JP4024194B2 - Remote test system and gateway device - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote test system, and is suitably applied to, for example, a case where a remote test is performed on a VoIP network.

  The present invention also relates to a gateway device as a component of such a remote test system.

  Recently, VoIP has been attracting attention as a telephony system using an IP communication network. This is intended to integrate communication systems and reduce costs by relaying voice calls, fax communications, modem communications, etc. using conventional telephone lines using an IP communication network.

  In VoIP, it is necessary to perform protocol conversion in order to connect a general telephone that can only be used for communication using a conventional telephone line to the IP communication network. This protocol conversion is performed by a VoIP device such as a VoIP gateway.

  As a network configuration, for example, a general telephone operated by the user UA is connected to a VoIP gateway, and another VoIP gateway is connected to the VoIP gateway via an IP communication network, and the general telephone operated by the user UB is connected to the VoIP gateway. It will be connected. As a result, the user UA and the user UB can make a VoIP call.

  By the way, when a VoIP device is introduced, various settings and adjustments may be performed so as to minimize the difference in use with a conventional telephone system. In such adjustment of the VoIP device, it is often necessary to measure the signal state at both the receiving end and the transmitting end and to monitor the state of the voice call.

  In order to perform such measurement and monitoring, it is conceivable to connect a device for measurement and monitoring (measuring instruments 108 and 117) to each VoIP device, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The VoIP devices 104 and 111 facing each other via the IP communication network 109 in FIG. 2 do not matter where they are installed as long as they are via the IP communication network 109. It can be installed within a short distance, but it is much more often installed at a distance, such as Tokyo and Osaka, or within Japan and abroad.

  In FIG. 2, a user U1 corresponds to the UA, and a user U2 corresponds to the UB. Also, the measurers OB1 and OB2 are engineers who perform remote tests such as measurement of the signal state and monitoring of the voice call state regarding the call between the users U1 and U2.

  If the installation locations ST1 and ST2 are the same (such as in the same room), the measurers OB1 and OB2 can be the same person, but the installation locations ST1 and ST2 are located in Tokyo and Osaka. It is difficult when the location is far away, such as in Japan and abroad. In order to connect the measuring instruments 108 and 117 to the VoIP devices 104 and 111 at the same time and perform a remote test such as signal state measurement, for example, the measurer OB1 contacts the measurer OB2 and cooperates with the remote test. It is necessary to have you receive. In this case, not only two measurers OB1 and OB2 are required for the remote test, but it is also necessary to communicate with each other when changing the test items or changing the conditions. It will be low.

  In many cases, it is necessary to repeatedly perform the same remote test by changing the combination of VoIP devices (in the case of FIG. 2, the combination of 104 and 111). However, VoIP devices are distributed over a wide geographical area. The efficiency is further reduced, for example, because it is necessary to contact different measurers each time the combination is changed.

  In the case of FIG. 2, a connection point between the PCM (pulse code modulation) input / output unit 113 and the telephone 115 in the VoIP device 111 placed at the installation place ST2 is connected to a dedicated line or the like, and a signal obtained at the connection point. May be transmitted to the installation site ST1 via the dedicated line. According to this, the measuring device 117 can be placed not on the installation location ST2 but on the installation location ST1 side so that a signal obtained from the dedicated line can be input, so that the remote test can be made more efficient to some extent. It is.

  However, in such a configuration, it is inefficient in that the cost increases by preparing a dedicated line separately, and the signal may deteriorate at the connection point of the connection point and the dedicated line, and the measurement accuracy may be lowered. There can be disadvantages such as

  In order to solve this problem, according to the first aspect of the present invention, a gateway device that performs protocol conversion between a network corresponding to the first communication protocol and a communication terminal corresponding to the second communication protocol for voice communication. Are arranged on the network, and a remote test is performed using the function of the gateway device, and at least one of the plurality of gateway devices arranged on the network is for the remote test. A test instruction gateway apparatus having a test apparatus for providing a user interface, wherein another gateway apparatus is a test instruction gateway apparatus, and the test instruction gateway apparatus and the test instruction gateway apparatus on the network. Between the test-instructed gateway devices Obtained through the test channel by setting a voice communication channel and setting a test channel on the network between the test instruction gateway apparatus and one or more test instructed gateway apparatuses. The remote test related to communication through the voice communication channel is executed based on the information.

  In the second aspect of the present invention, a gateway device that performs protocol conversion between a network corresponding to the first communication protocol and a communication terminal corresponding to the second communication protocol for voice communication is provided on the network. A gateway apparatus as a component of a remote test system that is arranged in a plurality and executes a remote test using the function of the gateway apparatus, wherein at least one of the plurality of gateway apparatuses arranged on the network is a remote test A test instructing gateway apparatus having a test apparatus for providing a user interface for the test instructing, wherein the other instructing gateway apparatus is another test instructed gateway apparatus during the remote test. Between the instructing gateway device or the test indicating gateway A voice communication channel is set up with the gateway device, a test channel is set up with the test instruction gateway device, and communication via the voice communication channel is performed via the test channel. Information is provided to the test instruction gateway apparatus.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to increase the efficiency and accuracy of remote testing.

(A) Embodiment Hereinafter, an embodiment will be described by taking a case where the remote test system and the gateway device according to the present invention are applied to VoIP as an example.

(A-1) Configuration of First Embodiment FIG. 1 shows an example of the overall configuration of a VoIP system 10 according to the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 1, the VoIP system 10 includes VoIP devices 201 and 210, telephones 202 and 215, measuring instruments 203 and 208, and an IP communication network 209.

  Among these, the telephone 202, the measuring instruments 203 and 208, and the VoIP device 201 are installed in the installation location ST11, and the telephone 215 and the VoIP device 210 are installed in the installation location ST12.

  The installation places ST11 and ST12 are assumed to be places that are separated from each other, such as Tokyo and Osaka described above, and Japan and foreign countries. Specifically, for example, another base (such as a branch or a sales office) of a certain company may correspond to the installation locations ST11 and ST12.

  The IP communication network 209 may be the Internet or the like, but may be a network constructed and managed by a certain communication provider such as an IP-VPN network.

  The telephone 202 is a general telephone and is used by the user U11. Since the telephone 202 is not equipped with a VoIP function, a voice call via the IP communication network 209 cannot be performed without assistance from the VoIP device 201.

  The telephone 215 is used by the user U12 in the installation place ST12, but is otherwise the same as the telephone 202. Accordingly, the telephone 215 can perform a voice call via the IP communication network 209 by receiving support from the VoIP device 210.

  The two measuring devices 203 and 208 placed in the installation place ST11 are used by one measurer OB11. The measurer OB11 may correspond to an engineer or network administrator who has mastered remote testing.

  Measuring instrument 208 corresponds to measuring instrument 108 in FIG. 2, and measuring instrument 203 corresponds to measuring instrument 117 in FIG. Therefore, the measuring instruments 208 and 203 are used for measuring the signal state at both the receiving end and the transmitting end, and monitoring the state of the voice call. For example, when voice uttered by the user U11 using the telephone 202 is transmitted to the user U12 using the telephone 215 by VoIP communication, the telephone 202 side corresponds to the transmission end and the telephone 215 side corresponds to the reception end. Since the telephone 202 side is near and the telephone 215 side is far from the measurer OB11, the telephone 202 side is referred to as a near end and the telephone 215 side is referred to as a far end hereinafter.

  The VoIP device 201 on the near end side is specifically a device compatible with a VoIP gateway device or TA (terminal adapter) equipped with a VoIP function. Due to the configuration of the present embodiment, the VoIP device 201 needs to have a function of processing two channels simultaneously in parallel. When the users U11 and U12 using the telephones 202 and 215 are talking via the voice call channel CH1, the information obtained in the VoIP device 210 is transmitted to the VoIP device 201 side via the monitoring channel CH2. Because it is necessary to do.

  The monitoring channel CH2 may be the same channel as the voice call channel CH1 except that it is used for monitoring (measurement). However, in general, a voice call channel (here, CH1) is set to be bidirectional so that bidirectional voice data can be transmitted (two-way call). The channel CH2 does not necessarily have to be set in both directions. This is because the monitoring channel CH2 only needs to be able to transmit information obtained on the VoIP device 210 side (ie, the far end side) to the VoIP device 201 side (ie, the near end side).

  The internal configuration of the near-end VoIP device 201 may be, for example, as shown in FIG.

(A-1-1) Internal Configuration Example of Near-End VoIP Device In FIG. 1, the VoIP device 201 includes a control unit 204, a PCM input / output unit 205, a PCM output unit 206, and a signal processing unit 207. I have.

  Among these, the control unit 204 is a part corresponding to the CPU (central processing unit) of the VoIP device 201. Therefore, each unit in the VoIP device 201 such as the PCM output unit 206, the signal processing unit 207, and the PCM input / output unit 205 is controlled by the control unit 204. The control unit 204 also executes control related to the remote test unique to the present embodiment.

  The signal processing unit 207 is a part that executes each process such as a call setting process and a voice codec. The signal processing unit 207 includes a channel processing unit 11, a packet processing unit 12, and an audio codec unit 13, for example, as shown in FIG.

  The channel processing unit 11 is a part that executes call setting processing and the like. In the case of the present embodiment, since the VoIP device 201 needs to be able to simultaneously set the voice call channel CH1 and the monitoring channel CH2, the channel processing unit 11 performs the communication and the monitoring channel using the voice call channel CH1. It is necessary to be able to simultaneously process communication using CH2.

  When setting a call, the channel processing unit 11 receives, for example, an ITU-T recommendation H.264 from a gatekeeper (not shown) or a CA (call agent). H.323 corresponding to H.323. Control is performed using a call control protocol such as the H.323 protocol.

  The processing executed by the CA or VoIP device (201, etc.) when setting the voice call channel CH1 may be the same whether or not the voice call channel CH1 is set for the remote test. .

  However, when performing a remote test, since it is necessary to set the monitoring channel CH2 together with the voice call channel CH1, first, the voice call channel CH1 is set, and then the monitoring channel CH2 is set. Therefore, the monitoring channel CH2 is set in the call setting procedure for setting the voice call channel CH1 or by the procedure after setting the voice call channel CH1.

  On the contrary, if necessary, the monitoring channel CH2 may be set first, and then the voice call channel CH1 may be set thereafter.

  If the monitoring channel CH2 is capable of bidirectional audio data transmission, even if a call setup for setting the monitoring channel CH2 is requested from the near-end VoIP device 201, it is automatically Since call setup from the end-side VoIP device 210 is also required, the CA or the like only needs to perform call control as usual.

  However, if the monitoring channel CH2 is a one-way channel that can only transmit voice data from the far-end VoIP device 210 to the near-end VoIP device 201, an instruction is issued from the near-end VoIP device 201. It is necessary to make the far-end VoIP device 210 request a call setting.

  If packet loss or large fluctuations occur during transmission on the monitoring channel CH2 set on the IP communication network 209, a highly accurate remote test cannot be performed. The QoS control may be performed so that the band for the monitoring channel CH2 is wider than the band for the normal voice call channel (for example, CH1).

  Normally, a router on the Internet is configured to ignore the description of the ToS field in the IP header (a description indicating the priority of the IP packet), but the router on the IP communication network 209 constructed by the communication carrier. When a ToS router capable of performing relay processing corresponding to the description of the ToS field is used, the QoS control can be executed.

  However, in many cases, the quality of the IP communication network 209 constructed and managed by the communication carrier is almost guaranteed unlike the Internet or the like, so that the communication quality deteriorates due to the lack of bandwidth on the IP communication network 209. Can hardly be expected. In such a case, it can be said that the necessity of performing QoS control or the like is low.

  The packet processing unit 12 is a part that generates and decomposes packets. This packet is an IP packet for transmitting the IP communication network 209.

  When transmitting an IP packet from the VoIP device 201, the IP packet is generated after adding various headers including an IP header to the audio data received from the audio codec unit 13, and the IP packet is transmitted via the channel processing unit 11. It is transmitted to the IP communication network 209. On the contrary, when the VoIP device 201 receives an IP packet, audio data obtained by removing various headers including an IP header from the IP packet received from the channel processing unit 11 is supplied to the audio codec unit 13. become.

  Here, the various headers may include a UDP header or an RTP header corresponding to a communication protocol belonging to a layer higher than the transport layer or the transport layer in the OSI reference model.

  The audio codec unit 13 is a part that executes an audio codec. That is, when the voice codec unit 13 basically transmits an IP packet from the VoIP device 201, the voice codec 13 performs voice coding on the PCM data received from the PCM input / output unit 205 to generate voice data, and the voice data is converted into the voice data. On the contrary, when the VoIP device 201 receives an IP packet, the voice data supplied from the packet processing unit 12 is subjected to voice decoding, and the obtained PCM data is converted into the packet processing unit 12. This is supplied to the PCM input / output unit 205.

  However, PCM data obtained as a result of performing voice decoding on the voice data contained in the IP packet received by the monitoring channel CH2 is supplied to the PCM output unit 206, not the PCM input / output unit 205. The PCM data may be data for one sample, but may be data obtained by performing some processing on the data for one sample.

  Various methods can be used for speech encoding and speech decoding corresponding to the speech encoding. 723, G729, G711, or the like can be used.

  In order to increase the accuracy of the remote test, it is desirable to perform voice encoding (voice decoding) with higher accuracy than that used in normal voice calls. If a lot of information is lost or a lot of noise is mixed in the voice decoding process of the voice data contained in the IP packet obtained from the monitoring channel CH2, a high-precision remote test cannot be performed. Because.

  Therefore, for example, for the normal voice call using the voice call channel CH1, the ITU-T Recommendation G. When performing speech decoding (speech coding) corresponding to G.723 or G729, the ITU-T Recommendation G. ITU-T Recommendation G. is more accurate and more resistant to signal distortion and noise during transmission for measurement using the monitoring channel CH2. It is preferable to perform speech decoding (speech coding) corresponding to H.711.

  The PCM input / output unit 205 that exchanges PCM data with the voice codec unit 13 in the signal processing unit 207 is a part that executes PCM conversion processing for a normal voice call using the voice call channel CH1.

  That is, the PCM input / output unit 205 performs PCM demodulation processing on the speech decoding processing result (PCM data) supplied from the speech codec unit 13 in the signal processing unit 207 when the VoIP device 201 receives an IP packet. And the analog signal as the processing result is supplied to the telephone set 202. Conversely, when the VoIP device 201 transmits an IP packet, the analog signal obtained from the telephone set 202 is subjected to PCM modulation processing, The PCM data as the processing result is supplied to the audio codec unit 13 in the signal processing unit 207.

  An analog signal exchanged between the telephone 202 and the PCM input / output unit 205 is supplied to the measuring device 208 via the connection point CP11 and used for a remote test.

  On the other hand, the PCM output unit 206 that exchanges PCM data with the audio codec unit 13 in the signal processing unit 207 is a part that executes PCM conversion processing for monitoring communication using the monitoring channel CH2. . Since the PCM output unit 206 functions only when the VoIP device 201 receives an IP packet via the monitoring channel CH2, the PCM conversion process to be executed is only the PCM demodulation process.

  The detailed specifications of the PCM conversion process may be the same as the PCM conversion process executed by the PCM input / output unit 205, but the PCM input / output unit 205 can perform measurement with higher accuracy. It is also desirable to perform a PCM conversion process different from the PCM conversion process performed by. In any case, the specification of the PCM conversion process executed by the PCM output unit 206 corresponds to the PCM conversion process executed by the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 in the far-end VoIP device 210 to a detailed level. There is a need.

  An analog signal obtained as a result of the PCM demodulation process by the PCM output unit 206 is supplied to the measuring device 203.

  The measuring device 203 is a device that performs a remote test in cooperation with the measuring device 208 by the operation of the measuring person OB11, and transmits the result to the measuring person OB11. Since the measuring instruments 203 and 208 are close to each other, it is easy to exchange a synchronization signal directly between the measuring instruments 203 and 208 and synchronize using the synchronization signal.

  Next, the internal configuration of the far-end VoIP device 210 facing the near-end VoIP device 201 via the IP communication network 209 may be as shown in FIG.

(A-1-2) Internal Configuration Example of Far End VoIP Device In FIG. 1, the VoIP device 210 includes a control unit 211, a signal processing unit 212, a PCM input / output unit 213, and a PCM input / output acquisition unit 214. And.

  Among them, the control unit 211 corresponds to the control unit 204, the signal processing unit 212 corresponds to the signal processing unit 207, and the PCM input / output unit 213 corresponds to the PCM input / output unit 205, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. To do.

  The PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 is basically a component corresponding to the PCM output unit 206, but performs an audio signal codec in the signal processing unit 212 by performing a PCM conversion process on the analog signal acquired from the connection point CP 12. Part (corresponding to 13). With this supply, information on the far-end VoIP device 210 side is transmitted to the near-end VoIP device 201 by IP communication via the monitoring channel CH2.

  Therefore, the PCM conversion process executed by the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 is only the PCM modulation process, contrary to the PCM output unit 206.

  The analog signal acquired from the connection point CP12 includes an analog signal (transmission analog signal) supplied from the telephone 215 to the PCM input / output unit 212 and an analog signal (received analog signal) supplied from the PCM input / output unit 212 to the telephone 215. Is included.

  When the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 acquires these analog signals from the connection point CP12, the transmission analog signal and the reception analog signal can be acquired at the same time. It is desirable to take care not to cause attenuation or deterioration of the material. The same applies to the case where the measuring instrument 208 acquires an analog signal from the connection point CP11 on the near end side.

  The same relationship as that established between the PCM output unit 206 and the PCM input / output unit 205 at the near end is also established between the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 and the PCM input / output unit 213 at the far end. .

  Therefore, when performing a PCM conversion process different from that of the PCM input / output unit 205 in the PCM output unit 206 in order to perform measurement with higher accuracy, the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 also performs the PCM input / output unit 213. PCM conversion processing different from that is executed.

  The operation of the present embodiment having the above configuration will be described below.

(A-2) Operation of the First Embodiment In order to execute a remote test, a voice call channel CH1 and a monitoring channel are set between a pair of VoIP devices 201 and 210 facing each other via the IP communication network 209. CH2 needs to be set at the same time. Details of the setting procedure and various modifications are as described above.

  In the state where two channels CH1 and CH2 are set between the near-end and far-end VoIP devices 201 and 210 via the IP communication network 209 and the users U11 and U12 are making a VoIP call, measurement is performed on the near-end side. The device 208 acquires an analog signal from the connection point CP11. On the far end side, the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 acquires an analog signal from the connection point CP12.

  The analog signal acquired by the measuring device 208 from the connection point CP11 includes the analog signal output from the telephone 202 mainly composed of the content of the utterance by the user U11 and the near-end VoIP device via the voice call channel CH1. 201 includes an analog signal (a signal whose main component is the content of the utterance of the user U12) output from the PCM input / output unit 205 after being processed by the signal processing unit 207 and the PCM input / output unit 205. .

  The analog signal acquired by the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 from the connection point CP12 includes the analog signal output from the telephone 215 whose main component is the content of the utterance of the user U12 and the voice call channel CH1. An analog signal (a signal whose main component is the content of the utterance of the user U11) received by the far-end VoIP device 210, processed by the signal processing unit 212 and the PCM input / output unit 213, and output from the PCM input / output unit 213. It is included.

  Information corresponding to the analog signal acquired by the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 is accommodated in the IP packet through the processing of the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 and the signal processing unit 212, and the monitoring channel CH 2 on the IP communication network 209. To the near-end side VoIP device 201. By making the PCM modulation process executed in the PCM input / output acquisition unit 214 more accurate than the PCM conversion process executed in the PCM input / output unit 213, the measurement accuracy can be improved.

  In the near-end side VoIP device 201 that has received the IP packet via the monitoring channel CH2, the signal is processed by the signal processing unit 207 and the PCM output unit 206, and is converted into an analog signal acquired at the far-end side connection point CP12. Corresponding information is delivered to the measuring device 203.

  The measuring device 208 having information corresponding to the analog signal acquired from the connection point CP11 on the near end side and the measuring device 203 operate in cooperation, whereby a remote test can be executed for various test items. . Basically, the near-end measurer OB11 can easily and efficiently execute the change of the test items and the detailed conditions related to the test by operating the measuring instruments 208 and 203.

  At this time, the measuring instruments 203 and 208 can also be synchronized using the synchronization signal. At the time of the synchronization, an analog signal acquired at the connection point CP11 and the connection point CP12 are acquired by performing a time-related calibration operation in consideration of the delay amount when the IP packet is transmitted over the IP communication network 209. A remote test can be performed in a state where analog signals are highly synchronized. Such a high degree of synchronization is difficult to achieve when the measuring instruments (108, 117) are distributed on the near end side and the far end side as shown in FIG. When measuring instruments are distributed between the near-end side and the far-end side, even if a synchronization signal is exchanged between the measuring instruments using a dedicated line, a large delay or fluctuation occurs in the transmission of the synchronization signal itself. It is because it cannot be avoided.

  The test items of the remote test can include various items. For example, the inspection regarding the normality of the echo canceller, the voice quality test (objective sound quality evaluation), the MOS test (subjective sound quality evaluation), the control signal (call It is possible to perform a check on the normality of the response time of control messages and the like.

  Even if the echo cancellation by the echo canceller is not normally performed on the far end side, it is usually difficult to know on the near end side, but the far end side connection as in this embodiment is difficult. This can be achieved by transmitting information about the analog signal acquired from the point CP12 to the near end.

  In addition, if necessary, due to the nature of the test items including the normality test of the echo canceller, the fluctuation absorbing buffer function is disabled or fixed delay, or the AGC (automatic gain control) function when performing the remote test. It is desirable to disable.

  By instructing from the near-end VoIP device 201 or the measuring instrument 208 by IP communication via the IP communication network 209, the control unit 211 on the far-end side can invalidate the function of the fluctuation absorbing buffer and AGC. Can be executed in the far-end VoIP device 210.

  The fluctuation absorbing buffer function is a function for reducing voice influence by reducing the influence of fluctuation and improving the quality of voice calls by the users U11 and U12, and can be installed in the VoIP devices 201 and 210. .

  The AGC function is a function for adjusting the gain to a constant amplitude. The AGC function controls the voice of the other party to listen to so that the voice of the other party is not too loud or too quiet, thereby improving the quality of the voice call by the users U11 and U12. Increase. This AGC function can also be mounted on the VoIP devices 201 and 210.

  The fluctuation absorbing buffer and the AGC function are important functions for improving the quality of voice communication between the users U11 and U12. Information corresponding to the analog signal acquired at the connection point CP12 is transmitted from the far end side to the near end. If these functions work when communicating to the side, there is a high possibility that the information will be lost. Therefore, as described above, it is necessary to disable these functions or set them to a fixed delay during remote testing. .

  In the case of the MOS test or the like, since it is executed by having a plurality of users listen to audio on the near end side, the necessity for preparing a measuring instrument is particularly low. In the case of the MOS test, for example, the measuring device 203 is replaced with a general telephone similar to the telephone 202, and each user evaluates the quality of sound heard from the general telephone.

  However, even in such a case, it is much more efficient to collect a plurality of users on the far end side than on the far end side.

  In many cases, the remote test is not performed only between a pair of VoIP devices (a pair of 201 and 210 in FIG. 1), but is performed on a number of VoIP devices by changing the combination. In the case of the embodiment, since the near-end VoIP device 201 is fixed, the change of the combination is executed by replacing the far-end VoIP device (210 in the example of FIG. 1).

  Further, even in a case where such a combination change is not performed, the efficiency of the remote test can be increased by the present embodiment. This is because a system capable of collecting a plurality of users necessary for the MOS test only needs to be taken on the near-end VoIP device 201 side.

  In other words, in this embodiment, there is no need to arrange remote testing personnel or equipment on the far end side.

(A-3) Effect of First Embodiment According to the present embodiment, the efficiency of the remote test can be dramatically increased.

  In the present embodiment, the accuracy of the remote test can be increased.

  By increasing the efficiency of the remote test, it becomes possible to quickly identify the cause of the failure from the near-end side and to quickly resolve the failure.

(B) Second Embodiment Hereinafter, only differences between the present embodiment and the first embodiment will be described.

  In the first embodiment, the information corresponding to the analog signal acquired at the far-end connection point CP12 is transmitted to the near-end side, but in this embodiment, the information corresponding to the PCM-modulated signal is transmitted to the far-end side. Transmit from the end side to the near end side.

(B-1) Configuration and Operation of Second Embodiment FIG. 3 shows an example of the overall configuration of the VoIP system 20 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 3, the functions of the components given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 correspond to the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  In FIG. 3, the function of the PCM input / output unit 313 corresponding to the PCM input / output unit 213 on the far end side of the first embodiment is basically the same as that of the PCM input / output unit 213, but is PCM-modulated. The difference is that the signal (PCM data) is supplied to the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314.

  The PCM data in the PCM input / output unit 313 includes PCM data (transmission PCM data) corresponding to information transmitted from the far-end VoIP device 311 to the near-end VoIP device 304 via the IP communication network 209, Since PCM data (received PCM data) corresponding to information received from the near-end VoIP device 304 by the far-end VoIP device 311 via the IP communication network 209 is included, both of these PCM data are PCM input / output. This is supplied to the acquisition / addition unit 314.

  The total amount of information of both PCM data is approximately twice that of either one of the PCM data. When the bandwidth prepared for the monitoring channel CH2 in this embodiment is about twice that of the first embodiment, information corresponding to both of these PCM data is independently transmitted to the near-end side. However, here, it is assumed that the bandwidth prepared for the monitoring channel CH2 in this embodiment is approximately the same as that in the first embodiment.

  In that case, since there is a high possibility that the band will be insufficient, the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314 takes the addition average of both PCM data, and sends information corresponding to the addition average to the far end side via the signal processing unit 212. The data is transmitted to the VoIP device 304.

  In the present embodiment, the analog signal section (analog circuit of the far-end VoIP device 311) for transmission and reception in the far-end VoIP device 311 is excluded from the target of the remote test. That is, regarding the information transmitted from the far-end VoIP device 311, the section of the analog signal before being converted into PCM data is excluded from the remote test target, and conversely, regarding the information received by the far-end VoIP device 311. The analog signal section after conversion from the PCM data is excluded from the remote test.

  Further, by excluding the section of the analog signal, it becomes easier to synchronize the measuring instruments 203 and 208 on the near end side, and more useful analysis information can be obtained, so that the accuracy of the remote test is increased.

(B-2) Effect of Second Embodiment According to the present embodiment, an effect substantially equivalent to the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the portion of the far-end VoIP device (311) excluding the analog circuit can be the target of the remote test, and the accuracy of the remote test can be improved.

(C) Third Embodiment Hereinafter, only the points of this embodiment different from the first and second embodiments will be described.

  Compared with the second embodiment, this embodiment transmits both PCM data to the near end side independently without taking the above-mentioned averaging in the above-mentioned PCM input / output acquisition addition unit 313 on the far end side. The point is different.

(C-1) Configuration and Operation of Third Embodiment FIG. 4 shows an example of the overall configuration of the VoIP system 30 of the present embodiment.

  In FIG. 4, since the function of the component which gave the same code | symbol as FIG. 1 respond | corresponds to 1st Embodiment, the detailed description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Further, the function of the PCM input / output unit 313 given the same reference numeral 313 as in FIG. 3 is the same as that of the second embodiment.

  The PCM input / output acquisition unit 414 of the present embodiment, which corresponds to the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314 of the second embodiment, independently obtains information corresponding to both PCM data without taking the addition average. To be transmitted.

  Therefore, if necessary, two channels corresponding to the monitoring channel CH2 may be set at the same time. In this case, the monitoring channel CH3 shown in FIG. 4 includes two channels similar to the monitoring channel CH2.

  When the channel for transmitting information corresponding to the transmission PCM data and the channel for transmitting information corresponding to the reception PCM data are separated from both of the PCM data, whichever channel is used on the near end side The transmitted PCM data and the received PCM data can be identified depending on whether the received PCM data is received from the terminal.

  However, if possible, the information corresponding to the transmission PCM data and the information corresponding to the reception PCM data may be transmitted using only one channel similar to the monitoring channel CH2. In that case, the monitoring channel CH3 is the same channel as the monitoring channel CH2.

  In any case, in the near-end VoIP device 404 that has received the IP packet via the monitoring channel CH3, the PCM output unit 406 distinguishes the transmitted PCM data and the received PCM data and supplies them to the measuring device 203.

  The PCM output unit 406 is basically a part having the same function as the PCM output unit 206 of the first embodiment. However, the PCM output unit 406 can distinguish and process the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data on the far end side in this way. Is different.

  By measuring and processing the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data in the measuring device 203, it is possible to analyze the echo component more accurately, and to increase the accuracy of the inspection regarding the normality of the echo canceller. Become.

(C-2) Effect of Third Embodiment According to the present embodiment, an effect substantially equivalent to the effect of the second embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis and measurement by distinguishing transmission PCM data and reception PCM data on the far end side at the near end side, so that it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the remote test. .

(D) Fourth Embodiment Hereinafter, only the points of this embodiment different from the first to third embodiments will be described.

  In the present embodiment, in order to reproduce the phenomenon occurring at the far end side more accurately at the near end side, a buffer for adjusting the time relationship between the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data is prepared. This is different from the third embodiment.

(D-1) Configuration and Operation of Fourth Embodiment FIG. 5 shows an example of the overall configuration of the VoIP system 40 of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 5, the functions of the components given the same reference numerals as in FIG. 1 correspond to those in the first embodiment, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted.

  The function of the signal processing unit 512 provided in the far-end VoIP device 511 of the present embodiment is basically the same as that of the signal processing unit 212 of the first embodiment, but the PCM input / output of the second embodiment. The difference is that a function corresponding to the acquisition / addition unit 314 (this is referred to as a PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314A) is incorporated.

  However, the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data that are averaged by the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314A in the signal processing unit 512 in this embodiment are shifted in time compared to the second embodiment.

  In the case of the second embodiment, the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314 in the far-end VoIP device 311 takes an addition average from the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data that simultaneously appear in the PCM input / output unit 313, and adds them. Information corresponding to the average result is transmitted to the near-end side, and a remote test is performed by the measuring device 203 based on the information. Actually, however, a processing delay (for example, PCM) is performed inside the PCM input / output unit 313. Therefore, the information corresponding to the transmission PCM data that appears simultaneously in the PCM input / output unit 313 and the information corresponding to the reception PCM data are simultaneously uttered by the user U12 on the telephone 215. The information to be heard is shifted in time.

  Therefore, in the present embodiment, this deviation is eliminated, and an addition average is taken based on transmission PCM data and reception PCM data corresponding to information that the user U12 speaks and listens simultaneously on the telephone 215.

  Therefore, the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314A receives PCM data (that is, received PCM data) from the audio codec unit 13 (this reception may be performed via the PCM input / output unit 213). Write. When the time corresponding to the processing delay elapses from the writing, the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314A reads the received PCM data from the PCM buffer 514, and at that time, the transmission PCM data supplied from the PCM input / output unit 213 And take the averaging.

  Therefore, the combination of the information corresponding to the received PCM data and the information corresponding to the transmitted PCM data, which is the basis of this averaging, is the same as the combination of information that the user U12 speaks and listens at the telephone 215 at the same time.

  In the present embodiment, information corresponding to the result of the addition average is transmitted to the near-end VoIP device 504 and used for the remote test.

  If necessary, the time for storing received PCM data in the PCM buffer 514 can be set dynamically according to an instruction from the near end using IP communication or statically according to a predetermined procedure. You may change so that it may become a value different from the said processing delay. This makes it possible to perform a variety of tests by enriching remote test variations.

  The function of the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 314A may be realized by software.

(D-2) Effect of Fourth Embodiment According to the present embodiment, it is possible to obtain an effect that is substantially equivalent to the effect of the second embodiment.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the phenomenon that occurs on the far end side (a phenomenon that the user U12 feels) can be more accurately reproduced on the near end side, so that the accuracy and reliability of the remote test is increased. Improvements in accuracy and reliability make it possible to perform appropriate remote tests in a shorter time, and thus contribute to further improving the efficiency of remote tests.

(E) Fifth Embodiment Hereinafter, only the difference of this embodiment from the first to fourth embodiments will be described.

  The relationship between the present embodiment and the fourth embodiment is equal to the relationship between the third embodiment and the second embodiment.

  That is, when compared with the fourth embodiment, the present embodiment is characterized in that both PCM data are independently transmitted to the near end without taking the above-mentioned averaging in the PCM input / output acquisition / addition unit 313 described above. Is different.

(E-1) Configuration and Operation of Fifth Embodiment FIG. 6 shows an example of the overall configuration of the VoIP system 50 of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 6, the function of the component given the same reference numeral as FIG. 1 corresponds to the first embodiment, and the function of the component assigned the same reference numeral as FIG. 4 corresponds to the third embodiment. Detailed description is omitted.

  The function of the signal processing unit 612 provided in the far-end VoIP device 611 of this embodiment is basically the same as that of the signal processing unit 212 of the third embodiment, but the PCM input / output of the third embodiment. The difference is that a function corresponding to the acquisition unit 414 (this is referred to as a PCM input / output acquisition unit 414A) is incorporated.

  In this embodiment, by using different channels in the monitoring channel CH3, the information corresponding to the transmission PCM data and the information corresponding to the reception PCM data can be distinguished and transmitted from the far end side to the near end side. it can. In addition, the transmission PCM data and the reception PCM data transmitted at the same time can more accurately reproduce the phenomenon occurring at the far end side, so that the accuracy of the remote test can be further increased.

  It should be noted that the time for storing the received PCM data in the PCM buffer 514 is set to the processing delay dynamically according to an instruction from the near end using IP communication or statically according to a predetermined procedure. If the value is changed to a different value, it is effective for enriching and diversifying remote test variations.

  The function of the PCM input / output acquisition unit 414A may be realized by software.

(E-2) Effect of Fifth Embodiment According to this embodiment, an effect substantially equivalent to the effect of the fourth embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, it is possible to perform analysis and measurement by distinguishing transmission PCM data and reception PCM data on the far end side at the near end side, so that it is possible to further improve the accuracy of the remote test. .

(F) Sixth Embodiment Hereinafter, only differences between this embodiment and the first to fifth embodiments will be described.

  In the present embodiment, communication performed between two VoIP devices is remotely tested using a measuring instrument placed on the third VoIP device side.

(F-1) Configuration and Operation of Sixth Embodiment FIG. 7 shows an example of the overall configuration of the VoIP system 60 of this embodiment.

  In FIG. 7, the VoIP system 60 includes three VoIP devices 603, 610, and 619.

  Among them, a telephone 602 used by the user U13 is provided on the VoIP device 603 side, a telephone 609 used by the user U14 is provided on the VoIP device 610 side, and used by the measurer OB13 on the VoIP device 619 side. Measuring instruments 623 and 624 are provided.

  The telephones 602 and 609 are general telephones similar to the telephones 202 and 215. Since the users U13 and U14 make a VoIP call, a voice call channel CH5 is set between the VoIP devices 603 and 610. The voice call channel CH5 may be the same as the voice call channel CH1.

  The VoIP devices 603 and 610 are basically the same as the VoIP device 210 of the first embodiment shown in FIG. Functions of components in the VoIP devices 603 and 610 assigned the same reference numerals as those in FIG. 1 correspond to the first embodiment.

  Connection points CP13 and CP14 correspond to the connection points CP11 and CP12, respectively.

  In FIG. 7, a monitoring channel CH6 is set between the VoIP device 603 and the VoIP device 619, and a monitoring channel CH7 is set between the VoIP device 610 and the VoIP device 619.

  Among the components in the VoIP device 619 shown in FIG. 7, the PCM output unit 206A and the PCM output unit 206B correspond to the PCM output unit 206 provided in the near-end VoIP device 201 in FIG. Corresponds to the signal processing unit 207, and the control unit 204 corresponds to the control unit 204, so detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  Among them, the PCM output unit 206A functions to supply the information received via the monitoring channel CH6 to the measuring device 623, and the PCM output unit 206B receives the information received via the monitoring channel CH7 as the measuring device 624. It functions to supply to.

  When changing the combination of VoIP devices that perform a remote test, in the first to fifth embodiments, since the near-end VoIP device is fixed, the far-end VoIP device is replaced with another VoIP device. In this embodiment, since both VoIP devices constituting the combination can be replaced at the same time, the efficiency can be improved when it is necessary to perform a remote test covering a large number of VoIP devices in a short time. Probability is high.

  When a test result indicating that there is a problem with a certain combination is obtained, in order to identify which VoIP device is the cause of the problem (for example, which of 603 and 610 has a problem) It may be necessary to replace only one VoIP device constituting the combination. However, when a test result indicating that there is no problem is obtained, both VoIP devices constituting the combination are simultaneously replaced one after another. This is because the combination can be changed.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the VoIP device 619 is a VoIP device dedicated to remote testing and cannot perform a voice call. However, the function equivalent to the PCM input / output unit 213 is provided in the VoIP device 619. It is natural that a voice call based on VoIP can be performed using the VoIP device 619.

(F-2) Effect of Sixth Embodiment According to the present embodiment, an effect substantially equivalent to the effect of the first embodiment can be obtained.

  In addition, in this embodiment, since both VoIP devices constituting the combination can be replaced at the same time, the efficiency of the remote test can be further increased.

(G) Other Embodiments In the first to sixth embodiments, the present invention is applied to connecting a general telephone to a VoIP device. However, the present invention can also be applied to an IP telephone having a built-in VoIP function. . This is because the IP telephone can be regarded as a communication device equipped with a function of a general telephone and a function of a VoIP device.

  In the first to sixth embodiments, the telephone is described as an example. However, the present invention can be applied to communication devices other than the telephone. For example, it can be applied to a FAX machine.

  Since the response time of the control signal is predetermined in the case of facsimile communication or the like, the normality of the response time can be inspected with high accuracy by highly synchronizing the measuring instruments (208, 203).

  In the first to sixth embodiments, in the communication via the monitoring channel, the direction from the far-end VoIP device to the near-end VoIP device (in the case of the sixth embodiment, from the VoIP devices 603 and 610 to the VoIP). Only information in the direction toward the device 619 is transmitted, but transmission in the opposite direction may be performed. In this transmission, for example, it is possible to transmit a reference signal for remote testing from a measuring instrument and test how the VoIP device (far-end side) processes the reference signal.

  Regardless of the first to sixth embodiments, between the VoIP device and the telephone in the same installation location (for example, ST11), or between the VoIP device (for example, 304) and the measuring device (for example, 208). Of course, PBX or the like may be interposed.

  Furthermore, the communication protocols exemplified in the first to sixth embodiments can be replaced with other communication protocols.

  For example, H.M. The H.323 protocol can be replaced with SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) or the like. Further, the IP protocol can be replaced with another communication protocol located in the network layer or other layers of the OSI reference model.

  Regardless of the fourth and fifth embodiments, the constituent elements corresponding to the PCM buffer 514 are arranged not in the far-end VoIP device (eg, 511) but in the near-end VoIP device (eg, 504). You may make it do. This is because, if the above-described processing delay value is known in advance, the same effect can be obtained even if a PCM buffer is used on the near end side.

  In addition, as long as there is no contradiction mutually, the characteristic of the said 1st-6th embodiment can be compounded, and one VoIP system can be comprised. Thereby, for example, a remote test is performed for a range including the analog circuit of the far-end VoIP device in the process corresponding to the feature of the first embodiment, and the process corresponding to the feature of the second embodiment is performed. By performing a remote test for the range excluding the analog circuit and comparing the results of these two remote tests, it is possible to determine whether the cause of the fault is inside or outside the analog circuit. It becomes possible to specify.

  In the example of FIG. 7, the VoIP devices 603 and 610 of the sixth embodiment correspond to the far-end VoIP device 210 of the first embodiment. Replacement with the far-end VoIP device of the embodiment (for example, the far-end VoIP device 411 of the third embodiment) is also possible.

  In the above description, the present invention is realized mainly by hardware, but the present invention can also be realized by software.

It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 1st Embodiment. It is the schematic for demonstrating the subject which invention will solve. It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 2nd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 3rd Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 4th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 5th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the example of whole structure of the VoIP system concerning 6th Embodiment. It is the schematic which shows the internal structural example of the signal processing part of the VoIP apparatus concerning 1st Embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 ... VoIP system, 11 ... Channel processing part, 12 ... Packet processing part, 13 ... Voice codec part, 201, 210 ... VoIP apparatus, 202, 215 ... Telephone, 203, 208 ... Measuring instrument, 204, 211 ... Control part, 205 ... PCM input / output unit, 206 ... PCM output unit, 207,212 ... signal processing unit, 209 ... IP communication network, CP11, CP12 ... connection point, CH1 ... voice call channel, CH2 ... monitoring channel, ST11, ST12 …Installation location.

Claims (7)

A plurality of gateway devices that perform protocol conversion between a network corresponding to the first communication protocol and a communication terminal corresponding to the second communication protocol for voice communication are arranged on the network, and the function of the gateway device In a remote test system that executes a remote test using
At least one of the plurality of gateway devices arranged on the network is a test instruction side gateway device having a test device for providing a user interface for a remote test, and the other gateway device is a test instructed side gateway device. Yes,
On the network, a channel for voice communication is set between the test instruction gateway apparatus and the test instruction gateway apparatus or between the test instruction gateway apparatuses, and the test instruction gateway apparatus and the test instruction gateway apparatus The test channel is set on the network between the plurality of test-instructed gateway devices, and the remote communication related to communication through the voice communication channel is set based on information obtained through the test channel. A remote test system characterized by performing a test. The remote test system of claim 1, wherein
The test-instructed gateway device is
A channel management unit that manages at least two channels of the voice communication channel and the test channel;
A voice codec that performs a predetermined voice coding process and a voice decoding process in accordance with the protocol conversion;
And a modulation / demodulation unit that performs predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing in accordance with the protocol conversion, the test-instructed side gateway device further includes:
After the demodulation processing by the modem unit, the analog voice signal before being supplied to the communication terminal or the analog voice signal supplied from the communication terminal and before the modulation processing by the modem unit is received in the test-instructed gateway apparatus. An analog audio signal acquisition unit that obtains and performs a predetermined modulation process and supplies it to the audio codec unit,
The analog audio signal acquired by the analog audio signal acquisition unit is subjected to modulation processing by the analog audio acquisition unit and audio encoding processing by the audio codec, and then a packet corresponding to the first communication protocol. And transmitting to a network through the test channel. The remote test system of claim 1, wherein
The test-instructed gateway device is
A channel management unit that manages a total of 3 channels, at least 2 channels as the voice communication channel and 1 channel as the test channel,
A voice codec that performs a predetermined voice coding process and a voice decoding process in accordance with the protocol conversion;
And a modulation / demodulation unit that performs predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing in accordance with the protocol conversion, the test-instructed side gateway device further includes:
A modulation state audio signal acquisition unit that generates an audio signal in a modulation state for one channel by acquiring audio signals in a modulation state after modulation processing and before demodulation processing by the modulation / demodulation unit,
The modulation state audio signal generated by the modulation state audio signal acquisition unit is accommodated in a packet corresponding to the first communication protocol after being subjected to audio encoding processing by the audio codec. A remote test system for transmitting to a network through the test channel. The remote test system of claim 1, wherein
The test-instructed gateway device is
A channel management unit that manages a total of 3 or 4 channels of at least 2 channels as the voice communication channel and 1 or 2 channels as the test channel;
A voice codec that performs a predetermined voice coding process and a voice decoding process in accordance with the protocol conversion;
And a modulation / demodulation unit that performs predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing in accordance with the protocol conversion, the test-instructed side gateway device further includes:
A transmission / reception identification audio signal acquisition unit for identifying and acquiring a transmission audio signal after modulation processing by the modulation / demodulation unit or before modulation processing and a reception audio signal after demodulation processing by the modulation / demodulation unit or before demodulation processing;
The test apparatus of the test instruction gateway apparatus executes the remote test by identifying and processing the transmission voice signal and the reception voice signal. The remote test system of claim 1, wherein
The test-instructed gateway device is
A channel management unit that manages a total of 3 channels, at least 2 channels as the voice communication channel and 1 channel as the test channel,
A voice codec that performs a predetermined voice coding process and a voice decoding process in accordance with the protocol conversion;
And a modulation / demodulation unit that performs predetermined modulation processing and demodulation processing in accordance with the protocol conversion, the test-instructed side gateway device further includes:
A modulation state transmission / reception identifying audio signal acquisition unit for identifying and acquiring a modulation state transmission audio signal after modulation processing by the modulation / demodulation unit and a modulation state reception audio signal before demodulation processing by the modulation / demodulation unit;
The time relationship corresponding to the time difference when the output corresponding to the modulation state reception audio signal and the input corresponding to the modulation state transmission audio signal are performed in the communication terminal connected to the test-instructed gateway device, Temporary storage of the modulation state reception audio signal or the signal derived from the modulation state reception audio signal and the modulation state transmission audio signal or the signal derived from the modulation state transmission audio signal as reproduced by the test apparatus A remote test system comprising a temporary storage unit for temporary storage. The remote test system of claim 1, wherein
On the network, in a state where a voice communication channel is set between the two test-designated gateway devices, a test channel is provided between each test-designated gateway device and one test-designated gateway device. And executing the remote test related to communication via the voice communication channel based on information obtained via the test channel. A plurality of gateway devices that perform protocol conversion between a network corresponding to the first communication protocol and a communication terminal corresponding to the second communication protocol for voice communication are arranged on the network, and the function of the gateway device In a gateway device as a component of a remote test system that executes a remote test using
At least one of the plurality of gateway devices arranged on the network is a test instruction side gateway device having a test device for providing a user interface for a remote test, and the other gateway device is a test instructed side gateway device. Yes,
The test-instructed gateway device is in the remote test,
A voice communication channel is set with another test-instructed gateway device or with the test-indicating gateway device, and a test channel is set with the test-indicating gateway device. A gateway device, characterized in that information relating to communication via the voice communication channel is provided to a test instruction side gateway device via a test channel.

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