JP4113038B2 - COMMUNICATION SYSTEM, COMMUNICATION DEVICE FUNCTION SETTING METHOD, CENTER DEVICE, AND USER DEVICE - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a communication system that enables the use of additional functions in, for example, an electronic private branch exchange, a button telephone apparatus, and other office communication devices, a function setting method used in the communication system, and a center that executes the function setting control. The present invention relates to an apparatus and a user apparatus including a communication device.
[0002]
[Prior art]
In offices, schools, offices, etc., communication equipment such as an electronic private branch exchange, a button telephone device, and a facsimile device is often used. When purchasing and using these communication devices, the user generally selects a device having an optional service function other than the basic service function at that time.
[0003]
However, after the start of use, it may be necessary to add an optional service function of the device or delete an unnecessary optional service function in accordance with an increase in personnel, changes in business content, or the like. In such a case, in the past, for example, the user has notified the manufacturer's customer center, etc. that an optional service function is desired, and a maintenance service representative makes a business trip to the communication device installation location according to the contents. A setting operation for adding a function desired by the user to the communication device is performed.
[0004]
Conventionally, for example, there is a method in which a user goes to a sales point to purchase software for causing a communication device to execute an optional service function desired to be set, and this software is set in the communication device (for example, Patent Document 1). And Patent Document 2)
[0005]
[Patent Document 1]
JP 2000-261589 A.
[0006]
[Patent Document 2]
JP 2001-160100 A.
[0007]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in such a conventional change method, most of the work from the reception of the function change request from the user to the function change work for the communication device is performed by human work by the maintenance service person in charge at the customer center. For this reason, it takes a lot of labor and time from the time when the user contacts the function change request until the function setting is completed.
[0008]
Therefore, the user cannot use the new function immediately, and not only pays for the additional function itself, but also bears the business trip cost and construction cost of the maintenance service person, and the cost burden is large. Become. On the other hand, for the customer center, it is necessary to predict the number of occurrences of function change requests and to secure maintenance service personnel that match this number, which may be costly and the quality of work may vary depending on the personnel. There was a problem that there was.
[0009]
In addition, when a user goes to a store to purchase a software for the function and sets the function by himself / herself in order to set the function on the communication device, the user takes a lot of time and effort to complete the function setting. In addition, it is very inconvenient to see the manual during function setting.
[0010]
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION Accordingly, an object of the present invention is to make it possible for a user to quickly and appropriately set a function for a communication device without requiring manual operation by a maintenance service person, thereby reducing the cost burden on the user and reducing the time required for setting the function. It is an object of the present invention to provide a communication system, a communication device function setting method, a center apparatus, and a user apparatus that can shorten the cost and labor on the function providing side.
[0011]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is configured as follows.
(1) A communication device used in a communication system including a user device including a communication device, and a center device connected to the user device via a communication network and performing a support operation regarding function setting for the communication device. In the function setting method, the center device notifies the user device of function introduction information representing the function to be set in the communication device, and the user device requests acquisition of the function based on the function introduction information from the center device. Control program data for causing the communication device to execute the corresponding function in response to the acquisition request sent from the user device via the communication network in the center device and the function Guidance data to set the communication device to the requesting user device via the communication network In the user device, the guidance data sent from the center device is presented to the user, and when the user inputs a function setting instruction based on the guidance data, the control program data is set in the communication device. It is a thing.
[0012]
According to the invention of (1), the steps from the function acquisition request by the user to the function setting processing in the user's communication device are all performed via the communication network without requiring manual operation by a maintenance service person on the center device side. This is done by the user himself. Therefore, it is possible for the user to set the function of his / her communication device within a short time and at a low cost, while for the center device, the labor and cost required for the function setting can be greatly reduced. It becomes. Also, each time control program data and guidance data are sent from the center device, the user can see the guidance data and determine whether or not the function is necessary by himself / herself. Only necessary functions can be set in the communication device.
[0013]
(2) The function setting notification means of the center device is characterized by notifying the user device of function introduction information in response to a request from the user device.
According to the invention of (2), the function introduction information can be notified to the user who really needs the function setting, so that the center apparatus can efficiently provide the new function.
[0014]
(3) In the center apparatus, when a registration request including function identification information indicating a function desired to be acquired and subscriber information assigned to the user apparatus from the communication network is sent from the user apparatus, the registration is performed. The function setting notification means further comprises a registration means for recording the request on the recording medium, and the function setting notification means compares the function identification information representing the newly created function with the function identification information recorded on the recording medium, and based on the comparison result The function introduction information is sent to the user device via the communication network based on the subscriber information.
[0015]
According to the invention of (3), the function identification information indicating the function that the user desires to acquire and the subscriber information assigned from the communication network to the user apparatus are registered in the recording medium of the center apparatus. As a result, the center device uses the function identification information registered in the recording medium to transmit function introduction information, determine whether function setting is possible, and the like. For this reason, every time the focused function is created or the focused function is upgraded, the user can always acquire the function introduction information related to the function in a timely manner. In addition, since the production determination of the function focused on by the user and the update determination of the function are performed by the center device, the processing burden on the user can be reduced accordingly.
[0016]
(4) When the center device can be connected to the payment settlement institution via the communication network, prior to transmission of the control program data and guidance data by the data transmission means, the user account identification information to the requesting user device After the account identification information acquisition request transmitting means for transmitting the acquisition request and the account identification information is transmitted in response to the acquisition request, the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted and the control program data for the communication device is set. Then, based on the account identification information, it further comprises a settlement processing means for executing a settlement process for debiting the price required for function setting with the price settlement organization from the account.
According to the invention of (4), the settlement of the price required for the function setting can be automatically performed between the center apparatus and the price settlement organization using the communication network.
[0017]
(5) In the center device, when the registration information is sent from the user device together with the registration request from the user device, the registration device registers the secret information in the recording medium. The control program data and guidance data are encrypted using secret information corresponding to the requesting user device in the recording medium, and the encrypted control program data and guidance data are transmitted to the user device. The obtaining means receives control program data and guidance data encrypted using secret information, and decrypts the control program data and guidance data using secret information given to the device.
[0018]
According to the invention of (5), when the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted from the center device to the user device, the control program data and the guidance data are encrypted by the secret information given to the user device. For this reason, when control program data and guidance data are accidentally transmitted to different user devices, or when other users intentionally steal control program data and guidance data addressed to other user devices, functions of their own communication devices Even if an attempt is made to make settings, it is possible to prevent incorrect function settings or unauthorized function settings from being made.
[0019]
(6) When the center device is connectable to a production device that produces control program data and guidance data via a communication network, the data transmission means sends an acquisition request from the user device via the communication network. In response to this acquisition request, the production apparatus is requested to produce control program data and guidance data for the corresponding function, and when the control program data and guidance data are sent in response to this request, the control program data And the guidance data is transmitted to the requesting user apparatus via the communication network.
According to the invention of (6), since the production of the control program data and the guidance data is performed by the production device, the processing load on the center device can be kept low.
[0020]
(7) In the center device, when the registration information is sent from the user device together with the registration request to the user device, the registration unit registers the authentication information in the recording medium and transmits the data. Prior to the transmission of the control program data and the guidance data, the means requests the requesting user apparatus to transmit authentication information, and when the authentication information is sent from the user apparatus in response to the request, the authentication information and The authentication information registered in the recording medium is compared, and transmission of control program data and guidance data is executed based on the comparison result.
According to the invention of (7), prior to the transmission of the control program data and the guidance data, the authentication information registered in the center device is used to check the user authentication, thereby confirming the validity of the user in advance. Judgment can be made with certainty.
[0021]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system for carrying out the first embodiment of the function setting method according to the present invention, where CM indicates a user system, CC indicates a service providing center, and CR indicates a credit company. Yes.
[0022]
The user system CM includes a main device BT, network telephone terminals (IP telephone terminals) DKT1 to DKTn, a personal computer PC, and a router RT, which are connected to each other via a LAN1. The main device BT has a basic function of switching and connecting between IP telephone terminals DKT1 to DKTn and between these IP telephone terminals DKT1 to DKTn and a subscriber line of a public network (not shown) according to outgoing and incoming calls. A plurality of optional service functions related to the exchange connection processing are provided.
The router RT is connected to the Internet INW via the provider ISP, and is further connected to the service providing center CC from the Internet INW.
[0023]
The service providing center CC includes a management server CSV, a user database DB, and a router CRT, which are connected to each other via the LAN 2. The management server CSV is connected to the Internet INW via the router CRT, and communicates information related to function settings with the user system CM having a support contract. In addition, the management server CSV is connected to the credit company CR via a dedicated line, for example, and performs settlement processing for the price required for function setting with the credit company CR.
[0024]
In the user database DB, as shown in FIG. 2, an IP address assigned to the user and a set to the user's main device BT are desired in association with the individual identification number (user ID) assigned to each user. A setting function, a device identification number as secret information given to the user, and a password as authentication information are stored.
[0025]
3 and 4 are sequence diagrams showing signal transmission / reception operations among the main device BT of the user system CM, the personal computer PC, the service providing center CC, and the credit company CR.
When performing the function setting of the main device BT, the user accesses the service providing center CC via the Internet INW using the personal computer PC, and follows the guidance on the screen downloaded from the service providing center CC, and needs the function setting. Enter the matter. Necessary items to be input are information indicating a function to be set, an IP address assigned from the Internet INW, a device identification number, and a password. When the input of these necessary items is completed, a registration request including these pieces of information is transmitted to the service providing center CC via the Internet INW.
[0026]
Upon receiving the registration request, the service providing center CC stores the setting function information, IP address, device identification number, and password included in the registration request in the user database DB in association with the individual identification number. Thus, the desired function for the service providing center CC is registered.
[0027]
The service providing center CC compares this function information with the registered function information stored in the user database DB every time a new function is produced or the content of an existing function is upgraded. The function that the registration source, that is, the user system CM with the support contract wishes to acquire, and the function introduction information indicating whether or not to purchase the function are notified to the user system CM.
[0028]
When the user inputs a purchase instruction using the personal computer PC in response to the notification of the function introduction information, the personal computer PC transmits a purchase request to the service providing center CC. Upon receiving this purchase request, the service providing center CC notifies the personal computer PC of the cost required for the function setting.
[0029]
Upon receiving a confirmation response from the user in response to this notification, the service providing center CC transmits a request for inputting a credit number and a password for authentication to the personal computer PC. When the user inputs a credit number and password using the personal computer PC in response to this input request, the personal computer PC transmits the input information to the service providing center CC.
[0030]
The service providing center CC determines the legitimacy of the user based on the transmitted user password, and if there is no problem, causes the main device BT to execute the function desired to be acquired by the user's personal computer PC. Control program data and guidance data for setting the control program data in the main device BT are transmitted. The guidance data includes data indicating that the usage guidance by voice / image or the like and the automatic setting script are performed at the time of program download or function expansion. At this time, the control program data and the guidance data are encrypted by a device identification number as secret information stored in the user database DB.
[0031]
When the personal computer PC receives the control program data and the guidance data from the service providing center CC, the personal computer PC decodes the control program data and the guidance data by using the device identification number assigned to the personal computer PC, and monitors the guidance data (not shown). Display). When the user inputs a function setting instruction based on the guidance data displayed on the monitor, the control program data is set in the main device BT. When the setting of the control program data is completed, the personal computer PC returns information indicating that the function setting process has been normally completed to the service providing center CC.
[0032]
When the service providing center CC receives the end notification, the service providing center CC accesses the credit company CR and requests settlement of the function setting fee. At that time, the service providing center CC calculates the billing amount for each function that the user desires to set and actually sets for this, and creates an electronic billing statement. For example, when the user wishes to set the function 3 and the function 5, the sum of the setting fee for the function 3 (= ¥ 1000) and the setting fee for the function 5 (¥ 1000) is added up (= ¥ 2000) and the electronic billing statement is created. Then, the electronic billing statement is included in the settlement request information and transmitted to the credit company CR.
[0033]
When the credit company CR receives the payment request information, the credit company CR first performs a payment acceptance process on the basis of the user's credit number and electronic billing statement included in the payment request information. Then, after the settlement acceptance process is completed, a response to the effect that the settlement request has been accepted is returned to the requesting service providing center CC.
[0034]
The configuration of each part of the communication system that implements the function setting method described above is as follows.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the personal computer PC and the service providing center CC of the user system CM.
[0035]
The personal computer PC of the user system CM includes a registration request transmission unit 11, a function introduction information reception unit 12, a purchase request transmission unit 13, an input request reception unit 14, an input information transmission unit 15, and a data reception unit 16. A data decoding unit 17, a function setting unit 18, and a setting end notification unit 19. Among these, the registration request transmission unit 11 transmits a registration request including setting function information, IP address, device identification number, and password input by the user to the service providing center CC. The function introduction information receiving unit 12 receives function introduction information sent from the service providing center CC.
[0036]
The purchase request transmission unit 13 sends a purchase request to the service providing center CC in response to a purchase instruction from the user based on the function introduction information received by the function introduction information receiving unit 12. The input request receiving unit 14 receives an input request when a request for inputting a credit number and a password is transmitted from the service providing center CC in response to the transmission of the purchase request. And the input information transmission part 15 transmits these input information to the service provision center CC, when a user inputs a credit number and a password with respect to this input request.
[0037]
The data receiving unit 16 receives control program data and guidance data sent from the service providing center CC. And the data decoding part 17 decodes the received control program data and guidance data using the apparatus identification number given to self.
[0038]
The function setting unit 18 sets control program data in the main device BT in accordance with a function setting instruction from the user based on the guidance data. Then, when the setting of the control program data for the main device BT is completed, the setting end notification unit 19 notifies the service providing center CC of the completion.
[0039]
On the other hand, the management server CSV of the service providing center CC includes a registration control unit 21, a function creation unit 22, a function introduction information transmission unit 23, a purchase request reception unit 24, an input request transmission unit 25, and an input information reception unit. 26, a data encryption unit 27, a data transmission unit 28, a setting end reception unit 29, and a charge billing unit 30. Among these, when a function notification registration request is sent from the user system CM, the registration control unit 21 stores the setting function information, IP address, device identification number, and password included in the registration request in the user database DB.
[0040]
The function introduction information transmission unit 23 is configured to register the function information and the settings registered in the user database DB each time a new function is produced in the function creation unit 22 or a version upgrade of the created function is updated. The function information is compared with this, and it is determined whether or not the function that the user desires to acquire is produced or updated. When it is determined that the desired function has been created or updated, the desired function creation or update notification is transmitted as function introduction information to the requesting user system CM. At this time, the function introduction information is transmitted based on the IP address of the user system CM stored in the user database DB.
[0041]
The purchase request receiving unit 24 receives a purchase request sent from the user system CM. When receiving the purchase request, the input request transmitting unit 25 transmits a request for inputting a credit number and a password to the requesting user system CM. Then, the input information receiving unit 26 receives the credit number and password sent from the user in response to the input request.
[0042]
When it is determined that the user is valid based on the password, the data encryption unit 27 uses the device identification number assigned to the user for the control program data and the guidance data to be transmitted to the user system CM. To encrypt. Then, the data transmission unit 28 transmits the encrypted control program data and guidance data to the user system CM.
[0043]
When the setting end receiving unit 29 receives a notification from the user system CM that the setting of the control program data for the main apparatus BT is completed, the charge requesting unit 30 determines the credit company CR and the credit company CR. , A settlement process is executed to withdraw the money required for the function setting from the user's account.
[0044]
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing the operation of the service providing center CC, and the processing operation for providing the control program data and guidance data of the function desired by the user is performed according to the procedure of steps ST6a to ST6g.
The management server CSV of the service providing center CC monitors the production status of the function (step ST6a), and when a new function is created or the content of the existing function is upgraded (Yes), the function On the other hand, it is determined whether or not an acquisition request is registered in the user database DB (step ST6b). If the request for acquisition is registered (Yes), the management server CSV establishes a communication link by calling and connecting to the user system CM of the registration source, and requests acquisition via this communication link. The function introduction information indicating that the function is created or updated is transmitted to the user system CM of the registration source (step ST6c).
[0045]
Subsequently, the management server CSV determines whether or not a purchase request has been received from the request source for the transmission of the function introduction information (step ST6d). When the purchase request has been received (Yes), the request source user A request for inputting a credit number and a password is transmitted to the system CM (step ST6e), and it is determined whether or not a credit number and a password are sent from the user system CM (step ST6f). Here, when the password is received and the registered password corresponding to the requesting user in the user database DB matches (Yes), the management server CSV requests the requesting user system CM to acquire it. The function control program data and guidance data are transmitted (step ST6g).
[0046]
On the other hand, in step ST6f, if the credit number and password do not arrive within a certain time, or the received password does not match the registered password in the user database DB (No), the management server CSV requests. The original user system CM is notified that the password is incorrect or that control program data and guidance data cannot be provided.
[0047]
In step ST6b, if the corresponding function information is not registered in the user database DB, the management server CSV ends the process as it is. Furthermore, if a purchase request does not arrive within a certain period in step ST6d, the management server CSV disconnects the communication link with the user system CM and terminates the process, but the purchase request arrives after a predetermined period. If so, the process proceeds to step ST6e.
[0048]
FIG. 7 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the personal computer PC in the user system CM.
Each time a desired function is produced or upgraded from the service providing center CC, the user causes the personal computer PC to execute the processes of steps ST7a to ST7c in order to receive notification in real time. First, when the personal computer PC receives screen information from the service providing center CC, the personal computer PC performs screen display as shown in FIGS. 8A to 8C (step ST7a). Here, the user clicks “function setting” in the screen shown in FIG. 8A using the personal computer PC, inputs a telephone number or an IP address on the screen shown in FIG. It is assumed that “function 3” and “function 5” are selected and “send” is clicked on the screen shown in FIG. During this time, the password and device identification number are also entered. If it does so, personal computer PC will transfer to step ST7c from step ST7b, and will transmit the registration request containing these input information to the service provision center CC.
[0049]
The personal computer PC monitors the arrival of the function introduction information in step ST7d. When the function introduction information is received from the service providing center CC, the personal computer PC displays the screen shown in FIG. 9A on the monitor (step ST7e). . Therefore, this display allows the user to know in real time the production or update of the desired function.
[0050]
In this state, it is assumed that the user inputs a purchase instruction in the personal computer PC in order to obtain the control program data of the function created or updated. Then, the personal computer PC shifts from step ST7f to step 7g, calls and connects to the service providing center CC, establishes a communication link, and transmits a purchase request through this communication link.
[0051]
Thereafter, the personal computer PC receives the screen information indicating the cost required for the function setting, that is, the total amount of the setting function, sent from the service providing center CC, and displays the screen shown in FIG. 9B on the monitor. When the user clicks “Send” in response to this display, the screen shown in FIG. 9C is displayed on the monitor, and when the user inputs a credit number and password and clicks “Send” in response to this display, The process proceeds to step ST7h, and the arrival of control program data and guidance data is monitored.
[0052]
Here, when the control program data and the guidance data arrive (Yes), the personal computer PC stores and holds the control program data and the guidance data in a buffer (not shown), and a message indicating that the function setting is performed and decoding. The guidance data thus displayed is displayed on the monitor as shown in FIG. 10 (step ST7i).
[0053]
In this state, it is assumed that the user performs key operations in the order of, for example, “A”, “D”, “K”, and “1” on the personal computer PC to set the control program data in the main device BT. Then, the personal computer PC proceeds from step ST7j to step ST7k, and sets the control program data stored and held in the buffer in the main device BT.
Thereafter, when the setting of the control program data for the main apparatus BT is completed, the personal computer PC transmits a setting completion notice to the service providing center CC.
[0054]
If the user does not input a purchase instruction in step ST7f, or if the user does not input a function setting instruction in step ST7j, the personal computer PC ends the process.
[0055]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the process from the function purchase request by the user on the user system CM side to the function setting process on the main apparatus BT of the user is in charge of maintenance service on the service providing center CC side. All operations are performed by the user himself / herself via the Internet INW without requiring any manual work by the user. Therefore, it is possible for the user to perform the function setting of his / her main device BT within a short time and at a low cost, while for the service providing center CC, the labor and cost required for the function setting are greatly reduced. Can do.
[0056]
Further, every time control program data and guidance data are sent from the service providing center CC, a notification message and guidance data for setting functions are displayed on the monitor of the personal computer PC, and the main device BT is waited for a user's instruction. The control program data is set for. Therefore, even if the function is desired to be acquired, the user does not have to set the control program data in the main apparatus BT if it is not necessary to set the main apparatus BT at the present time.
[0057]
In the first embodiment, the function information indicating the function that the user desires to acquire and the user's IP address are registered in the user database DB of the service providing center CC. The function information registered in the user database DB is used to transmit function introduction information and determine whether function setting is possible. For this reason, every time a function of interest is created or upgraded, the user can always obtain function introduction information related to the function in a timely manner. In addition, since the function that the user is paying attention to and the update determination of the function are performed by the service providing center CC, it is possible to reduce the processing burden on the user.
[0058]
In the first embodiment, the communication network is also used for the settlement of the price required for the function setting based on the credit number sent from the user between the service providing center CC and the credit company CR. This can be done automatically, thereby reducing the payment work on the service providing center CC side.
[0059]
In the first embodiment, when the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted from the service providing center CC to the user system CM, the control program data and the guidance data are encrypted by the user device identification number registered in the user database DB in advance. . Therefore, when the control program data and the guidance data are erroneously transmitted to different user system CMs, or when a third party intentionally steals control program data and guidance data addressed to other user system CMs, Even if BT function setting is to be performed, it is possible to prevent incorrect function setting or incorrect function setting.
[0060]
Further, in the first embodiment, prior to transmission of the control program data and guidance data, the user authentication is checked using the user password registered in the user database DB of the service providing center CC. ing. Accordingly, it is possible to reliably determine the validity of the user in advance before transmitting the control program data and the guidance data.
[0061]
(Second Embodiment)
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system for carrying out the first embodiment of the function setting method according to the present invention. In FIG. 11, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0062]
That is, in the second embodiment, the production company AO is connected to the management server CSV of the service providing center CC via, for example, a dedicated line. This management server CSV makes a production request for the function desired by the user with the production company AO.
[0063]
12 and 13 are sequence diagrams showing signal transmission / reception operations among the main device BT of the user system CM, the personal computer PC, the service providing center CC, the credit company CR, and the production company AO. . In FIGS. 12 and 13, detailed description of the same processing procedures as those in FIGS. 3 and 4 is omitted.
[0064]
When the service providing center CC is notified by the production company AO that a new function has been produced or the content of the existing function has been upgraded, it is stored in the notified function information and the user database DB. The registered function information is compared with the registered function information, and the function that the registration source, that is, the function that the user system CM that has signed the support contract desires to acquire, and the function introduction information that indicates whether or not to purchase the function are displayed. Notify CM.
[0065]
When the user inputs a purchase instruction using the personal computer PC in response to the notification of the function introduction information, the personal computer PC transmits a purchase request to the service providing center CC. Upon receiving this purchase request, the service providing center CC notifies the personal computer PC of the cost required for the function setting.
[0066]
Upon receiving a confirmation response from the user in response to this notification, the service providing center CC transmits a request for inputting a credit number and a password for authentication to the personal computer PC. When the user inputs a credit number and password using the personal computer PC in response to this input request, the personal computer PC transmits the input information to the service providing center CC.
[0067]
The service providing center CC determines the validity of the user based on the received user password, and if there is no problem, the information indicating the function desired by the user is included in the production request information and transmitted to the production company AO. To do.
[0068]
When receiving the production request information, the production company AO first produces control program data and guidance data based on the function information desired by the user included in the production request information. Then, after the production of the control program data and the guidance data is completed, the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted to the requesting service providing center CC. Thereafter, the service providing center CC transmits control program data and guidance data to the requesting personal computer PC.
[0069]
In the user system CM, when the setting of the control program data is completed, the personal computer PC returns information indicating that the function setting process has been completed normally to the service providing center CC.
[0070]
When the service providing center CC receives the end notification, the service providing center CC accesses the credit company CR and requests settlement of the function setting fee. At that time, the service providing center CC calculates the billing amount for each function that the user desires to set and actually sets for this, and creates an electronic billing statement. For example, when the user wishes to set the function 3 and the function 5, the sum of the setting fee for the function 3 (= ¥ 1000) and the setting fee for the function 5 (¥ 1000) is added up (= ¥ 2000) and the electronic billing statement is created. Then, the electronic billing statement is included in the settlement request information and transmitted to the credit company CR.
[0071]
When the credit company CR receives the payment request information, the credit company CR first performs a payment acceptance process on the basis of the user's credit number and electronic billing statement included in the payment request information. Then, after the settlement acceptance process is completed, a response to the effect that the settlement request has been accepted is returned to the requesting service providing center CC.
[0072]
At this time, the service providing center CC automatically pays the license fee required for the production of the control program data and the guidance data to the production company AO.
[0073]
The configuration of each part of the communication system that implements the function setting method described above is as follows.
FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of the personal computer PC and the service providing center CC of the user system CM. In FIG. 14, the same parts as those in FIG.
[0074]
That is, a function production request transmission unit 31 is newly provided in the service providing center CC. The function production request transmission unit 31 includes information indicating the function desired by the user in the production request information and transmits it to the production company AO when the input information reception unit 26 obtains user authentication.
[0075]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, as in the first embodiment, the user can perform the function setting of his / her main device BT within a short time and with a low cost burden. On the other hand, for the service providing center CC, the labor and cost required for function setting can be greatly reduced, and the production of control program data and guidance data is performed by the production company AO. Can be reduced.
[0076]
Further, according to the second embodiment, when the production company AO produces control program data and guidance data and sends them to the service providing center CC, the service providing center CC sends the control program data to the producing company AO. And the license fee for the guidance data will be paid automatically. For this reason, the production company AO side can receive a remuneration amount according to the evaluation of the control program data and guidance data produced by the company, which can further increase the willingness to produce.
[0077]
(Other embodiments)
The present invention is not limited to the above embodiments. For example, in each of the above-described embodiments, the function introduction information is transmitted to the user system CM with which a contract has been made in advance every time a desired function is produced or upgraded. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and function introduction information may be transmitted in response to a request from a non-contracted user. In this case, since the function introduction information can be transmitted to the user who really needs the function setting, the service providing center CC can efficiently provide the new function. At this time, a request may be received from the user by telephone, facsimile, or mail.
[0078]
In each of the above embodiments, the function introduction information is transmitted online via the Internet INW. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the function introduction information may be notified offline by mail, for example.
[0079]
In each of the above embodiments, an example in which the user transmits a purchase request to the service providing center CC based on the function introduction information sent from the service providing center CC has been described. Based on the function introduction information, the user may make a call request / connection to the service providing center CC using the personal computer PC to transmit a purchase request including the function information desired to be acquired.
[0080]
In each of the above embodiments, the credit number is transmitted from the user before the transmission of the control program data and the guidance data. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and the credit number may be stored in the user database DB in association with the user ID, and the credit number may be read from the user database DB based on the user ID sent from the user. In this way, the user's credit number only needs to be transmitted when the user information is registered in the user database DB. As a result, there is no need to worry about the credit number being stolen on the communication network, and security can be improved. .
[0081]
In each of the above embodiments, the example in which the control program data and the guidance data are encrypted using the device identification number assigned to the user has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the user is notified from the service providing center CC. Secret information other than the device identification number may be used. In this case, the secret information is notified from the service providing center CC to the user by telephone or mail.
[0082]
Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the processing procedure for performing the function setting for the main apparatus BT is executed between the user's personal computer PC and the service providing center CC has been described. Between the user's IP telephone terminal DKT1 and the service providing center CC, a processing procedure for setting a function for the main apparatus BT may be executed. In this case, the guidance data is displayed on the display device of the IP telephone terminal DKT1. In addition, function setting may be performed for, for example, the IP telephone terminal DKT2 other than the main apparatus BT.
[0083]
Furthermore, in the second embodiment, after the control program data and guidance data of the function that the user desires to purchase at the production company AO are produced and transmitted to the service providing center CC, the control program data and An example in which the license fee required to produce guidance data is automatically paid was explained. However, the present invention is not limited to this. For example, after the production company AO creates control program data and guidance data for a function that the user desires to purchase and transmits it to the service providing center CC, it is necessary to produce the control program data and guidance data. The license fee thus calculated may be calculated and charged to the service providing center CC.
[0084]
In addition, the function setting procedure and the contents thereof, the configuration and operation contents of the communication system, the contents stored in the user database, the types of communication devices, and the like can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.
[0085]
【The invention's effect】
As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the function setting for the communication device can be performed quickly and appropriately by the user without requiring manual operation by the maintenance service person, thereby reducing the cost burden on the user and the function. It is possible to provide a communication system, a function setting method for a communication device, a center device, and a user device that can shorten the required setting time and reduce the cost and labor on the function providing side.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system that implements a function setting method according to a first embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an example of storage contents of a user database shown in FIG. 1;
FIG. 3 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a function setting method according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 4 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining the function changing method according to the first embodiment.
FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of the system shown in FIG. 1;
6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure and contents of a service providing center in the system shown in FIG. 1;
7 is a flowchart showing the processing procedure and contents of a personal computer in the system shown in FIG. 1;
8 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the personal computer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
9 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the personal computer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
10 is a diagram showing an example of a display screen in the personal computer shown in FIG. 1. FIG.
FIG. 11 is a schematic configuration diagram of a communication system that implements a function setting method according to a second embodiment of the present invention.
FIG. 12 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a function setting method according to the second embodiment.
FIG. 13 is a signal sequence diagram for explaining a function changing method according to the second embodiment.
14 is a block diagram showing a functional configuration of each part of the system shown in FIG. 11;
[Explanation of symbols]
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 ... Registration request transmission part, 12 ... Function introduction information reception part, 13 ... Purchase request transmission part, 14 ... Input request reception part, 15 ... Input information transmission part, 16 ... Data reception part, 17 ... Data decoding part, 18 ... Function setting unit, 19 ... Setting end notification unit, 21 ... Registration control unit, 22 ... Function creation unit, 23 ... Function introduction information transmission unit, 24 ... Purchase request reception unit, 25 ... Input request transmission unit, 26 ... Input information reception , 27 ... Data encryption part, 28 ... Data transmission part, 29 ... Setting end reception part, 30 ... Charge request part, 31 ... Function production request transmission part, CM ... User system, BT ... Main apparatus, PC ... Personal Computer, RT ... router, DKT1 to DKTn ... network (IP) telephone terminal, ISP ... provider, INW ... internet, CC ... service providing center, CSV ... management server, DB ... user data Database, CRT ... router, CR ... credit company, AO ... production company.

Claims (12)

A communication system comprising: a user device provided with a communication device; and a center device connected to the user device via a communication network and performing a support operation regarding function setting for the communication device,
The user equipment is
An acquisition request sending means for sending an acquisition request for the function to the center device via the communication network when function introduction information representing a function to be set in the communication device is sent from the center device;
In response to the acquisition request, the center apparatus receives control program data for causing the communication device to execute the function and guidance data for causing the communication device to set the control program data. Data acquisition means;
Function setting for setting the control program data in the communication device when the guidance data obtained by the data acquisition means is presented to the user and the user inputs a function setting instruction based on the guidance data for the presentation. Control means,
The center device is
Function setting notification means for notifying the user device of function introduction information representing a function to be set in the communication device;
When the acquisition request is sent from the user device via the communication network in response to this notification, the requesting user sends control program data and guidance data of the function corresponding to the acquisition request via the communication network. A communication system comprising data transmission means for transmitting to a device. Function setting of a communication device used in a communication system including a user device provided with a communication device and a center device connected to the user device via a communication network and performing a support operation regarding function setting for the communication device. A method,
In the center device, a first process of notifying the user device of function introduction information representing a function to be set in the communication device;
In the user device, based on the function introduction information from the center device, a second process of sending an acquisition request for the function to the center device via the communication network;
In the center device, in response to an acquisition request sent from the user device via a communication network, control program data for causing the communication device to execute a corresponding function and setting the function to the communication device. A third step of transmitting guidance data to the requesting user device via the communication network;
In the user device, when the guidance data sent from the center device is presented to the user, and the user inputs a function setting instruction based on the guidance data in response to the presentation, the control program data is sent to the communication device. A function setting method for a communication device, comprising: a fourth step of setting. A center device that is connected to a user device including a communication device via a communication network, and performs a support operation regarding function setting for the communication device,
Function setting notification means for notifying the user device of function introduction information representing a function to be set in the communication device;
In response to the notification, when the acquisition request is sent from the user device via the communication network, control program data for causing the communication device to execute a corresponding function in response to the acquisition request, and the control program data A center apparatus comprising: data transmission means for transmitting guidance data to be set in the communication device to a requesting user apparatus via the communication network. 4. The center apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the function setting notification unit notifies the user apparatus of the function introduction information in response to a request from the user apparatus. When a registration request including function identification information indicating a function desired to be acquired and subscriber information assigned to the user apparatus from the communication network is sent from the user apparatus, the registration request is stored in the recording medium. It further comprises a registration means for recording,
The function setting notification means compares the function identification information representing the newly created function with the function identification information recorded on the recording medium, and based on the comparison result, the function introduction information is based on the subscriber information. 4. The center apparatus according to claim 3, wherein the center apparatus transmits the data to the user apparatus via the communication network. When it is possible to connect to a payment institution via a communication network,
Prior to transmission of the control program data and guidance data by the data transmission means, an account identification information acquisition request transmission means for transmitting an acquisition request for the user's account identification information to the requesting user device;
When the account identification information is sent in response to the acquisition request, after the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted and the control program data for the communication device is set, based on the account identification information, 4. The center apparatus according to claim 3, further comprising a settlement processing means for executing a settlement process for debiting a price required for function setting with the price settlement organization from an account. The registration means registers the secret information in the recording medium when secret information previously given to the user device is sent together with the registration request from the user device,
The data transmission means encrypts the control program data and the guidance data using secret information corresponding to the requesting user device in the recording medium, and the encrypted control program data and the guidance data are encrypted. The center device according to claim 5, wherein the center device transmits the information to the user device. When it is connectable via a communication network to a production device that produces the control program data and the guidance data,
When the acquisition request is sent from the user device via a communication network, the data transmission means requests the production device to produce control program data and guidance data for the corresponding function in response to the acquisition request. 4. When control program data and guidance data are sent in response to the request, the control program data and guidance data are transmitted to the requesting user device via the communication network. Center equipment. The registration means registers the authentication information in the recording medium when authentication information for authenticating the user device is sent together with the registration request from the user device,
The data transmitting means requests the requesting user apparatus to transmit the authentication information prior to transmitting the control program data and the guidance data, and the authentication information is transmitted from the user apparatus in response to the request. 6. The center according to claim 5, wherein the authentication information is compared with authentication information registered in the recording medium, and the control program data and the guidance data are transmitted based on the comparison result. apparatus. A user device that includes a communication device and is connected via a communication network to a center device that performs support work related to function settings for the communication device,
An acquisition request sending means for sending an acquisition request for the function to the center device via the communication network when function introduction information representing a function to be set in the communication device is sent from the center device;
In response to the acquisition request, the center apparatus receives control program data for causing the communication device to execute the function and guidance data for causing the communication device to set the control program data. Data acquisition means;
Function setting for setting the control program data in the communication device when the guidance data obtained by the data acquisition means is presented to the user and the user inputs a function setting instruction based on the guidance data for the presentation. And a control device. A function identification information representing a function desired to be acquired, and subscriber information assigned to the user apparatus from the communication network, and communicates a registration request to the center apparatus for registration in a recording medium of the center apparatus. 11. The user apparatus according to claim 10, further comprising registration request transmission means for transmitting via a network. The registration request transmission means transmits the secret information previously given to the own device together with the registration request,
The data acquisition means receives the control program data and the guidance data encrypted using the secret information, and decrypts the control program data and the guidance data using the secret information. The user device according to claim 11.

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