JP4207642B2 - IP telephone apparatus and IP telephone system - Google Patents

Description

[0001]
BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to an IP telephone apparatus and an IP telephone system having an Internet telephone function in addition to a general telephone function via a public telephone line network.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Internet phone refers to a call mode in which voice is exchanged in two directions via packets over the Internet, but as the prior art, both Internet phone and general phone (regular phone) are possible (See, for example, Patent Document 1).
[0003]
[Patent Document 1]
JP-A-10-155034 (page 6-9, FIG. 1)
[0004]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, in the above-described prior art, both the Internet telephone and the ordinary telephone can be used from the telephone body, but the Internet telephone function cannot be used from an external telephone having only the ordinary telephone function. In particular, a user who possesses a device that can use the Internet telephone and a telephone that has only a general telephone function can use an Internet telephone with a low communication cost from a telephone that has only the general telephone function. There was a request to do.
[0005]
The present invention has been proposed in view of the above points, and provides an IP telephone device and an IP telephone system that can make a call by an Internet telephone even with an external telephone device having only a general telephone function. Objective.
[0006]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
In order to achieve the above object, an IP telephone apparatus according to a first aspect of the present invention comprises a telephone line connection means for connecting to a telephone line network, and the telephone line connection means and another telephone line via the telephone line network. An external telephone for connecting an external telephone device equipped with a transmitter / receiver, which is an IP telephone device capable of executing a call based on an audio signal transmitted / received to / from a telephone device by a transmitter / receiver provided in the device main body. Between the device connection means, the call start command detection means for detecting the call start command for the Internet telephone, and when the Internet phone call start command is detected by the call start command detection means, Transmission / reception of any one of audio signal input / output means for inputting / outputting audio signals for a call, and the transmitter / receiver on the apparatus body side and the handset on the external telephone device side A handset enabling means for selectively enabling the handset, an output destination of a voice signal input via the handset enabled by the handset enabling means, and a voice output as voice from the handset Voice signal path switching means for switching the signal input destination from the telephone line connection means to the voice signal input / output means, and when a call start command for the Internet telephone is detected, voice is transmitted between the other Internet terminals. Internet communication control means for transmitting and receiving signals and When an off-hook signal is received from the external telephone device, the external telephone device is selectively made to use either a general telephone that exchanges audio signals via the telephone line connection means or the Internet telephone. A message transmission means for sending a guidance message It is provided with.
[0007]
According to such an IP telephone device, not only can an Internet phone be used alone, but even if an external telephone device such as a cordless telephone having only a general telephone function or an external telephone is connected, these can be used. It is possible to make a call by Internet telephone using an external telephone device.
[0008]
[0009]
[0010]
[0011]
[0012]
[0013]
[0014]
[0015]
[0016]
[0017]
[0018]
[0019]
Also When you try to make an Internet phone call or a general phone call using an external phone device, a guidance message for selecting one of them will be sent to the external phone device, so operate the external phone device according to the guidance message. You can easily make Internet calls or regular calls.
[0020]
Claims 2 The IP telephone apparatus according to the invention described in claim 1 A switching mode in which either one of the regular telephone and the Internet telephone can be selectively switched or a fixed mode in which only one of the telephones can be used is set. Mode setting means, and when the message transmission means receives an off-hook signal from the external telephone device in the switching mode, the message transmission means sends the guidance message to the external telephone device. In the fixed mode, the message transmission means When an off-hook signal is received from a telephone device, a message indicating that the mode is fixed is sent to the external telephone device.
[0021]
According to such an IP telephone device, the claims 1 In addition to the effects of the IP telephone device described in the above, when an external telephone device is used to make an Internet telephone call or a general telephone call, a message corresponding to the switching mode or the fixed mode set at that time is displayed on the external telephone. Since it is sent to the device, it is possible to make an Internet phone call or a general phone call simply by operating the external phone device according to such a message.
[0022]
And claims 3 The IP telephone system according to the invention described above is provided with an IP telephone apparatus comprising a telephone handset and a telephone line connection means for connecting to a telephone line network, with respect to a computer connected to the Internet. An IP telephone system connected via computer connection means for inputting / outputting various signals including voice signals exchanged with other terminals, in the IP telephone apparatus, via the handset The voice signal path switching means for switching the path of the voice signal exchanged in this manner from the telephone line connection means to the computer connection means, or from the computer connection means to the telephone line connection means, and to the IP telephone apparatus in general External telephone device connection means for externally connecting an external telephone device having only a telephone function, and the external telephone When a predetermined command is received from the external telephone device via the connection means, the voice signal path switching means is brought into a state in which a voice signal can be exchanged by the Internet telephone between the other terminal on the Internet and the external telephone device. Internet telephone relay means to switch between A call signal output means for outputting a call signal to the external telephone device when a connection request is made from another terminal on the Internet, a telephone call originator on the telephone line network, and another terminal on the Internet All call mode for sending a call signal to the external telephone device in response to a connection request from the telephone, a connection request from one of the telephone callers on the telephone line network or other terminals on the Internet Mode setting means for setting a mode of one-way call mode for sending a call signal to the external telephone device only when there is It is characterized by that.
[0023]
According to such an IP telephone system, it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the IP telephone apparatus according to claim 1 while enabling Internet telephone through a computer.
[0024]
[0025]
[0026]
[0027]
Also When a connection request is made from a telephone caller via an Internet telephone, a call signal is sent to the external telephone device. Can do.
[0028]
[0029]
Also For example, in the one-sided call mode that sends a call signal to an external telephone device only when there is a connection request from a telephone caller on the Internet, the ringing tone of the external telephone device sounds only when an Internet call is received. You can be sure of that.
[0030]
DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0031]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an IP telephone system according to the present invention.
[0032]
As shown in FIG. 1, the IP telephone system 1 includes an IP telephone apparatus 10 having a function of performing a voice call based on a voice signal transmitted via the telephone line network 100 and a personal computer capable of data communication via the Internet 200 ( (Hereinafter referred to as a PC) 20 is connected via an audio cable 300 capable of transmitting an audio signal and a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable 400 capable of transmitting a control signal.
[0033]
The IP telephone device 10 includes a control unit 11 that controls the operation of the entire device, a recording / playback unit 12 that reproduces audio based on audio signals and records audio signals, and a user interface unit (hereinafter referred to as user I / F) 13. Via the handset 14 which is a handset used in a state where it is detached from the IP telephone device 10 main body, the voice input / output unit 15 for inputting / outputting voice, the external telephone device connecting unit 16 for connecting an external telephone device, and the telephone network 100 An NCU (Network Control Unit) 17 for inputting / outputting a transmitted audio signal, an audio signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as an audio I / F) 18a for inputting / outputting an audio signal transmitted via the audio cable 300, and a USB cable 400 External control signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as control I / F) 18b for inputting / outputting control signals transmitted via A slave terminal for wireless communication that performs wireless communication with the interface unit 18, the path switching unit 19 that switches the transmission path of the audio signal inside the IP telephone device 10, and the IP telephone device 10 main body (external telephone device connection unit 16). 30 and so on.
[0034]
Among these, the recording / reproducing unit 12 includes a message recording / reproducing unit 12a that reproduces sound based on various audio signals recorded in advance, and a message recording / reproducing unit 12b that records a message by voice mail as an audio signal. The recording / playback unit 12a includes a ring tone used when an incoming call is received, a hold sound used when a voice call is put on hold, an answering message indicating that message recording is started by the answering function, and the like. An audio signal is recorded.
[0035]
The user I / F 13 includes an operation key 13a composed of a plurality of keys and a display panel 13b that displays various types of information. The operation key 13a starts and ends a plurality of numeric keys and a voice call hold. Hold key, switching key for switching the transmission path used for input / output of voice signals to / from the outside from the NCU 17 to the voice I / F 18a, an outside line key for starting the voice call, and a cut key for ending the voice call Etc.
[0036]
The voice input / output unit 15 includes a speaker 15a, a microphone 15b, and a drive circuit 15c for driving them. In addition to outputting sound based on various audio signals from the speaker 15a, the speaker 15a and the microphone 15b are used as a handset. It can also be used to make voice calls (hands-free calls).
[0037]
The external telephone device connection unit 16 includes a wireless communication unit 16a for transmitting and receiving various signals including voice signals to and from the handset terminal 30 through wireless communication, and wireless communication is performed via the wireless communication unit 16a. Is realized. Further, the external telephone device connection unit 16 is provided with an external device connection terminal 16b for connecting a mobile phone (not shown) or another telephone device via a cable. A wired telephone call is realized with the mobile phone or another telephone device via the external device connection terminal 16b. In response to an instruction from the control unit 11, the path switching unit 19 switches the transmission path used for voice signal input / output to / from the outside of the IP telephone device 10 to either the NCU 17 or the voice I / F 18 a. This transmission path is switched to the NCU 17 in the initial state.
[0038]
Further, the path switching unit 10 is configured to function as a handset (any one of the handset 14, the voice input / output unit 15, and the handset terminal 30 (external telephone device connection unit 16); hereinafter referred to as a handset). When an operation for starting a call (hereinafter referred to as an off-hook operation) is performed by either of the handset, the transmission destination of the audio signal input from the outside and the transmission destination of the audio signal output to the outside Set to the same class. Specifically, when the handset 14 is removed from the main body of the IP telephone apparatus 10, the handset 14 is set, and when the outside line key is pressed by the operation key 13 a of the user I / F 13, the voice input / output unit 15 is set. When the handset terminal 30 performs an operation for starting a call (by an outside line key constituting an operation key 33 described later), the setting is made in the external telephone device connection unit 16. On the other hand, when an operation for terminating a call (hereinafter referred to as an on-hook operation) is performed by the handset, the transmission destination and transmission source of the audio signal set in any of the handset are canceled. . Specifically, when the handset 14 is returned to the IP telephone device 10 main body, when the off key is pressed by the operation key 13a of the user I / F 13, or when the handset terminal 30 ends the call Is performed, the transmission destination and transmission source of the audio signal are canceled.
[0039]
The handset terminal 30 includes a control section 31 that controls the operation of the entire handset terminal 30, a transmitter / receiver section 32 that includes a speaker and a microphone and a drive circuit that drives these, an operation key 33 that includes a plurality of keys, A display panel 34 for displaying various information, a reproduction unit 35 for reproducing sound based on various audio signals recorded in advance, a speaker and a drive circuit for driving the speaker, and a speaker unit for outputting the sound reproduced by the reproduction unit 35 36, a wireless communication unit 37 for transmitting and receiving various signals including voice signals to and from the IP telephone device 10 main body (the wireless communication unit 16a) by a wireless signal. The operation key 33 included in the handset terminal 30 includes a plurality of numeric keys, an outside line key for starting a voice call, a disconnect key for ending a voice call, and a hold key for starting / ending a voice call hold. Etc. In addition, the playback unit 35 records voice signals such as a ringing tone used when receiving an incoming call and a holding tone used when holding a voice call.
[0040]
The PC 20 includes a control unit 21 that controls the operation of the entire PC 20, a storage unit 22 that stores various information, a communication unit 23 for connecting the PC 20 to the Internet 200, and an audio signal that inputs and outputs audio signals via the audio cable 300. An external interface unit 24 composed of an interface unit (hereinafter referred to as audio I / F) 24a and a control signal interface unit (hereinafter referred to as control I / F) 24b for inputting and outputting control signals via the USB cable 400, a keyboard and An operation unit 25 such as a mouse and a display 26 are provided.
[0041]
The PC 20 also has a function for realizing a voice call based on a voice signal transmitted via the Internet 200 (hereinafter referred to as an Internet call function). This Internet call function is realized by executing the following call start processing, transmission / reception processing, and call end processing according to the procedure indicated by application software (hereinafter referred to as call software) incorporated in the storage unit 22. It is a function.
[0042]
First, the call start processing is performed by establishing a connection (connection of a logical communication path) with a PC in which the same call software is installed among other PCs capable of data communication via the Internet 200. This is a process for starting data communication with a PC. This call start process is executed when an operation for designating the partner PC is performed by the operation unit 25 in a state where the call software is activated. Note that the calling software performs voice communication after the call start process is performed and the voice call by the Internet communication function is started until the call end process is performed and the voice call by the Internet communication function is ended. A notification signal, which is a control signal for notifying that a call has started, is continuously output to the IP telephone device 10 via the control I / F 24b and the USB cable 400.
[0043]
In the transmission / reception processing, data in packet units is generated based on the audio signal, and this data is transmitted to the PC that is establishing the connection via the communication unit 23 and the Internet 200, and via the Internet 200 and the communication unit 23. This is a process for generating an audio signal based on packet-unit data transmitted from a PC that is establishing a connection. In the present embodiment, data in units of packets is generated based on a voice signal input from the IP telephone apparatus 10 via the audio cable 300 and the voice I / F 24a, and this data is output to the Internet 200. Also, the audio signal generated based on the packet unit data is output to the IP telephone apparatus 10 via the audio I / F 24 a and the audio cable 300. This transmission / reception process is a process that is repeatedly executed after the call start process is executed and until the call end process is executed, whereby the PC 20 (IP telephone device 10 connected to) and the Internet 200 are used. Thus, a voice call is realized with the connected PC.
[0044]
The voice termination process is a process for terminating the use of the Internet call function by releasing the connection with the PC that is establishing the connection (cutting the logical communication path). This call end process is executed when an operation for designating another PC as a call partner or an operation for ending the call software is performed by the operation unit 25. Note that when an operation for terminating the calling software itself is performed, the calling software sends a release signal for notifying the release of the connection from the PC in which the calling software is installed to the PC that is establishing the connection. The PC 20 is configured to transmit, and the PC 20 executes the call termination process even when the release signal is received.
[0045]
Although detailed explanation is omitted, in a part of the communication path from the communication unit 23 of the PC 20 to the Internet 200 (section from the user side to the telephone station side), the IP telephone apparatus 10 A telephone line connecting the section from the NCU 17 to the telephone line network 100 is also used. In this section, the audio signal transmitted through the telephone network 100 and the data transmitted through the Internet 200 are transmitted in a superimposed state by ADSL (Asymmetric Digital Subscriber line) technology.
[0046]
The NCU 17 implements telephone line connection means for connecting to a telephone line network. The external telephone device connection unit 16 realizes external telephone device connection means for connecting an external telephone device equipped with a handset. The control unit 11 of the IP telephone device 10 is one of a call start command detection means for detecting a call start command for an Internet telephone, a handset on the device body side, and a handset on the external phone device side. A handset enabling means for selectively enabling the handset, and an Internet communication control means for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from other Internet terminals upon detection of an Internet telephone call start command are realized. Yes. The voice I / F 18a of the IP telephone device 10 receives a voice signal for inputting / outputting a voice signal for a call with another Internet terminal when a call start command for the Internet telephone is detected by the call start command detecting means. I / O means are realized. The path switching unit 19 of the IP telephone device 10 determines the output destination of the voice signal input via the handset activated by the handset enabling means and the input destination of the voice signal output as voice from the handset. A voice signal path switching means for switching from the telephone line connection means to the voice signal input / output means is realized.
[0047]
Further, the control I / F 18b of the IP telephone device 10 is connected to a computer, and inputs / outputs various control signals including an Internet telephone call start command to and from other Internet terminals. The control signal input / output means is realized. When the control unit 11 of the IP telephone apparatus 10 receives an off-hook signal from an external telephone device, the control unit 11 sends either an ordinary telephone or an Internet telephone that exchanges audio signals to the external telephone device via a telephone line connection unit. A message transmission means for sending a guidance message for selective use is realized. The control unit 11 also has mode setting means for setting a switching mode in which either one of a general telephone and an Internet telephone can be selectively switched and used, or a fixed mode in which only one of the telephones can be used. Realized.
[0048]
Further, the external interface unit 18 of the IP telephone device 10 is connected to a computer connected to the Internet for inputting / outputting various signals including audio signals exchanged with other terminals on the Internet. Realize the means. When the control unit 11 of the IP telephone apparatus 10 receives a predetermined command from the external telephone device via the external telephone device connection means, the voice signal is exchanged by the Internet telephone between the other terminal on the Internet and the external telephone device. Internet telephone relay means for switching the audio signal path switching means to a possible state is realized. In addition, the control unit 11 is a full call mode for sending a call signal to an external telephone device in response to a connection request from a telephone call source on the telephone line network and other terminals on the Internet, and a telephone call on the telephone line network. A mode setting means is provided for setting a one-call mode for sending a call signal to an external telephone device only when there is a connection request from either the original or another terminal on the Internet.
[0049]
Next, operations that are the main points will be described with reference to the drawings.
[0050]
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the IP telephone apparatus 10 when making a call (calling). As the operation key 13a of the IP telephone device 10, either a regular telephone or an Internet telephone is selectively used for each mobile phone (not shown) connected to the handset terminal 30 or the external device connection terminal portion 16b. There is provided a mode setting key for setting to an Internet telephone fixed mode and a general telephone fixed mode that can be used only in any one of the possible switching modes, a general telephone and an Internet telephone.
[0051]
First, when making a call by operating the handset 14 off-hook (S1: YES), the control unit 11 of the IP telephone apparatus 10 validates the handset 14 and connects the handset 14 to the path switching unit 19 (S2).
[0052]
On the other hand, when making a call by operating the handset terminal 30 off-hook (S1: NO, S3: YES), the control unit 11 recognizes the number of the handset terminal 30 (S4) and sets the handset terminal 30 to The slave terminal 30 is connected to the path switching unit 19 as valid (S5).
[0053]
When making a call by performing an off-hook operation or the like on the external connection telephone connected to the external device connection terminal section 16b (S3: NO), the control section 11 validates the external connection telephone and externally connects to the path switching section 19. The connected telephone is connected (S6).
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 3, a setting mode table for determining a use mode for each device is stored in the register of the control unit 11 in advance. The control unit 11 proceeds with the following processing with reference to the setting mode table.
[0055]
That is, when the setting mode of the enabled device is set to the switching mode (S7: switching mode), the control unit 11 causes the enabled device to select an Internet phone or a general phone. A guidance message is notified (S8). As a result, for example, a guidance message is displayed on the display panel 34 of the handset terminal 30, and a voice of the same content is emitted from the speaker unit 36. Of course, at the same time, the guidance message may be displayed on the IP telephone device 10 or may be emitted as a voice. By the way, the guidance message is, for example, “When making an IP phone call, enter the phone number with“ # ”in front of the destination phone number. ”And the input of“ # ”is connected to the Internet phone selection command.
[0056]
Thereafter, for example, an input operation of the destination telephone number is performed on the handset terminal 30, and a corresponding DTMF (Dual Tone Multi Frequency) signal is sent from the handset terminal 30 to the IP telephone apparatus 10, but the control unit 11 detects a DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 (S9: YES), it determines whether or not an Internet telephone selection command is included in the DTMF signal (S10).
[0057]
When an internet telephone selection command is included (S10: YES), the control unit 11 performs an internet telephone connection relay process (S11). According to this Internet telephone connection relay process, the IP telephone apparatus 10 is connected to the Internet 200 via the PC 20, and access is made to a telephone partner terminal on the Internet 200. In response to this, when the other party's terminal goes off-hook, voice packets are exchanged via the Internet 200. The voice packet is processed by the communication unit 23 of the PC 20 at a very high speed, and the voice signal is exchanged between the IP telephone apparatus 10 and the PC 20 via the voice I / Fs 24 a and 18 a and the audio cable 300. Further, in the IP telephone device 10, voice is input / output to / from the wireless communication unit 37 of the slave terminal 30 via the voice I / F 18 a, the path switching unit 19, and the wireless communication unit 16 a. As a result, a telephone call is made by Internet telephone using the handset terminal 30. The same operation is performed on the external connection telephone. Of course, when an Internet phone call is made from the IP telephone device 10 as the main body, the voice signal is exchanged through the voice I / F 18a, the path switching unit 19, and the handset 14. It is possible to make a call.
[0058]
For example, when a telephone call is terminated using the handset terminal 30 and an on-hook signal is received from the handset terminal 30 (S12: YES), the control unit 11 performs an internet telephone connection disconnection process (S13) and makes a telephone call. Finish the relay process. According to the Internet telephone connection disconnection process, the connection state of the voice I / F 18a, the path switching unit 19, the wireless communication unit 16a, etc. is released, and the original standby state is restored.
[0059]
In S12, for example, when the on-hook signal is not yet sent from the slave terminal 30 in the talking state (S12: NO), the control unit 11 continues the talking state by the Internet telephone until receiving the on-hook signal.
[0060]
If the Internet telephone selection command is not included in S10 (S10: NO), the control unit 11 performs a general telephone connection relay process (S14). According to this general telephone connection relay process, the IP telephone apparatus 10 is connected to the telephone line network 100 via the NCU 17 or the like, and a call process is performed on a telephone partner terminal on the telephone line network 100. In response to this, when the other party's terminal goes off-hook, a voice signal is exchanged via the telephone network 100. This audio signal is exchanged through the NCU 17, the path switching unit 19, the wireless communication unit 16a, and the like. As a result, a telephone call is made using a general telephone using the handset terminal 30. Note that when a general telephone is placed from an external connection telephone, voice signals are exchanged through the NCU 17, the path switching unit 19, and the external device connection terminal 16b, and a telephone call can be made on the external connection telephone. Of course, when a general telephone call is made from the IP telephone device 10 as the main body, voice signals are exchanged through the NCU 17, the path switching unit 19, and the handset 14, so that the main body can make a call by a general telephone.
[0061]
For example, when a telephone call using the handset terminal 30 is finished and an on-hook signal is received from the handset terminal 30 (S15: YES), the control unit 11 performs a general telephone connection disconnection process (S16) to make a telephone call. Finish the relay process. According to this general telephone connection disconnection process, the connection state of the NCU 17, the path switching unit 19, and the wireless communication unit 16a is released, and the original standby state is restored.
[0062]
In S9, when the DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 cannot be detected (S9: NO), the control unit 11 waits for the next process until the DTMF signal is detected. If the DTMF signal cannot be detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the telephone call relay process may be terminated as it is as a time-out process.
[0063]
In S7, when the setting mode of the enabled device is set to the Internet phone fixed mode (S7: Internet phone fixed mode), the control unit 11 performs the Internet phone fixed mode for the enabled device. A message to that effect is notified (S20). In this case, unlike the switching mode, it is unnecessary to input “#” before the destination telephone number.
[0064]
Thereafter, for example, in response to an input operation of the destination telephone number being performed on the enabled handset terminal 30, the control unit 11 detects a DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 (S21: YES), S11 Proceed to On the other hand, when the DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 cannot be detected (S21: NO), the control unit 11 waits for the next processing until the DTMF signal is detected. If the DTMF signal cannot be detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the telephone call relay process may be terminated as it is as a time-out process.
[0065]
Further, in S7, when the setting mode of the enabled device is set to the general telephone fixed mode (S7: general telephone fixed mode), the control unit 11 performs the general telephone fixed mode for the enabled device. Is notified (S30).
[0066]
Thereafter, for example, in response to an input operation of the destination telephone number being performed on the enabled handset terminal 30, the control unit 11 detects a DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 (S31: YES), S14 Proceed to On the other hand, when the DTMF signal from the handset terminal 30 cannot be detected (S31: NO), the control unit 11 waits for the next processing until the DTMF signal is detected. If the DTMF signal cannot be detected even after a predetermined time has elapsed, the telephone call relay process may be terminated as it is as a time-out process.
[0067]
Next, FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the IP telephone apparatus 10 when a telephone call is made from a telephone caller by Internet telephone (incoming call). Note that the operation key 13a of the IP telephone device 10 includes all calls for sending a call signal to the external connection telephone or the handset terminal 30 when there is a connection request from any telephone call source of general telephones and Internet telephones. Mode, mode setting for setting to the Internet telephone limited call mode or the general telephone limited call mode for sending a call signal to the external connection telephone or the handset terminal 30 only when there is a connection request from one of the telephone callers A key is provided. Incidentally, FIG. 4 shows a procedure for responding to a call using the handset terminal 30, but the same contents as FIG. 4 are applicable when responding by an off-hook operation of the external connection telephone or the handset 14.
[0068]
First, when there is a connection request by Internet telephone from a telephone caller on the Internet 200 via the PC 20 (S40: YES), the control unit 11 informs the user that the IP telephone is actually being made. Therefore, a ringing tone is generated on the IP telephone device 10 (S41).
[0069]
At the same time, the control unit 11 checks which call mode is set in the relationship between the IP telephone device 10 as the main body and the handset terminal 30 (S42). Although not particularly shown, a setting mode table to be referred to at this time is also stored in advance in a register or the like of the control unit 11.
[0070]
When the all call mode or the Internet phone limited call mode is set (S42: YES), the control unit 11 sends a call signal to the handset terminal 30 (S43). Thereby, in the handset device 30, a ringing tone sounds in response to reception of the calling signal.
[0071]
After that, when an off-hook signal is received from the handset terminal 30 (S45: YES) until the predetermined time elapses (S44: NO), the control unit 11 performs Internet telephone connection relay processing (S46). According to this Internet telephone connection relay processing, the handset terminal 30 is connected to the telephone call origination terminal on the Internet 200 via the PC 20 and the IP telephone device 10, and voice is transmitted via the Internet 200. Packets are exchanged. The voice packet is processed by the communication unit 23 of the PC 20 at a very high speed, and the voice signal is exchanged between the IP telephone apparatus 10 and the PC 20 via the voice I / Fs 24 a and 18 a and the audio cable 300. Further, in the IP telephone device 10, voice is input / output to / from the wireless communication unit 37 of the slave terminal 30 via the voice I / F 18 a, the path switching unit 19, and the wireless communication unit 16 a. Thereby, it is possible to receive an Internet phone call using the handset terminal 30. The same operation is performed on the external connection telephone. Of course, when the handset 14 of the IP telephone apparatus 10 serving as the main body is operated off-hook, a voice signal is exchanged through the voice I / F 18a, the path switching unit 19, and the handset 14. Therefore, even if the handset 14 of the main body is used, the Internet A telephone call is possible.
[0072]
When the telephone call via the handset terminal 30 is completed and an on-hook signal is received from the handset terminal 30 (S47: YES), the control unit 11 performs an Internet telephone connection disconnection process (S48), and the incoming call relay is performed. Finish the process. According to the Internet telephone connection disconnection process, the connection state of the voice I / F 18a, the path switching unit 19, the wireless communication unit 16a, etc. is released, and the original standby state is restored.
[0073]
In S47, when the on-hook signal is not yet sent from the handset terminal 30 (S47: NO), the control unit 11 continues the communication state by the Internet telephone until receiving the on-hook signal.
[0074]
In S45, when there is no off-hook signal from handset terminal 30 (S45: NO), control unit 11 returns to S44.
[0075]
In S44, when the predetermined time has passed without the off-hook signal from the handset terminal 30 (S44: YES), the incoming call relay process is finished as it is by the timeout process.
[0076]
If the general telephone limited call mode is set in S42 (S42: NO), the control unit 11 does not send a call signal to the handset terminal 30 even when there is a connection request via the Internet telephone, as it is. Finish the incoming call relay process. That is, in this case, the ringing tone does not sound in the handset terminal 30.
[0077]
In S40, when there is no connection request by Internet telephone (S40: NO), the control unit 11 keeps waiting until there is a connection request by Internet telephone. When there is a connection request by a general telephone, a processing procedure corresponding to the connection request is executed.
[0078]
Therefore, according to the present embodiment, not only a telephone call by the Internet telephone is performed using the handset 14 of the IP telephone apparatus 10, but also an Internet telephone can be used by using the handset terminal 30 having only a general telephone function or an external connection telephone. You can make a call.
[0079]
In addition, when trying to make an Internet phone call or a general phone using the handset terminal 30 or an external connection telephone, when the handset terminal 30 or the external connection telephone is set to the switching mode on the IP telephone device 10 Since the guidance message for selecting one of the telephone functions is sent to the handset terminal 30 or the external connection telephone, the Internet telephone or the telephone can be simply operated by operating the handset terminal 30 or the external connection telephone in accordance with the guidance message. You can easily make a regular phone call.
[0080]
Further, not only can the IP telephone device 10 be used to respond to an incoming Internet telephone call, but the slave terminal 30 or an external connection telephone can also respond to an incoming Internet telephone call.
[0081]
Further, when there is a connection request from a telephone caller using an Internet telephone, a calling signal is sent to the handset terminal 30 or the external connection telephone, so that a ringing tone is also emitted from the handset terminal 30 or the external connection telephone. You can be sure that you have an Internet phone call.
[0082]
In addition, this invention is not limited to said embodiment.
[0083]
In the above embodiment, the configuration in which the IP telephone system 1 connects the IP telephone apparatus 10 and the PC 20 with the audio cable 300 is exemplified. However, when the IP telephone apparatus 10 has a configuration that functions in the same manner as the PC 20, the IP telephone system 1 may be configured with only the IP telephone apparatus 10. More specifically, as in the IP telephone system 2 shown in FIG. 5, the communication unit 42 that connects the IP telephone apparatus 10 to the Internet 200 and a storage device in which call software is incorporated, and the PC 20 that operates according to the call software. It is only necessary to provide an internet call processing unit 44 for causing the control unit 11 to function in the same manner as (the control unit 21).
[0084]
Although it is a secondary effect, even if the answering machine function is only provided in the external connection telephone or the like but not in the IP telephone device 10, the external connection telephone or the like automatically reacts to the incoming call by the Internet telephone, and the Internet Voice from the telephone caller by telephone can be recorded on an externally connected telephone. In other words, an Internet telephone can be used simply by connecting an existing external connection telephone having only a general telephone function to the IP telephone device 10, and various functions of the existing external connection telephone can be effectively used in the Internet telephone. .
[0085]
When making an Internet phone call, it is necessary to enter the phone number with a “#” in front of the destination phone number. However, when making a general phone call, a specific key input may be required.
[0086]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, according to the IP telephone apparatus of the invention described in claim 1, in addition to making a telephone call by Internet phone alone, for example, a cordless telephone having only a general telephone function, an external telephone, etc. Even if these external telephone devices are connected, it is possible to make a call by Internet telephone using these external telephone devices.
[0087]
[0088]
[0089]
[0090]
[0091]
[0092]
Also When you try to make an Internet phone call or a general phone call using an external phone device, a guidance message for selecting one of them will be sent to the external phone device, so operate the external phone device according to the guidance message. You can easily make Internet calls or regular calls.
[0093]
Claims 2 According to the IP telephone apparatus of the invention described in claim 1, 1 In addition to the effects of the IP telephone device described in the above, when an external telephone device is used to make an Internet telephone call or a general telephone call, a message corresponding to the switching mode or the fixed mode set at that time is displayed on the external telephone. Since it is sent to the device, it is possible to make an Internet phone call or a general phone call simply by operating the external phone device according to such a message.
[0094]
And claims 3 According to the IP telephone system of the invention described in (1), it is possible to obtain the same effect as that obtained by the IP telephone apparatus according to the first aspect of the present invention while enabling Internet telephone through a computer.
[0095]
[0096]
Also When a connection request is made from a telephone caller via an Internet telephone, a call signal is sent to the external telephone device. Can do.
[0097]
Also The For example, in the one-sided call mode that sends a call signal to an external telephone device only when there is a connection request from a telephone caller on the Internet, the ringtone of the external telephone device sounds only when an Internet phone call is received. You can be sure of that.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is a block diagram for explaining an IP telephone apparatus according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the IP telephone device when making a call (calling).
FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram for explaining a setting mode for each device;
FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the IP telephone apparatus when a telephone call is made from a telephone caller by Internet telephone (incoming call).
FIG. 5 is a block diagram for explaining a modification of the IP telephone system.
[Explanation of symbols]
1, 2 IP phone system
10 IP telephone equipment
11 Control unit
12 Recording / playback part
13 User I / F
13a Operation key
13b Display panel
14 Handset
15 Voice input / output section
16 External telephone equipment connection
16a wireless communication unit
16b External device connection terminal
17 NCU
18 External interface
18a Voice I / F
18b Control I / F
19 Route switching part
20 PC
21 Control unit
22 Memory unit
23 Communication Department
24 External interface
24a Voice I / F
24b Control I / F
25 Operation unit
30 handset terminal
31 Control unit
32 Transceiver
33 Operation keys
34 Display panel
35 Playback unit
36 Speaker section
37 Wireless communication unit
42 Communication Department
44 Internet Communication Processing Department
100 telephone network
200 Internet
300 audio cable

Claims (3)

A telephone line connection means for connecting to a telephone line network is provided, and a telephone call based on an audio signal transmitted and received between the telephone line connection means and another telephone device via the telephone line network is provided in the apparatus main body. An IP telephone device that can be executed by a handset,
An external telephone device connection means for connecting an external telephone device equipped with a handset;
A call start command detecting means for detecting a call start command of an Internet telephone;
When a call start command for an Internet telephone is detected by the call start command detection unit, a voice signal input / output unit for inputting / outputting a voice signal for a call to / from another Internet terminal;
A handset enabling means for selectively enabling one of the handset on the apparatus main body side and the handset on the external telephone device side;
The output destination of the voice signal input via the handset activated by the handset enabling means and the input destination of the voice signal output as voice from the handset are sent from the telephone line connection means to the voice signal. Audio signal path switching means for switching to input / output means;
Internet communication control means for transmitting and receiving audio signals to and from the other Internet terminals when a call start command for the Internet telephone is detected ;
When an off-hook signal is received from the external telephone device, the external telephone device is made to selectively use one of the general telephone and the Internet telephone that exchange voice signals via the telephone line connection means. An IP telephone apparatus comprising a message transmission means for transmitting a guidance message . A mode setting means for setting a switching mode in which either one of the general telephone and the Internet telephone can be selectively switched and used, or a fixed mode in which only one of the telephones can be used;
When the message transmission means receives an off-hook signal from the external telephone device in the switching mode, it sends the guidance message to the external telephone device, and receives the off-hook signal from the external telephone device in the fixed mode. 2. The IP telephone apparatus according to claim 1, wherein a message indicating that the mode is fixed mode is sent to the external telephone device. An IP telephone device comprising a telephone handset and a telephone line connection means for connecting to a telephone network is exchanged with a computer connected to the Internet with other terminals on the Internet. An IP telephone system connected via computer connection means for inputting and outputting various signals including voice signals,
In the IP telephone apparatus, the voice signal path switching for switching the path of the voice signal exchanged via the handset from the telephone line connection means to the computer connection means or from the computer connection means to the telephone line connection means. Means,
An external telephone device connection means for externally connecting an external telephone device having only a general telephone function to the IP telephone device;
When a predetermined command is received from the external telephone device via the external telephone device connection means, the voice is put into a state in which a voice signal can be exchanged by Internet telephone between the other terminal on the Internet and the external telephone device. Internet telephone relay means for switching signal path switching means;
A call signal output means for outputting a call signal to the external telephone device at the time of a connection request from another terminal on the Internet;
All call modes for sending a call signal to the external telephone device in response to a connection request from a telephone call source on the telephone line network and another terminal on the Internet, or a telephone call source on the telephone line network, or Mode setting means for setting a one-call mode for sending a call signal to the external telephone device only when there is a connection request from any one of the other telephone call sources on the Internet. to, IP telephone system.

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