086]
Since the computer system that controls the telephone terminal by this program can constitute a part of the telephone terminal according to claim 27, the telephone terminal that is a part of this computer system comprises the telephone terminal according to claim 27. The same operation and effect as a telephone terminal can be obtained.
[0087]
The terminal control program may be a program including a content notification procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the content notification means according to claim 28. Since the computer system that controls the telephone terminal by this program can constitute a part of the telephone terminal according to claim 28, the telephone terminal that is a part of this computer system is configured according to claim 28. The same operation and effect as a telephone terminal can be obtained.
[0088]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 33 may be a program including a second registration procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the second registration means according to claim 29. Since the computer system that controls the telephone terminal by this program can constitute a part of the telephone terminal according to claim 29, the telephone terminal that is a part of this computer system comprises the telephone system according to claim 29. The same operation and effect as a telephone terminal can be obtained.
[0089]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 33 may be a program including an impossible notification procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the impossible notification means according to claim 30. Since the computer system for controlling the telephone terminal by this program can constitute a part of the telephone terminal according to claim 30, the telephone terminal having a part of the computer system is constituted by the computer system according to claim 30. The same operation and effect as a telephone terminal can be obtained.
[0090]
Further, the terminal control program according to claim 33 may be a program including a telephone call procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the telephone call means according to claim 31. Since the computer system that controls the telephone terminal by this program can constitute a part of the telephone terminal according to claim 31, the telephone terminal having a part of this computer system comprises the telephone terminal according to claim 31. The same operation and effect as a telephone terminal can be obtained.
[0091]
The terminal control program according to claim 33 is, for example, a telephone terminal itself, a computer system, or a user using these via a recording medium such as FD or CD-ROM, or a communication network such as the Internet. Is provided. Further, as a computer system for executing these terminal control programs, for example, a computer system built in a telephone terminal, a computer system connected to the telephone terminal via a wireless or wired communication path so as to be able to perform data communication, etc. are used. can do.
[0092]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with examples.
As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 1 includes a multi-function device 10 having a function of performing a voice call based on a voice signal transmitted via a telephone network 100 and a personal computer capable of data communication via an Internet network 200 (hereinafter referred to as a “computer”). , And PC) 20 are connected via an audio cable 300 capable of transmitting audio signals and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 400 capable of transmitting control signals (commands).
[0093]
The multifunction device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the entire multifunction device 10, a recording / playback unit 12 that reproduces sound based on the sound signal and records the sound signal, and a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a user I / F). 13. Handset 14 which is a handset used in a state where it is detached from the main body of the MFP 10, a voice input / output unit 15 for inputting / outputting voice, a wireless communication unit 16 for wireless communication, and voice transmitted via the telephone line network 100. An NCU (network control unit) 17 for inputting / outputting signals, a signal interface unit 18 for inputting / outputting various signals to / from the outside of the multifunction device 10, a path setting unit 19 for setting a voice signal transmission path inside the multifunction device 10, and the multifunction device 10 A handset terminal 30 for wireless communication that performs wireless communication with the main body (wireless communication unit 16) is provided.
[0094]
Among these, the recording / reproducing unit 12 includes a message reproducing unit 12a that reproduces a sound based on various audio signals recorded in advance, and a message recording unit 12b that records a message based on a recorded message as an audio signal. 12a includes voice signals such as a ringing tone used when receiving an incoming call, a holding tone used when holding a voice call, and an answering message indicating that message recording is to be started by an answering function. It is recorded.
[0095]
The user I / F 13 includes an operation key 13a composed of a plurality of keys and a display panel 13b that displays various types of information. The operation key 13a starts and ends a plurality of numeric keys and a voice call hold. Hold key, a call start key for starting a voice call (so-called hands-free call) using the voice input / output unit 15 as a handset, a call end key for ending a hands-free call, and the telephone line network 100. And a call permission switch for switching whether or not to allow all calls and voice calls.
[0096]
The voice input / output unit 15 includes a speaker 15a, a microphone 15b, and a drive circuit 15c for driving them. In addition to outputting sound based on various audio signals from the speaker 15a, the speaker 15a and the microphone 15b are used as a handset. It can also be used to make voice calls (hands-free calls).
[0097]
In addition, the wireless communication unit 16 realizes a wireless call by transmitting and receiving various signals including an audio signal to and from the handset terminal 30 by wireless communication.
The signal interface unit 18 inputs an audio signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as audio I / F) 18a for inputting / outputting an audio signal transmitted via the audio cable 300, and a control signal transmitted via the USB cable 400. A control signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a control I / F) 18b for output is configured.
[0098]
In response to the command from the control unit 11, the path setting unit 19 sets either the NCU 17 or the audio I / F 18 a as a transmission path used for inputting / outputting audio signals to / from the outside of the multifunction machine 10.
In addition, the route setting unit 19 makes a call by each component functioning as a handset (any one of the handset 14, the voice input / output unit 15, the handset terminal 30 (wireless communication unit 16); hereinafter referred to as a handset). When an operation for starting the operation (hereinafter referred to as an off-hook operation) is performed, the handset is set as a transmission destination of the audio signal input from the outside and a transmission source of the audio signal output to the outside As a result, the handset is in a state in which voice based on the voice signal can be input / output. Specifically, when the handset 14 is removed from the multifunction device 10 main body, the handset 14 is set, and when the call start key is pressed by the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13, the voice input / output unit 15 is set. When an operation for starting a call (by a call start key constituting an operation key described later) is performed by the handset device 30, the setting is made in the wireless communication unit 16. On the other hand, when an operation for ending a call (hereinafter referred to as an on-hook operation) is performed by the handset, the handset is turned off by canceling the transmission destination and the transmission source of the sound signal. No audio input / output based on. Specifically, when the handset 14 is returned to the MFP 10 main body, when the call end key is pressed by the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13, and when the handset terminal 30 ends the call When a call is made (by a call end key constituting an operation key described later), the transmission destination and transmission source of the audio signal are canceled.
[0099]
Further, after receiving an incoming call from the telephone network 100, the route setting unit 19 receives a command from the control unit 11 and receives a voice signal transmission destination and transmission source when an off-hook operation is not performed within a predetermined time. Is set in the recording / reproducing unit 12. After the transmission destination and the transmission source are set in the recording / reproducing unit 12 in this way, the recording / reproducing unit 12 reproduces the recorded message recorded in the message reproducing unit 12a in response to an instruction from the control unit 11, As a result, the voice signal of the recorded message is output to the caller via the telephone line network 100. After the voice signal is output, the voice signal input from the caller via the telephone line network 100 is recorded by the message recording unit 12b.
[0100]
The handset terminal 30 includes a control section 31 that controls the operation of the entire handset terminal 30, a transmitter / receiver section 32 that includes a speaker and a microphone and a drive circuit that drives these, an operation key 33 that includes a plurality of keys, A display panel 34 for displaying various information, a reproduction unit 35 for reproducing sound based on various audio signals recorded in advance, a speaker and a drive circuit for driving the speaker, and based on the audio signal reproduced by the reproduction unit 35 A speaker unit 36 that outputs audio, a wireless communication unit 37 that transmits and receives various signals including audio signals to and from the main body (the wireless communication unit 16 thereof) of the multifunction machine 10, and the like. The operation keys 33 included in the handset terminal 30 are a plurality of numeric keys, a call start key for starting a voice call, a call end key for ending a voice call, and a start / end for holding a voice call. Consists of a hold key. In addition, the playback unit 35 records voice signals such as a ringing tone used when receiving an incoming call and a holding tone used when holding a voice call.
[0101]
The PC 20 inputs a control unit 21 for controlling the operation of the entire PC 20, a hard disk (hereinafter referred to as HD) 22 for storing various data, a communication unit 23 for connecting the PC 20 to the Internet network 200, and various signals from the outside of the PC 20. An output signal interface unit 24, an operation unit 25 including a keyboard and a mouse, a display 26, and the like are provided.
[0102]
Among these, the signal interface unit 24 inputs / outputs an audio signal via the audio cable 300, an audio signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an audio I / F) 24 a, and inputs / outputs a control signal via the USB cable 400. A control signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as a control I / F) 24b and the like.
[0103]
The PC 20 can use a call service provided by a service providing server 210 (see FIG. 2) connected to the Internet network 200 by the function of a web browser (WWW browser) installed in the HD 22.
[0104]
The “call service” refers to calling a telephone terminal 110 (see FIG. 2) connected to the telephone network 100 from an Internet terminal (for example, the PC 20) connected to the Internet network 200. This is a service that realizes a voice call with the telephone terminal 110 that has responded. In this embodiment, after user registration with the service provider, a time corresponding to a point given from the service provider side is used. It is a service that allows voice calls for free. In this call service, at the time of user registration, a user-specific user ID and password are set as identification data for identifying the user, and this identification data is given to the user identified by the identification data. The data is stored in the data table stored in the service providing server 210 in a state associated with point data indicating points. Note that the point data registered in the data table is in a state in which a point corresponding to a call time is subtracted every time a user makes a voice call using a call service.
[0105]
In order to use this call service on the PC 20, the following operation is performed by the operation unit 25.
(1) Access operation: This operation is an operation for starting the web browser and accessing the service providing server 210. Here, a login web page constituting the service provider's website is accessed.
(2) Login operation: This operation logs in by entering a user ID and password as identification data at a predetermined input location on the login web page, and accesses a service web page for using the call service. It is an operation. This service web page is a template web page with images such as an input field for entering a telephone number, numeric keys, a call start key for starting a call, a call end key for ending a voice call, A point display area indicated by point data (extracted from the data table) corresponding to the identification data input at the time of login is provided, and is generated and distributed by the service providing server 210 each time the user logs in. .
(3) Call start operation: This operation is performed by selecting a numeric key, displaying a numeric string corresponding to the telephone number in the input field, and then selecting the call start key. This is an operation for making a call to the telephone terminal 110 having the telephone number displayed on the screen. Specifically, after this operation, data that can specify the telephone number displayed in the input field, and request data for requesting a call to the telephone terminal 110 of this telephone number is provided from the PC 20 The service providing server 210 that is output to the server 210 and receives the request data makes a call to the telephone terminal 110 having the telephone number specified by the request data. When the telephone terminal 110 responds to this call, the line between the PC 20 and the telephone terminal 110 is connected via the service providing server 210 and a voice call is started.
(4) Call termination operation: This operation is an operation to terminate the voice call by performing an operation of selecting a call termination key after the voice call is started by the call start operation. After this call termination operation, the line between the PC 20 and the telephone terminal 110 is disconnected, and the voice call is terminated.
[0106]
The HD 22 stores operation proxy programs for causing the control unit 21 to automatically execute the above-described operations (access operation, login operation, call start operation, call end operation). These operation proxy programs are for use of a call service without user operation of the operation unit 25 in service call processing (see FIG. 5) described later, and are provided from the service provider side during user registration. Or created by the user.
[0107]
Furthermore, the HD 22 stores a database that is referred to when making a call by a call service in a service call process (see FIG. 5) described later. In this database, as shown in FIG. 3, identification data obtained when user registration with the service provider is performed for each of the call services provided by the plurality of service providing servers 210, which is given from the service provider side. The points indicated by the recorded point data, the path name indicating the recording location of each operation proxy program, the URL (Uniform Resource Locator) of the login web page, and the like are registered in association with each other. Further, the respective call services registered in this database are arranged in the order (1 to i) in which the points indicated by the point data corresponding to the call service are large. This database is created in advance by the user, but part of the contents is updated in a service call process (see FIG. 5) and a database update process (see FIG. 6) described later.
[0108]
Although a detailed description is omitted, in a part of the communication path from the communication unit 23 of the PC 20 to the Internet network 200 (section from the user side to the telephone station side), the MFP 10 A telephone line connecting the section from the NCU 17 to the telephone line network 100 is also used. In this section, the audio signal transmitted via the telephone network 100 and the data transmitted via the Internet network 200 are transmitted in a superimposed state by an ADSL (asymmetric digital subscriber line) technique.
[0109]
[Selected call processing executed by the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10]
Hereinafter, the processing procedure of the selective call processing executed by the control unit 11 included in the multifunction machine 10 will be described with reference to FIG. In this selective call processing, after the off-hook operation by the handset, the telephone terminal 110 that is the call destination is designated (the telephone number is input) by the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13 or the operation key 33 of the handset terminal 30. It is started when an operation (hereinafter referred to as a call operation) is performed. Since this selective call process is a process executed after the off-hook operation, any handset that has been off-hooked is input from the outside of the multi-function device 10 until the on-hook operation is performed. It is executed in a state set as the transmission destination of the audio signal to be transmitted and the transmission destination of the audio signal to be output to the outside.
[0110]
First, the control unit 11 inquires of the PC 20 whether or not the call service can be used during a voice call with the telephone terminal 110 specified by the call operation (s110). In this process, a service inquiry command for inquiring whether the telephone service is available is output to the PC 20. The PC 20 that has input this service inquiry command outputs a service enable command if the call service can be used, and a service disable command if the call service cannot be used (processing of s450 and s460 in FIG. 5). ).
[0111]
Next, the control unit 11 waits until a command is input from the PC 20 (s120: NO).
When a command is input in the process of s120 (s120: YES), if this command is a serviceable command (s130: YES), the control unit 11 makes a call to the telephone terminal 110 specified by the call operation. Command the PC 20 (s140). In this processing, the telephone number input by the call operation can be specified, and a call command command for instructing a call to the telephone terminal 110 of this telephone number is output to the PC 20. The PC 20 that has input the call command command outputs a call start command when a voice call with the telephone terminal 110 is started, and a call disconnect command when the voice call with the telephone terminal 110 cannot be started. (Refer to the processing of s540 and s560 in FIG. 5).
[0112]
Next, the control unit 11 waits until a command is input from the PC 20 (s150: NO).
When a command is input in the process of s150 (s150: YES), if this command is a call disconnect command (s160: NO), the control unit 11 notifies that the voice call cannot be started (s170). In this process, a control signal for displaying a message indicating that the voice call could not be started is output to the user I / F 13, and the user I / F 13 that has input this control signal makes a voice call by the display panel 13b. Displays a message that it could not be started. When the selected call processing is started after the off-hook operation by the handset terminal 30, in the processing of s170, a control signal for displaying the message is also output to the handset terminal 30, and this control is performed. The handset terminal 30 receiving the signal displays a message on the display panel 34.
[0113]
This message continues to be displayed until some operation (off-hook operation, operation of the operation keys 13a and 33) is performed. Then, when any operation is performed, the control unit 11 outputs a control signal for deleting the display of the message to the user I / F 13 (and the slave terminal 30), and the user I / F that has input this control signal is output. F13 (and handset terminal 30) deletes the message display.
[0114]
After finishing the process of s170, the control part 11 complete | finishes this selection call process. If the command input in the process of s150 is a call start command (s160: YES), the control unit 11 sets the voice I / F 18a as a transmission path used for voice signal input / output with the outside of the multifunction machine 10. (S180). In this process, a control signal for setting the voice I / F 18a as the above-described transmission path is output to the path setting unit 19, and the path setting unit 19 having received this control signal transmits the voice I / F 18a to the above-described transmission path. Set as a route. Thus, the transmission path is switched to the audio I / F 18a (that is, the audio cable 300).
[0115]
As described above, after the audio I / F 18a is set as a transmission path used for inputting / outputting audio signals to / from the outside of the multifunction machine 10, audio based on audio signals input / output from the PC 20 via the audio cable 300 is transmitted. Input / output is performed from a handset (a handset that has performed an off-hook operation before the main call processing). In this way, it becomes possible to perform a voice call by the call service started on the PC 20 side indirectly by the handset of the multifunction device 10. This state continues in the subsequent processing (processing after s190) until the transmission path is canceled after the on-hook operation.
[0116]
Next, the control unit 11 waits until an on-hook operation is performed (s190: NO).
When an on-hook operation is performed in the process of s190 (s190: YES), the control unit 11 cancels the setting of the transmission path set in the process of s180 (s200). In this process, a control signal for canceling the setting of the transmission path (voice I / F 18a) set in the process of s180 is output to the path setting unit 19, and the path setting unit 19 to which this control signal is input transmits the control signal. By canceling the route setting, audio signals are not input / output from / to the outside of the multifunction machine 10. When an on-hook operation is performed in the process of s190, the transmission path set in the handset that has been off-hooked before the selected call process is released.
[0117]
Next, the control unit 11 instructs the PC 20 to end the voice call with the telephone terminal 110 designated by the call operation (s210). In this process, a call end command for instructing the end of the voice call with the telephone terminal 110 is output to the PC 20. The PC 20 that has input the call end command ends the voice call by the call service and outputs point data indicating points updated with the use of the call service to the multi-function peripheral 10 (in FIG. 5). (Refer to the processing of s620).
[0118]
Then, the control unit 11 waits until point data is input from the multi-function peripheral 10 (s220). When point data is input (s220: YES), the point indicated by the point data is notified (s230). In this process, a control signal for displaying the point indicated by the point data is output to the user I / F 13, and the user I / F 13 that has input this control signal changes the point indicated by the point data by the display panel 13b. indicate. Further, when the calling process is started after the off-hook operation by the handset terminal 30, a control signal for displaying the same point is also output to the handset terminal 30 in the processing of s230. Is displayed on the display panel 34. This point continues to be displayed until some operation is performed, as in the process of s170.
[0119]
After finishing the process of s230, the control part 11 complete | finishes this selection call process. If the command input in the process of s120 is a service disable command (s130: NO), the control unit 11 checks whether a call can be made via the telephone line network 100 (s310). In this process, if the call permission switch constituting the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13 is switched to a state (ON side) permitting a call / voice call via the telephone line network 100, the telephone line If it is determined that the call can be made via the network 100 and the call / voice call is not permitted (OFF side), it is determined that the call cannot be made via the telephone line network 100. .
[0120]
If a call cannot be made via the telephone line network 100 in the process of s250 (s250: NO), the control unit 11 proceeds to the process of s170.
On the other hand, if it is possible to make a call via the telephone line network 100 in the process of s310 (s310: YES), the control unit 11 performs transmission using the NCU 17 for input / output of audio signals to / from the outside of the multifunction machine 10. The route is set (s320). In this process, a control signal for setting the NCU 17 as the above-described transmission path is output to the path setting unit 19, and the path setting unit 19 to which this control signal is input sets the NCU 17 as the above-described transmission path. Thus, the transmission path is switched to the NCU 17 (that is, the telephone line network 100).
[0121]
As described above, after the NCU 17 is set as a transmission path to be used for inputting / outputting audio signals to / from the outside of the multifunction machine 10, audio based on the audio signals transmitted via the telephone network 100 is transmitted to the handset (this selected call). Input / output from a handset that has been off-hooked before processing), and a voice call can be made with the handset of the multifunction device 10. This state continues until the transmission path is canceled in the subsequent processing (processing in s320).
[0122]
Next, the control unit 11 calls the telephone terminal 110 designated by the call operation via the telephone line network 100 (s330). In this process, a call is made by outputting a signal (selection signal) indicating the telephone number input in the call operation to the telephone line network 100 (the exchange constituting the telephone line network 100).
[0123]
Next, the control unit 11 checks whether the telephone terminal 110 has responded (s340).
If the telephone terminal 110 does not respond in the process of s340 (s340: NO), the control unit 11 returns to the process of s340 if the on-hook operation is not performed (s350: NO).
[0124]
If the telephone terminal 110 responds in the process of s340 (s340: YES), the control unit 11 waits until an on-hook operation is performed (s360: NO). Thus, after the telephone terminal 110 responds in the process of s340, until the on-hook operation is performed in the process of s360, the line with the telephone terminal 110 is connected, and the voice to and from the telephone terminal 110 is connected. A call is made.
[0125]
When an on-hook operation is performed in the process of s350 or s360 (s350, s360: YES), the control unit 11 cancels the setting of the transmission path set in the process of s320 (s370). In this process, a control signal for canceling the setting of the transmission path (NCU 17) set in the process of s320 is output to the path setting unit 19, and the path setting unit 19 receiving this control signal sets the transmission path. By canceling, the input / output of the audio signal to / from the outside of the multifunction device 10 is not performed, and the line between the multifunction device 10 and the telephone terminal 110 is disconnected.
[0126]
After completing the process of s370, the control unit 11 ends the selected call process.
[Service call processing executed by the control unit 21 of the PC 20]
Below, the process sequence of the service call process performed by the control part 21 with which PC20 is provided is demonstrated based on FIG. This service call process is started when the service inquiry command output from the multifunction machine 10 in the process of s110 in FIG. 4 is input.
[0127]
First, the control unit 21 initializes a variable N (s410). In this process, “1” is set to the variable N (1 → N). Note that “n” described below indicates a value set in the variable N.
Next, the control unit 21 checks whether or not the nth call service among the call services registered in the database can be used (s420). In this process, if the point indicated by the point data corresponding to the nth call service registered in the database is equal to or greater than a predetermined value (10 points in the present embodiment), the nth call service. Is determined to be available, and if it is less than the predetermined value, it is determined that the nth call service is unavailable. Thus, in the process of s420, it is determined that the call service can be used only when the time (available call time) corresponding to the point indicated by the point data is equal to or greater than the predetermined threshold value.
[0128]
When it is determined in the process of s420 that the nth call service is not available (s420: NO), the control unit 21 checks whether or not the n + 1th call service is registered in the database ( s430).
In the process of s430, if the (n + 1) th call service is registered (s430: YES), the control unit 21 adds “1” to the variable N (n + 1 → N) (s440), and then the process of s420. Return to processing.
[0129]
On the other hand, if the (n + 1) th call service is not registered (s430: NO), the control unit 21 outputs a service disable command for notifying that the call service cannot be used to the multifunction machine 10 ( s450). This unserviceable command is a command input to the multi-function device 10 in the process of s120 in FIG.
[0130]
After completing the process of s450, the control unit 21 ends the service call process.
If it is determined in the process of s420 that the nth call service is available (s420: YES), the control unit 21 combines a serviceable command for notifying that the call service is available. It outputs to the machine 10 (s460). This serviceable command is input to the multifunction machine 10 in the process of s120 in FIG. In addition, the multifunction device 10 that has input this service enable command can specify a predetermined telephone number, and a call instruction command for instructing a call to the telephone terminal 110 of this telephone number is output. (Refer to the process of s140 in FIG. 4).
[0131]
Next, the control unit 21 waits until a call command command is input from the multifunction machine 10 (s470: NO). When the call command command is input (s470: YES), the nth call service is provided. Log in to the service providing server 210 (s480). In this process, the control unit 21 first extracts the path name and URL of the access operation proxy program corresponding to the nth call service from the path name and URL of the access operation proxy program registered in the database. Subsequently, an access operation proxy program is executed based on the extracted path name, the browser is started in accordance with the processing procedure indicated by the program, and then, based on the extracted URL web page, the URL web page, that is, Access the login web page. Subsequently, the identification data corresponding to the nth call service and the path name of the login operation proxy program are extracted from the identification data registered in the database and the path name of the login operation proxy program. Then, by executing the login operation proxy program based on the extracted path name, and inputting the user ID and password, which are the extracted identification data, at a predetermined input location on the login web page according to the processing procedure indicated by this program Log in and access the service web page. In this manner, a series of operations (hereinafter referred to as a session) for the service provider's website is started.
[0132]
Next, the control unit 21 calls the telephone terminal 11 having the telephone number specified by the call command command input in the process of s470 using the nth call service (s490). In this process, the control unit 21 first extracts the path name of the call start operation proxy program corresponding to the nth call service from the call start operation proxy program path names registered in the database. Subsequently, a call start operation proxy program is executed based on the extracted path name, and the telephone number specified by the call command command is input to the input field on the service web page according to the processing procedure indicated by this program. A call is made using a call service to the telephone number (phone terminal 110) entered in step.
[0133]
Next, the control unit 21 starts a timer (s500).
Next, the control unit 21 checks whether or not the telephone terminal 110 has responded to the call made by the process of s490 (s510).
If the telephone terminal 110 does not respond in the process of s510 (s510: NO), the control unit 21 does not reach the predetermined time t0 (10 seconds in the present embodiment) of the timer count value t1. If (t1 <t0) (s520: NO), the process returns to s510.
[0134]
On the other hand, when the count value t1 of the timer has reached the predetermined time t0 in the process of s520 (t0 ≦ t1) (s520: YES), the control unit 21 stops and resets the timer (s530), and then calls A call rejection command for notifying that the voice call with the terminal 110 could not be started is output to the multi-function device 10 (s540). This service interruption command is a command that is input to the multifunction machine 10 in the process of s160 in FIG.
[0135]
If the telephone terminal 110 responds in the process of s510 (s510: YES), the control unit 21 stops and resets the timer (s550), and then issues a call start command for notifying that the voice call has started. The data is output to the multifunction machine 10 (s560). This call start command is input to the multifunction machine 10 in the process of s160 in FIG. In the MFP 10 that has input this command, the voice call is in an indirect state until the on-hook operation is performed, and the voice call is terminated when the on-hook operation is performed, and the voice communication with the telephone terminal 110 is performed. A call end command for instructing the end of the call is output (see the process of s210 in FIG. 4).
[0136]
Next, the control unit 21 stands by until a call end command is input from the multifunction machine 10 (s570: NO).
When a call end command is input in the process of s570 (s570: YES), the control unit 21 ends the voice call (s580). In this process, the control unit 21 first extracts a path name corresponding to the nth call service from the path names of the call end operation proxy program registered in the database. Then, a call termination proxy program is executed based on the extracted path name, and the line with the telephone terminal 110 is disconnected according to the processing procedure indicated by this program.
[0137]
Next, the control unit 21 logs in again to the service providing server 210 (s590). In this process, the control unit 21 first logs out from the service providing server 210 by terminating the web browser activated in the process of s380. Then, similarly to the process of s480, the login web page is accessed again. Since the login web page accessed here is newly generated by the service providing server 210, the point display area is in a state where points corresponding to the call time from s510 to s580 are subtracted. Yes.
[0138]
Next, the control part 21 extracts the numerical value which shows a point as point data from the display area of the point provided in the web page for services (s600). When the service web page is displayed in text format, the description corresponding to the point display area is usually written at a position (line) determined for each service web page of each call service. Therefore, in the process of s600, when the service web page is displayed in the text format, a numerical value indicating a point described at a specific position determined for each call service is extracted as point data.
[0139]
Next, the control unit 21 updates the database (s610). In this process, of the points registered in the database, the point corresponding to the nth call service is updated to the point indicated by the point data extracted in the process of s600 and registered in this database. Each call service is rearranged in descending order of points corresponding to the call service.
[0140]
Next, the control unit 21 outputs the point data extracted in the process of s600, that is, the point data indicating the points updated with the use of the call service to the multi function device 10 (s620). This point data is data input to the multi-function device 10 in the process of s220 in FIG.
[0141]
Then, after finishing the process of s620 or s540, the control unit 21 logs out from the service providing server 210 (s630). In this process, when the web browser is terminated, the session for the service provider's website is terminated.
[0142]
After completing the process of s630, the control unit 21 ends the service call process.
[Database update process executed by the control unit 21 of the PC 20]
Below, the process sequence of the database update process performed by the control part 21 with which PC20 is provided is demonstrated based on FIG. This database update process is a process that is repeatedly executed at certain time intervals (1 hour in the present embodiment) from when the multifunction device 10 is activated (power is turned on) until it is terminated (power is turned off). .
[0143]
First, the control unit 21 initializes a variable M (s710). In this process, “1” is set to the variable M (1 → M). Note that “m” described below indicates the value set in the variable M.
Next, the control unit 21 logs in to the service providing server 210 that provides the m-th call service among the call services registered in the database (s720). In this process, similar to the process of s480 in FIG. 5, the user logs in to the service providing server 210 that provides the mth call service and accesses the service web page. When the process of s720 is performed while logged in to the service providing server 210 that provides the (m-1) th call service, the service providing server 210 that provides the mth call service. At the same time as logging in, the user is logged out (end of session) from the service providing server 210 that provides the (m-1) th call service.
[0144]
Next, the control unit 21 extracts point data indicating points from the point display area provided on the service web page (s730). In this process, as in the process of s600 in FIG. 5, when the service web page is displayed in text format, a numerical value indicating a point described at a specific position determined for each call service is point data. Extracted as
[0145]
Next, the control unit 21 updates the database (s740). In this process, of the points registered in the database, the point corresponding to the mth call service is updated to the point indicated by the point data extracted in the process of s730 and registered in this database. Each call service is rearranged in the order of the number of points indicated by the point data corresponding to the call service.
[0146]
Next, the control unit 21 checks whether or not the (m + 1) th call service is registered in the database (s750).
In the process of s750, if the (m + 1) th call service is registered (s750: YES), the control unit 21 adds “1” to the variable M (m + 1 → M) (s760), and then performs the process of s720. Return to processing.
[0147]
Thus, after the processing from s720 to s760 has been performed for all the call services, if the (m + 1) th call service has not been registered (s750: NO), the control unit 21 logs out from the service providing server 210. (S770). In this process, as in the process of s630 in FIG. 5, the web browser is terminated, and the session for the website of the service provider that provides the mth call service is terminated.
[0148]
[Correspondence with the present invention]
In the embodiment described above, the multifunction machine 10 is a telephone terminal in the present invention, the PC 20 is an internet terminal in the present invention, and the telephone terminal 110 is a counterpart terminal in the present invention.
[0149]
The HD 22 included in the PC 20 is a recording unit in the present invention. The point data registered in the database recorded in the HD 22 corresponds to service data in the present invention. This point data is data that can specify the time during which a voice call can be made free of charge when using the call service, that is, the available call time in the present invention.
[0150]
Further, the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13 and the operation key 33 of the slave terminal 30 provided in the multifunction machine 10 are designation means in the present invention. Further, the call permission switch constituting the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13 is a call setting means in the present invention.
[0151]
Further, the processing of s170 in FIG. 4 is impossible notification means, the processing of s180 is route switching means, the processing of s230 is content notification means in the present invention, and the processing of s330 is telephone call means in the present invention. The processes of s140 and s210 are processes for outputting a call command command / call termination command to the PC 20, and are telephone side output means in the present invention. This call command command corresponds to a call request signal in the present invention.
[0152]
Further, the process of s420 in FIG. 5 is a determination unit in the present invention, the process of s490 is a service call unit in the present invention, and the process of s590 and s600 is a second acquisition unit. Further, the processes of s450, s460, s540, s560, and s620 are processes for outputting various commands to the multifunction machine 10, and are the Internet side output means in the present invention. Of these commands, the service enable command corresponds to the enable notification signal in the present invention.
[0153]
Further, the processing of s720 and s730 in FIG. 6 is the first acquisition means in the present invention, and the processing of s740 is the first registration means in the present invention.
[effect]
According to the communication system 1 configured as described above, the multifunction machine 10 has a function of realizing a voice call via the telephone line network 100, and the PC 20 performs the nth operation in the process of s420 in FIG. If it is determined that the call service can be used, the telephone terminal 110 is called in the process of s490 using this call service. In this way, the telephone line network 100 and the Internet network 200 can be used properly when making a call. Here, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 determines whether or not the call service can be used in the process of s420 based on the database recorded in the HD 22. The database provides the service in the process of s590. The points extracted in the process of s600 based on the service web page acquired from the server 210 are updated (registered) in the process of s610.
[0154]
In this call service, the points given to the user are subtracted by the amount corresponding to the call time each time a voice call is made using the call service. In this way, the points are updated as needed, but after using the call service, in the processing after s590, the database is updated based on the points updated with the use of the call service. There is no need for the user to re-register in the database. Therefore, in a configuration in which the telephone line network 100 and the Internet network 200 can be properly used for making a call, a call service in which service data is updated according to the use situation without significantly increasing the operation added to the user is used. Can do.
[0155]
Further, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 extracts point data in the process of s730 based on the service web page acquired from the service providing server 210 in the process of s720 in FIG. Since a series of processing in this database update processing is performed with respect to the same service providing server 210 at regular time intervals, the control unit 21 acquires (extracts) point data at regular time intervals. be able to. In this way, by acquiring (extracting) point data at regular time intervals, even if the points indicated by the point data are changed regardless of the use of the call service, the latest data is obtained at regular time intervals. The point data can be obtained and the database can be updated.
[0156]
In addition, when the user using the communication system 1 ends the voice call by the call service, the point indicated by the point data, that is, updated with the use of the call service is notified by the notification in the process of s230 in FIG. Points can be confirmed. Therefore, the user can decide a policy such as how (or can) use this call service in the future immediately after using the call service.
[0157]
On the PC 20 side, when the voice call by the call service is terminated, the point updated with the use of the call service can be reflected in the database in the process of s610 in FIG.
Further, in the processing from s420 to s440 in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 determines whether or not each call service provided by each of the plurality of service providing servers 210 can be used according to the priority order determined in descending order. The order can be determined. Therefore, even when two or more services among a plurality of call services are available, it is possible to determine whether or not the services can be used in order from the call service with the highest priority among them.
[0158]
Further, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 can determine that the call service can be used only when the point is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of s420 in FIG.
Further, the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10 receives the call disconnect command in the process of s160 in FIG. 4 or if the call cannot be made via the telephone line network 100 in the process of s310, s170. In this process, it can be notified that the voice call cannot be started.
[0159]
In addition, the control unit 11 of the multi-function device 10 is able to make a call through the telephone line network 100 in the process of s310 even when the service disable command is input in the process of s130 in FIG. Can call the telephone terminal 110 via the telephone line network 100 in the same manner as a known telephone terminal.
[0160]
Further, in the control unit 11 of the multi-function device 10, a telephone service designated by a call operation as a response after a service disabling command is input in the process of s 130 in FIG. 4, that is, as a call service is determined to be unavailable. Whether to make a call to the terminal 110 via the telephone network 100 (processing after s320) or to notify that the voice call cannot be started (processing of s170) can be switched by the call permission switch.
[0161]
Further, when the call command command is input in the process of s470 in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 logs in the service providing server 210 in the process of s480 and is specified by the call command command in the process of s490. The telephone terminal 110 having the telephone number is called. At this time, the control unit 21 sends request data for requesting a call to the telephone terminal 110 having the telephone number specified by the call command command according to the processing procedure indicated by the call start operation proxy program. To the telephone terminal 110 can be called.
[0162]
Further, since the control unit 11 of the multi-function device 10 is configured to notify the point indicated by the point data in the process of s230 in FIG. 4, the user indicates the point indicated by the point data to the multi-function device 10. Can be confirmed on the side.
Further, since the control unit 11 of the multifunction device 10 is configured to notify that the voice call could not be started in the process of s170 in FIG. 4, the user notifies the fact on the multifunction device 10 side. Can be confirmed.
[0163]
[Modification]
As mentioned above, although embodiment of this invention was described, this invention is not limited to said specific embodiment, It can implement with a various form besides this.
For example, in the above-described embodiment, an example in which the configuration as the telephone terminal of the present invention is applied to the multifunction machine 10 is illustrated. However, a device to which the configuration of the telephone terminal of the present invention is applied may be a device other than the multifunction device 10 as long as it has a function of performing a voice call based on a voice signal transmitted via the telephone network 100. Good.
[0164]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, what applied the structure as an internet terminal of this invention to PC20 was illustrated. However, the apparatus to which the configuration of the Internet terminal of the present invention is applied may be an apparatus other than the PC 20 as long as data communication is possible via the Internet network 200.
[0165]
In the above embodiment, the selection call process in FIG. 4 is illustrated as being executed by a computer system including the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10. However, part or all of the selective call processing may be executed by another computer system connected to the multi-function device 10 via a wired / wireless signal transmission path.
[0166]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, what was comprised so that the selection call process in FIG. 5 and the database update process in FIG. 6 might be performed by the computer system which consists of the control part 21 of PC20 was illustrated. However, part or all of these processes may be executed by another computer system connected to the PC 20 via a wired / wireless signal transmission path.
[0167]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, what was comprised so that the selection call process in FIG. 4 might be performed according to the process procedure memorize | stored in the control part 11 (memory with which the multifunctional machine 10 is equipped) was illustrated. However, when the multifunction device 10 is configured to be able to input / output data to / from a recording medium such as an FD or a memory card, the selection shown in FIG. 4 is performed based on the recording medium on which the above-described processing procedure is recorded. You may comprise so that a telephone call process may be performed.
[0168]
Further, in the above embodiment, the selective call process in FIG. 5 and the database update process in FIG. 6 are configured to be executed according to the processing procedure stored in the control unit 21 (memory provided in) the PC 20. Was illustrated. However, when the PC 20 is configured to be able to input and output data to and from a recording medium such as an FD or a memory card, the selective call processing in FIG. 5 is performed based on the recording medium on which the above processing procedure is recorded. The database update process in FIG. 6 may be executed.
[0169]
In the above embodiment, the communication system 1 is configured by the multifunction machine 10 and the PC 20. However, when the multi-function device 10 is configured to be capable of data communication via the Internet network 200, or when the PC 20 has a function of performing a voice call based on a voice signal transmitted via the telephone line network 100. The call system 1 can also be configured by a single device.
[0170]
In the above embodiment, the MFP 10 and the PC 20 are illustrated as being connected via two cables (audio cable 300 and USB cable 400). However, the multifunction device 10 and the PC 20 may be connected via a single cable capable of transmitting an audio signal and a control signal. In this case, the signal interface units 18 and 24 or the control units 11 and 21 of each of the multifunction machine 10 and the PC 20 are configured to branch a signal transmitted through a single cable into an audio signal and a control signal. That's fine.
[0171]
Moreover, in this embodiment, the case where the service data in this invention is point data which shows the point equivalent to the time which can carry out a voice call free is illustrated. However, the service data may be point data indicating a point corresponding to a time during which a voice call can be made with a predetermined (for example, lower price than usual) call charge. Further, the service data may be data indicating a charge (usable call charge) necessary for using the call service per unit time instead of a point corresponding to a time during which a voice call is possible.
[0172]
In the above-described embodiment, the MFP 10 is configured to perform hardware switching by the call permission switch to determine whether or not to permit the call / voice call via the telephone line network 100. Was illustrated. However, such switching may be performed by software. Specifically, a flag indicating whether or not calling / voice communication via the telephone line network 100 is permitted is provided in the memory built in the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10, and the value of this flag is set. In response to the operation of the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13, it is configured to be set to either “0 (not permitted)” or “1 (allowed)”. In the process of s310 in FIG. A configuration is conceivable in which it is checked whether a call can be made via the telephone line network 100 based on the value set in.
[0173]
In the above embodiment, the point data indicating the points updated with the use of the call service by the control unit 21 of the PC 20 extracting the point data from the service web page in the processing after s590 in FIG. Illustrated is configured to obtain the. However, if the service providing server 210 is configured to transmit the point data to the request source when the point data request is received in accordance with a predetermined communication procedure, the PC 20 is processed in the processing after s590. The control unit 21 may request the point data according to the communication procedure.
[0174]
In the above embodiment, the processing from s420 to s440 in FIG. 5 is configured to determine whether each call service can be used in the order according to the priority order determined in descending order. Illustrated. However, the “priority order” may be an order determined in advance by the user. In this case, the call services registered in the database may be arranged in any order by the user. In this case, in addition to a call service that can make a free call using the point system, for example, a call service that makes a voice call for a fee or a call service that uses a so-called instant messenger can be used as the call service in the embodiment.
[0175]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, what was comprised so that each call service could be utilized with a web browser was illustrated. However, when there is a call service that can be used by a program other than the web browser, an operation for automatically executing an operation for using the call service by the corresponding program by the control unit 21 of the PC 20. A substitute program should be prepared separately.
[0176]
In the above embodiment, an example is shown in which the call service is determined to be usable if the point corresponding to the call service is equal to or greater than a predetermined value in the process of s420 in FIG. did. However, the condition for determining whether or not the call service is available may be other conditions.
[0177]
Moreover, in the said embodiment, what was comprised so that point data might be acquired (extracted) by a fixed time interval by the database update process of FIG. 6 was illustrated. However, the timing for acquiring the point data may be, for example, when a predetermined operation is performed by the user. Here, as the “predetermined operation”, a call operation by the multifunction machine 10 can be considered. Specifically, the database update process of FIG. 6 may be configured to be executed before the process of s410 in FIG. According to this configuration, the point data can be acquired at the timing when the calling operation by the multifunction device 10, that is, the user performs the operation of calling the telephone terminal 110. Therefore, the latest point data at the time when the call operation is performed can be acquired, and the database can be updated.
[0178]
4 and 5, when performing a voice call with each of the plurality of telephone terminals 110, it is determined in advance which of the call service and the telephone line network 100 is to be used. You may comprise so that the process may be performed.
[0179]
Specifically, first, the control unit 11 of the multi-function device 10 outputs the data that can identify the telephone number input by the call operation to the PC 20 as a service inquiry command in the process of s110 in FIG. To do. In this case, the call command command output to the PC 20 in the process of s140 may not be data that can identify the telephone number input by the call operation. In addition, in the HD 22 of the PC 20, use specification data that can specify which of the call service and the telephone line network 100 should be used when performing a voice call with each of the plurality of telephone terminals 110 is stored.
[0180]
Then, as shown in FIG. 7, after the processing of s410 in FIG. 5, the control unit 21 uses the telephone service 110 or the telephone line network 100 by the telephone terminal 110 having the telephone number specified by the service inquiry command. Then, it is specified based on the usage specifying data (s412). If it is specified in the process of s412 that the call is made using the call service (s412: YES), the process proceeds to the process of s420 and if the call is specified using the telephone line network 100 ( s412: NO), the process proceeds to s450.
[0181]
According to the communication system configured as described above, only when the telephone terminal 110 specified by the call operation by the multifunction machine 10 is specified to use the call service in the process of s412, the call is performed in the process of s420. It can be determined whether the service is available. In particular, the above-mentioned use specific data is used to call the telephone terminal 110 of the other party who wants to make a voice call with high call quality, for example, that the telephone terminal 110 of the other party who wants to reduce the call charge should use the calling service. By making it possible to specify that the line network 100 should be used, the call service and the telephone line network 100 can be selectively used according to the purpose of use such as priority on charges and priority on quality.
[0182]
In this configuration, the case where the usage specifying data is recorded on the HD 22 of the PC 20 is exemplified. However, the same effect can be obtained even if the usage specifying data is recorded on the MFP 10 side. be able to. Specifically, the usage specifying data is recorded in a memory built in the control unit 11 of the multifunction machine 10. Then, before the processing of s110 in FIG. 4, that is, after the call operation is performed, the control unit 11 performs the call service as shown in FIG. The telephone line network 100 is specified based on the usage specifying data (S102). If it is specified in the process of s102 that the call is made using the call service (s102: YES), the process proceeds to the process of s110 and if the call is specified using the telephone line network 100 ( s102: NO), the process proceeds to s310.
[0183]
In the above-described embodiment, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 outputs a call rejection command to the multifunction device 10 in the process of s540 in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 2, the voice communication cannot be started in the process of s170. However, the control unit 21 of the PC 20 starts the voice call by outputting a call rejection command to the multifunction device 10 and displaying a message on the display 26 that the voice call cannot be started in the process of s540 in FIG. You may comprise so that the notification that it cannot be performed is also performed. With this configuration, the user can confirm on the PC 20 side that a voice call with the telephone terminal 110 cannot be performed.
[0184]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the control unit 11 of the multi-function device 10 is exemplified by only inputting the point data in the process of s230 after inputting the point data in the process of s220 in FIG. However, a database in which point data for each call service is associated with the memory of the control unit 11 may be recorded in the same manner as the database recorded in the HD 22 of the PC 20. Then, as shown in FIG. 9, after the process of s230, the database is updated in the same manner as the process of s610 in FIG. 5 (s240), and the control unit 11 performs the process as shown below in s110. It may be configured to be performed before processing, that is, after a call operation is performed.
[0185]
First, after the variable N is initialized in the same manner as the processing of s410 in FIG. 5 (s103), it is determined whether or not the n-th call service is available (s104) as in the processing of s420 in FIG.
If it is determined that it cannot be used in the process of s104 (s104: NO), it is checked whether or not the (n + 1) th call service is registered (s105) as in the process of s430 in FIG. If the process is registered (s105: YES), “1” is added to the variable N (s106), and the process returns to s104. .
[0186]
Then, if it is determined that it can be used in the process of s104 (s104: YES), the process proceeds to the process of s110.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a control system of a communication system in an embodiment.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing a network configuration including a communication system in the embodiment.
FIG. 3 is a diagram showing a data structure of a database.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for selective call processing;
FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for service call processing;
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure for database update processing;
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of service call processing in another embodiment;
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of selected call processing in another embodiment;
FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of selective call processing in another embodiment;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 ... Communication system, 10 ... Multi-function machine, 11 ... Control part, 12 ... Recording / reproducing part, 12a ... Message reproduction part, 12b ... Message recording part, 13 ... User Interface unit, 13a ... operation keys, 13b ... display panel, 14 ... handset, 15 ... voice input / output unit, 15a ... speaker, 15b ... microphone, 15c ... drive circuit , 16 ... wireless communication unit, 17 ... NCU, 18 ... signal interface unit, audio signal interface unit 18a, control signal interface unit 18b, 19 ... path setting unit, 20 ... personal computer, 21: Control unit, 22: Hard disk, 23: Communication unit, 24: Signal interface unit, Audio signal interface unit 24a, Control signal Interface unit 24b, 25 ... operation unit, 26 ... display, 30 ... slave unit, 31 ... control unit, 32 ... transmitter / receiver unit, 33 ... operation key, 34. ..Display panel, 35... Playback unit, 36... Speaker unit, 37 .. wireless communication unit, 300 .. audio cable, 400.

Claims (33)

A communication system having a function of realizing a voice call via a telephone line network and a function of performing data communication via an Internet network,
A service providing server for calling a telephone terminal connected to a telephone line network via the Internet network and providing a calling service for realizing a voice call with the telephone terminal responding to the calling, and the calling service Recording means for recording a database in which service data relating to available call time or available call charge when using the service is registered in association with each other;
A designation means for allowing the user to designate a partner terminal that is a telephone terminal to be called,
When the counterpart terminal is designated by the designation means, it is determined based on a database recorded in the recording means whether or not the call service can be used for performing a voice call with the counterpart terminal. A determination means;
Service call means for calling the counterpart terminal using the call service when it is determined by the determination means that the call service is available;
further,
First acquisition means for acquiring the service data from the service providing server storing the service data of the call service provided by the device;
And a first registration unit for registering the service data acquired by the first acquisition unit in a database recorded in the recording unit in a state in which the service data is associated with the service providing server. Communication system. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the service data when the counterpart terminal is specified by the specifying unit. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the first acquisition unit acquires the service data at regular time intervals. The service providing server stores, as the service data when using the call service provided by the service providing server itself, data whose contents are updated as the call service is used,
When the voice call using the call service is terminated, the service data stored in the service providing server is provided with the use of the call service from the service providing server providing the call service. A second acquisition means for acquiring updated data;
The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, further comprising content notifying means for notifying the content indicated by the service data acquired by the second acquiring means. And a second registration unit that registers the service data acquired by the second acquisition unit in a database recorded in the recording unit in a state in which the service data is associated with the service providing server. The communication system according to claim 4. In the database recorded in the recording means, the service data corresponding to each of the plurality of service providing servers is registered,
Whether the determination means can use the call service provided by the service providing server corresponding to the service data in an order according to a predetermined priority for each of the service data registered in the database The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the communication system is determined. In the database recorded in the recording means, as the service data, data that can specify an available call time that can be used for free or a predetermined call charge using the call service is registered. And
The determination unit determines that the call service can be used only when an available call time specified by the service data registered in the database is equal to or greater than a predetermined threshold. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. And a non-notification means for notifying that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal when the determination means determines that the call service is unusable. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. And a telephone call means for calling the partner terminal designated by the designation means via a telephone network when the call means determines that the call service cannot be used. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7. It has a call setting means that allows the user to set whether or not to allow calls via the telephone network,
Designated by the designation means when the call setting service is determined to be unusable by the determination means in a state where the call setting means is set to permit the call via the telephone line network. Telephone calling means for calling the counterpart terminal via a telephone network;
When the call setting service is determined not to be permitted by the call determination setting means and the call service is not allowed to be used by the determination means, The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 7, further comprising impossible notification means for notifying that a voice call cannot be performed. The service providing server is a data for specifying a telephone number of the partner terminal after logging in based on identification data for identifying a user registered in advance, and for requesting a call to the partner terminal It is configured to make a call to the counterpart terminal by inputting request data,
In the database recorded in the recording means, the identification data of the user who uses the communication system is registered in association with the service providing server and the service data,
The service calling means logs in to the service providing server based on the identification data registered in the database and then calls the other party terminal when it is determined by the determining means that the call service is available The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 10, wherein the partner terminal is called by outputting the request data capable of specifying a number to the service providing server. The recording means records usage specifying data that can specify which of the call service and the telephone network is to be used when performing a voice call with the counterpart terminal for each of the counterpart terminals. ,
When the counterpart terminal is designated by the designation means, the recording means records which of the call service and the telephone line network should be used to perform a voice call with the counterpart terminal. It has usage identification means to identify based on usage specific data,
When the use specifying means determines that the call service should be used, the determination means determines whether the call service can be used based on the service data, while using the telephone line network. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 11, wherein it is determined that the call service cannot be used when it is specified. An Internet terminal having a function of performing data communication via an Internet network, and comprising at least the recording means, the determination means, the service call means, the first acquisition means, and the first registration means; and a telephone line network A telephone terminal having a function for realizing a voice call via, and having at least the designation means, connected via a signal transmission path capable of transmitting various signals;
The telephone terminal includes a telephone-side output unit that outputs various signals to the Internet terminal via the signal transmission path, and requests a call to the partner terminal when the partner terminal is designated by the designation unit. A call request signal for outputting to the Internet terminal by the telephone side output means,
The internet terminal includes internet-side output means for outputting various signals to the telephone terminal via the signal transmission path, and when the call request signal is input from the telephone terminal, the call service is provided by the judging means. If it is determined whether or not it can be used, and if it is determined that the service can be used, the service calling unit calls the partner terminal and sends a notification signal indicating that the call service is available. , Output to the telephone terminal by the Internet side output means,
The telephone terminal comprises a path switching means for switching a transmission path used for input / output of an audio signal to / from the outside to the signal transmission path when the availability notification signal is input from the Internet terminal,
2. The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the Internet terminal acquires the service data by the first acquisition unit and registers the acquired service data by the first registration unit. The Internet terminal includes the second acquisition unit according to claim 4 or 5, and the telephone terminal includes the content notification unit according to claim 4.
The Internet terminal acquires the service data by the second acquisition means, and outputs the service data to the telephone terminal by the Internet side output means,
14. The communication system according to claim 13, wherein the telephone terminal notifies the content indicated by the service data by the content notification means when the service data is input from the Internet terminal. The communication system according to claim 14, wherein the telephone terminal includes the second registration unit according to claim 5. The communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein the Internet terminal includes the impossibility notifying unit according to claim 8 or 10. The telephone terminal includes the impossibility notifying unit according to claim 8 or claim 10,
The Internet terminal determines whether or not the call service can be used by the determination unit, and determines that the call service cannot be used if the determination is that the call service cannot be used. Is output to the telephone terminal by the Internet side output means,
The telephone terminal, when receiving the impossibility notification signal from the Internet terminal, notifies the impossibility informing means that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15. The telephone terminal comprises the telephone calling means according to claim 9,
If the internet terminal determines that the call service is unusable by the judging means, the internet terminal outputs an unusable notification signal for notifying that the call service is unusable. When the telephone terminal inputs the impossible notification signal from the Internet terminal, the telephone terminal calls the partner terminal designated by the designation means via the telephone line network by the telephone calling means. The communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 15, wherein: The said internet terminal is equipped with the said call setting means of Claim 10, the said impossibility alerting | reporting means, and the said telephone call means, The Claim 13 to 15 characterized by the above-mentioned. Communications system. The communication system according to any one of claims 13 to 19, wherein the Internet terminal includes the use specifying unit according to claim 12. An internet terminal constituting the communication system according to claim 13,
14. An Internet terminal comprising at least the recording unit, the determining unit, the service calling unit, the first acquisition unit, the first registration unit, and the Internet side output unit according to claim 13. . The second acquisition unit according to claim 4 or 5, wherein the service data is acquired by the second acquisition unit, and the service data is output to the outside by the Internet side output unit. The Internet terminal according to claim 21. The internet terminal according to claim 21 or claim 22, comprising the impossibility notifying means according to claim 8 or 10. The Internet-side output means outputs an impossibility notification signal for notifying that the call service cannot be used to the outside when the determination means determines that the call service cannot be used. The Internet terminal according to any one of claims 21 to 23, wherein: 23. The Internet terminal according to claim 21, further comprising the call setting unit according to claim 10, the impossibility notification unit, and the telephone call unit. The internet terminal according to any one of claims 21 to 25, comprising the use specifying unit according to claim 12. A telephone terminal constituting the communication system according to claim 13,
A telephone terminal comprising at least the route switching means, the specifying means, and the telephone-side output means. The content notification means according to claim 4 is provided,
28. The telephone terminal according to claim 27, wherein the content notification means notifies the content indicated by the service data when the service data is input from the outside. 29. The telephone terminal according to claim 27 or 28, comprising the second registration unit according to claim 5. The inability notifying means according to claim 8 or 10 is provided,
The incapability notifying means notifies that a voice call cannot be made with the counterpart terminal when the impossibility notification signal is input from the outside. A telephone terminal as described in any of the above. The telephone call means according to claim 9 is provided.
28. The telephone call means according to claim 27, wherein, when the impossibility notification signal is inputted from the outside, the telephone call means calls the counterpart terminal designated by the designation means via a telephone line network. 29. The telephone terminal according to any one of 29. A terminal control program for causing a computer system to execute various procedures for controlling the Internet terminal according to claim 21,
A determination procedure for causing a part of the Internet terminal to function as the determination means, a service call procedure for causing the part to function as the service call means, a first acquisition procedure for causing the part to function as the first acquisition means, A terminal control program comprising: a first registration procedure for functioning as first registration means; and an Internet-side output procedure for functioning as the Internet-side output means. A terminal control program for causing a computer system to execute various procedures for controlling a telephone terminal according to claim 27,
Functions as a route switching procedure for causing a part of the telephone terminal to function as the route switching device, a specifying procedure for functioning as the specifying device, and a telephone output procedure for functioning as the telephone output device The terminal control program characterized by including the internet side output procedure for making it happen.

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