JP5150984B2 - COMMUNICATION CONTROL DEVICE AND ITS CONTROL METHOD - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, and a ringing tone for calling a telephone terminal via the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected. The present invention relates to a communication control device including a call signal transmission unit for transmitting a signal and an improvement of the control method.

A line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal such as a telephone or a fax machine, and a ringing call to the telephone terminal via the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected. A communication control device including a call signal sending unit for sending a signal is already known.
There is also known a communication control device including a telephone terminal control unit that controls and monitors a telephone terminal such as a telephone or a fax machine connected to the telephone terminal connection unit.

  In general, this type of communication control device cannot detect the presence or absence of connection of the telephone terminal from the side of the communication control device unless the telephone terminal goes off-hook and the telephone terminal enters an operating state.

  As a result, the communication control device cannot confirm whether or not the telephone terminal is connected when the telephone terminal is on-hook and the telephone terminal is always connected to the telephone terminal connection unit on the communication control device side. It is necessary to control and monitor the telephone terminal on the assumption that it is connected, for example, processing of sending a ringing signal at the time of incoming call and detecting on-hook / off-hook of the telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. In particular, there is a disadvantage that wasteful power is consumed in a situation where no telephone terminal is connected.

  Furthermore, since an incoming signal continues to be sent when an incoming call occurs in a situation where the telephone terminal is not connected, the calling side will be repeatedly heard of the signal sound that is being called unless the caller ends the call. Also occurs.

  In addition, although the communication control device is connected to the network via a line connection unit, the communication control device itself does not have a function for confirming whether or not the telephone terminal is connected. There is an annoyance that the presence or absence of the connection cannot be confirmed unless you go to the place where the telephone terminal should be installed when checking the maintenance and status of the communication control device and telephone terminal. .

Note that a monitoring circuit that detects a ringer signal output abnormality by detecting a decrease in the output voltage of the ringer circuit is disclosed in Patent Document 1, but this monitoring circuit merely detects a ringer signal output abnormality. However, there is no function for confirming whether or not the telephone terminal is connected in the subscriber circuit.
Further, the abnormality detection process in the monitoring circuit is not performed unless a ringer signal is requested to be transmitted from the subscriber circuit. Therefore, unless the telephone terminal is used, an abnormality in the output of the ringer signal cannot be detected. Although the abnormality detection target is different, there is an inconvenience similar to the communication control device described above in that it does not function unless a telephone terminal is used.

Also, a line terminal device that checks the connection state of a telephone using a loopback of a toner signal output when an incoming call is received from a telephone line and stops sending a pseudo CI signal when the telephone is not connected is disclosed in Patent Document 2 has been proposed.
However, this line terminal device is the same as the communication control device and the monitoring circuit described above in that it does not function unless there is an incoming call from the telephone line. Further, the process for confirming the connection state of the telephone is performed from the telephone line. Since this process is repeatedly executed every time there is an incoming call, there is a disadvantage in that power consumption is wasted, particularly in a usage situation where there are frequent incoming calls.

  An off-hook detection device that detects an off-hook state of a telephone using a call signal and a change in impedance of a subscriber terminal is known as Patent Document 3, and together with Patent Document 2 described above, Techniques for detecting the connection state of a telephone and the off-hook state of the telephone based on changes in voltage level and current level are known per se.

JP-A-5-325081 (paragraphs 0028, 0031, 0036) JP 2010-68307 A (paragraphs 0027, 0029-0030) JP-A-6-232966 (paragraph 0008)

  An object of the present invention is to provide a communication control apparatus that can confirm whether or not a telephone terminal is connected even when the telephone terminal is not off-hook, and even when there is no incoming call from the network, and does not consume wasteful power. And providing a control method thereof.

The communication control device of the present invention includes a line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, a telephone terminal control unit for controlling and monitoring a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, A communication control device comprising: a call signal sending unit for sending a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal via the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected, and achieving the object Especially because
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. A detection unit that detects and digitizes electrical characteristics that change from time to time inside the communication control device;
A value obtained by quantifying an electrical characteristic detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit A storage unit storing a threshold value composed of an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the call signal transmission unit is not connected,
At least, when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time to send the ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit and the detection unit is operated, Reading the value digitized by the detection unit and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit to determine whether a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal If a telephone terminal is connected to the connection part, it stores that a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, while if no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, the telephone terminal connection part And a control unit for storing that the telephone terminal is not connected.

The communication control device control method of the present invention includes a line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, and the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected. And a communication control device control method comprising a call signal sending unit for sending a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal via the phone terminal, in order to achieve the same object as described above,
At least when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time to send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit,
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. Detect and quantify electrical characteristics that change over time,
A value obtained by quantifying electrical characteristics detected when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit and a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit The telephone terminal connection unit is compared with a threshold value composed of an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where there is no telephone signal. Determine whether or not
If a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the control unit of the communication control device stores that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, while the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. If not, the control unit of the communication control apparatus stores that the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit.

The communication control device and the control method of the present invention send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit by operating the call signal transmission unit for a predetermined set time at least when the power to the communication control device is turned on. In addition, the detection unit that detects the electrical characteristics is operated inside the communication control device, and the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit by comparing the magnitude relationship between the value quantified by the detection unit and the threshold value. Therefore, it is possible to check whether the telephone terminal is connected even when the telephone terminal is not off-hook, and even when there is no incoming call from the network.
Further, if the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the control unit stores that the telephone terminal is connected, and if the telephone terminal is not connected, controls that the telephone terminal is not connected. In the situation where the telephone terminal is not connected, the control and monitoring of the telephone terminal, such as sending out a ringing signal when receiving a call and detecting the on-hook / off-hook of the telephone terminal, are not performed. In practice, it is possible to easily prevent wasteful power consumption in a situation where no telephone terminal is connected.

It is the block diagram shown about the outline of the structure of the communication control apparatus of one Embodiment to which this invention is applied. Conceptually shows the rising state of the current flowing in the signal line between the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated with the telephone terminal connected to the phone terminal connection unit. (Example 1). 5 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing of a control unit configured by a microprocessor (first embodiment). (Example 1) which is the continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline | summary of the process of the control part comprised by a microprocessor. A solid line indicates the rise of the voltage that flows in the signal line between the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated with the telephone terminal connected to the phone terminal connection unit. The two-dot chain line indicates the rise of the voltage flowing in the signal line between the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where no telephone terminal is connected to the terminal connection unit. (Example 2) which is a conceptual diagram. 10 is a flowchart illustrating an outline of processing of a control unit configured by a microprocessor (second embodiment). (Example 2) which is the continuation of the flowchart shown about the outline | summary of the process of the control part comprised by a microprocessor.

  Next, an example is given about the form for implementing this invention, and it demonstrates concretely with reference to drawings.

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an outline of a configuration of a communication control apparatus 1 according to an embodiment to which the present invention is applied.

  The communication control device 1 is a telephone terminal connection for connecting a line connection unit 2 for connecting to a network 9 such as the Internet or a private line network capable of transmitting and receiving data by IP telephone and a telephone terminal 10 such as a telephone or a fax machine. Unit 3, telephone terminal control unit 4 that controls and monitors telephone terminal 10 connected to telephone terminal connection unit 3 via connection cable 11, and telephone terminal connection unit 3 when an incoming call from network 9 is detected. And a call signal sending unit 5 for sending a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal 10 via the connection cable 11.

  The configurations and functions of the line connection unit 2, the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the telephone terminal control unit 4, the call signal transmission unit 5, the network 9, the telephone terminal 10, and the connection cable 11 are already known.

The connection cable 11 is a two-wire (TIP / RING) telephone connection cable, and the telephone terminal 10 is controlled and monitored with an analog signal by the telephone terminal control unit 4 via the connection cable 11.
That is, the signal line connecting the telephone terminal control unit 4 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is also a two-wire signal line, and a ringing signal for calling is sent to the telephone terminal 10 using a part of the signal line. The signal line of the call signal sending unit 5 is also a two-wire type.
Further, the meaning of the control and monitoring here is the transmission of a ringing signal at the time of an incoming call, detection of a call request from the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, connection processing, on-hook / off-hook detection processing, etc. It is.
The line connection unit 2 also supports transmission / reception of IP telephones using Ethernet (registered trademark) or optical communication technology.

The communication control device 1 of this embodiment further connects the telephone terminal 10 to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated with the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. The detecting unit 6 that detects and digitizes the electrical characteristics that change depending on when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state in which the call signal is not transmitted, and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 and the telephone terminal 10 When the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected, the electrical characteristic detected by the detection unit 6 is digitized and the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. A storage unit 7 is provided for storing a threshold value composed of an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected by the detection unit 6 when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated.
Further, the communication control device 1 operates the call signal sending unit 5 for at least a preset time T1 when the power to the communication control device 1 is turned on to send the ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. The telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 by operating the detection unit 6 and reading the value digitized by the detection unit 6 and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 7. If the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the storage unit 7 stores the fact that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, while the telephone terminal connection If the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the unit 3, a control unit 8 that stores in the storage unit 7 that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is provided.

  However, the set time T1 is determined to be shorter than the time required from when the call signal sending unit 5 starts sending the ringing signal for calling to when the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 is actually started. Value.

  The main part of the control unit 8 is constituted by a microprocessor, and a control program required for driving the microprocessor is stored in the storage unit 7 of the communication control device 1 in advance. Therefore, the storage unit 7 storing a control program for driving the microprocessor is a part of the control unit 8 in a broad sense.

  Further, the control unit 8 operates the telephone terminal control unit 4 in a situation where the storage unit 7 stores the connection of the telephone terminal 10, that is, sends a ringing signal at the time of incoming call or a telephone connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. While allowing the processing of detecting the on-hook / off-hook of the terminal 10 and the like while the storage unit 7 stores the unconnected state of the telephone terminal 10, the operation of the telephone terminal control unit 4 is prohibited, Connected via the line connection unit 9 when a function that disables on-hook / off-hook detection processing, etc., and when the incoming call from the network 9 is detected while the storage unit 7 stores the unconnected state of the telephone terminal 10 It has a function of returning a busy signal or a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected to the transmission source of the request.

In addition, the control unit 8 operates the call signal transmission unit 5 every predetermined period T2 longer than the set time T1, causes the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to transmit a ringing signal for calling, and operates the detection unit 6 to detect A function of reading the value digitized by the unit 6 and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit 7 to determine whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3; If the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at that time, the fact that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is updated and stored in the storage unit 7, while the telephone terminal is If the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the connection unit 3, it has a function of updating and storing in the storage unit 7 that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3.
In order to always properly grasp the presence / absence of connection of the telephone terminal 10 to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, it is desirable to reconfirm the presence / absence of connection of the telephone terminal 10 every predetermined period, but the value of T2 is set too short. Then, since it causes useless power consumption, it is desirable to set the value to a length equal to or greater than or equal to a generally assumed incoming interval.

  The telephone terminal control unit 4 is necessary for controlling and monitoring the telephone terminal 10, but is not a constituent element necessary for confirming whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected. If it is only for the purpose of confirming the presence or absence of connection, it is not an essential component requirement.

  Next, as a more specific example, the call signal sending unit 5 is activated when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated with the telephone terminal 10 connected and when the telephone terminal 10 is not connected. As an electrical feature that changes from time to time, the presence or absence of connection of the telephone terminal 10 is confirmed by detecting the value of the current flowing in the signal line between the calling signal sending section 5 and the telephone terminal connection section 3. Examples will be described.

  In this case, it is detected by a current detection circuit for detecting the current flowing through one of the signal lines connecting the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 as an electrical feature, an A / D converter for digitization, and the like. 6, and the storage unit 7 includes the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated with the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. When the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 and the value of the current flowing through the signal line between the call signal sending unit 5 and the phone terminal connection unit 3 A threshold value composed of an intermediate value of the value of the current flowing through the signal line between is stored.

  In a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the two-wire signal lines connecting the calling signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 are substantially insulated from each other. Even if the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in this state, almost no current flows through the signal line between the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated, the telephone terminal connection is established when the current flowing through the signal line between the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is 3 (mA) or less. It is determined that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the unit 3 and the current flowing in the signal line between the calling signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connecting unit 3 when the calling signal sending unit 5 is operated is When 3 (mA) is exceeded, it is determined that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. That is, the storage unit 7 stores a value of 3 (mA) as a threshold value.
Naturally, when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the current flowing through the signal line between the call signal sending unit 5 and the phone terminal connection unit 3 is The threshold value of 3 (mA) is larger than 3 (mA), so that the call signal transmission unit 5 is activated when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. 5 and a call signal sending unit when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. 5 and an intermediate value of the value of the current flowing in the signal line between the telephone terminal connection unit 3.

FIG. 2 shows a current flowing in a signal line between the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the phone terminal 10 is connected to the phone terminal connection unit 3. FIG.
The time T1 for operating the call signal sending unit 5 to confirm the connection of the telephone terminal 10 is from when the call signal sending unit 5 starts sending the ringing signal for calling until the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 is actually started. Therefore, if the sending of the ringing signal from the calling signal sending unit 5 is started and the sending of the ringing signal is stopped immediately after T1 has elapsed, Even when the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the telephone terminal 10 does not actually ring.

  3 to 4 are flowcharts showing an outline of processing of the control unit 8 constituted by a microprocessor.

  Next, the overall processing operation of the communication control apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

When the communication control device 1 is turned on, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 first reads the value of the preset time T1 as the operation time of the calling signal sending unit 5 from the storage unit 7 and loads it into the timer T. After setting (step a1), the ringing signal sending unit 5 is activated to send the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 and the detection unit 6 is started (step a2), and then the timer T is started to ring. The measurement of the elapsed time after the start of signal transmission is started (step a3).
As the timer T, a timer using a counter that uses a coefficient of the machine clock of the microprocessor in software is known, and no special hardware is required.

  Next, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 reads the current value detected by the detection unit 6 (step a4), and determines whether or not the value exceeds the threshold value 3 (mA) (step a5). .

  If the current value detected by the detection unit 6 does not exceed the threshold value 3 (mA), the microprocessor of the control unit 8 further indicates that the elapsed time T after the start of the ringing signal transmission reaches the set time T1. It is determined whether or not (step a6).

  If the elapsed time T after the start of the sound signal transmission has not reached the set time T1, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 repeatedly executes the processing of step a4 to step a6 in the same manner as described above, and the detection unit 6 It waits until the detected current value exceeds 3 (mA) which is a threshold value, or the elapsed time T after the start of ringing signal transmission reaches the set time T1.

  When it is confirmed that the determination result of step a5 is true and the current value detected by the detection unit 6 exceeds the threshold value of 3 (mA) while repeatedly executing the processing of step a4 to step a6 That is, when it becomes clear that the current value detected by the detector 6 exceeds the threshold value 3 (mA) before the elapsed time T after the start of the ringing signal transmission reaches the set time T1, This means that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at the time.

  Therefore, in this case, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 immediately stops the operation of the calling signal sending unit 5, stops sending the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, and prevents the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 and the detection unit. 6 is returned to a non-operating state to prevent generation of useless noise and useless power consumption (step a11).

  Next, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 sets the value 1 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the connection state confirmation flag F of the storage unit 7, thereby making the telephone terminal connection unit 3 That the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the terminal (step a12).

  On the contrary, during the repeated execution of steps a4 to a6, it is confirmed that the determination result of step a6 is false and the elapsed time T after the start of ringing signal transmission has reached the set time T1. In other words, when it becomes clear that the current value detected by the detection unit 6 does not exceed the threshold value 3 (mA) even when the elapsed time T after the start of the ringing signal reaches the set time T1. Means that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3.

  Accordingly, in this case, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 immediately stops the operation of the calling signal sending unit 5 to stop sending the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, and puts the detection unit 6 into an inactive state. By returning it, wasteful power consumption is prevented (step a7), and by setting the value 0 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the connection state confirmation flag F of the storage unit 7, It is stored that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 (step a8).

  Then, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 reads a predetermined value of the predetermined period T2 from the storage unit 7 in order to repeatedly confirm whether the telephone terminal 10 is connected or not, and sets it to the timer T again (step a9). The timer T is started, and the measurement of the elapsed time after finishing the process of determining whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is started (step a10).

  Next, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 determines whether or not the elapsed time T since the previous determination process related to whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 has reached a predetermined period T2. Is determined (step a13).

  When the determination result in step a13 is true and it is confirmed that the elapsed time T has not reached the predetermined period T2, that is, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is newly connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at this time. When it becomes clear that it is not necessary to perform the determination process, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 determines whether there is an incoming call from the network 9 in the same manner as in the prior art (step a14). If there is no incoming call, it is further determined whether there is a call request from the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 (step a18).

  However, the call request from the telephone terminal 10 is detected only when the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3.

  If a call request from the telephone terminal 10 is not detected, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 further sets the value 1 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the connection state confirmation flag F. It is determined whether it is set (step a20).

  Then, only when the value 1 is set in the continuous state confirmation flag F, that is, when the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 controls the telephone terminal control 4. The telephone terminal control 4 performs processing related to control and monitoring of the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, for example, on-hook / off-hook detection processing of the telephone terminal 10, etc. It is executed (step a21).

  On the other hand, when the value 1 is not set in the continuous state confirmation flag F and the determination result in step a20 is false, that is, it is clear that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. In this case, since it is meaningless to execute the process related to the control and monitoring of the telephone terminal 10, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 prohibits the operation of the telephone terminal control 4 and disables the process of step a 21. By executing, wasteful power consumption is prevented, and the process returns to the initial standby state in which only the determination processing of step a13, step a14, step a18, and step a20 is repeated.

  If the determination result in step a18 is true and a call request from the telephone terminal 10 is detected, it is clear that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. The microprocessor 8 permits the operation of the telephone terminal control 4 and performs processing related to control and monitoring of the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, that is, connection processing corresponding to the call request, etc. The control 4 is executed as in the conventional case (step a19).

  When the determination result in step a14 is true and an incoming call from the network 9 is detected, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 has a value 1 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. Is set in the connection state confirmation flag F (step a15).

  If the determination result in step a15 is true, that is, if the value 1 is set in the connection state confirmation flag F, it is confirmed that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at this time. Therefore, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 operates the call signal sending unit 5 in the same manner as in the past, and sends a ringing signal for calling to the phone terminal 10 via the phone terminal connection unit 3 and the connection cable 11. Then, the user is notified of the incoming call by ringing the telephone terminal 10 (step a17).

  In this case, there is no limit on the operation time of the call signal sending unit 5, so unless the transmission source stops the call or the user of the telephone terminal 10 connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 does not go off-hook the telephone terminal 10. The telephone terminal 10 continues to ring.

  On the other hand, when the determination result of step a15 is false, that is, when the value 1 is not set in the connection state confirmation flag F, the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. Therefore, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 prevents useless power consumption by prohibiting the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 based on the incoming call and not sending the ringing signal for calling. Then, a busy signal or a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected is returned to the connection request transmission source via the network 9 (step a16).

The terminal installed at the source of the connection request can confirm that communication is impossible by detecting the input of a busy signal, and input a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected. By detecting, it can be confirmed that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the communication control apparatus 1 of the communication destination.
Accordingly, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the communication control device 1 at the connection request transmission source without going to the place where the telephone terminal 10 should be installed for maintenance or status check. Can be easily confirmed from a remote location via the network 9.
Further, the inconvenience that the calling signal is continuously transmitted to the connection request transmission source due to the unconnected telephone terminal 10 is also eliminated.

In this way, while the determination process of step a13, step a14, step a18, and step a20 and the process according to the determination result are repeatedly executed, the determination result of step a13 becomes false, and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is called. When it is confirmed that the elapsed time T since the previous determination process related to whether or not the terminal 10 is connected has reached the predetermined period T2, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 performs the same as described above. Step a1 to step a6, step a11 to step a12, step a9 to step a10, or step a1 to step a10 are repeatedly executed. At that time, the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. If the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the connection status confirmation flag F is set. While set to update the 1, telephone terminal 10 to the telephone terminal connection portion 3 is set to update the value 0 to the connection state confirmation flag F when it is not attached.
Then, the value of the predetermined period T2 is set in the timer T, the timer T is started, and the elapsed time from the end of the process of determining whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is measured again. Start.

  Accordingly, when the telephone terminal 10 is removed from the telephone terminal connection unit 3 while the communication control device 1 is in operation, or the telephone terminal 10 is newly connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 that has not been connected. In addition, the control unit 8 can always appropriately grasp whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected.

  As described above, in this embodiment, when the communication control device 1 is powered on, the call signal sending unit 5 and the detection unit 6 are operated by a command from the control unit 8 to activate the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit. 3 is detected as an electrical feature and the magnitude relationship between this value and the threshold value stored in the storage unit 7 is compared with the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the telephone terminal 10. In other words, the telephone terminal 10 is not off-hook, and there is no incoming call from the network 9 that causes the call signal sending unit 5 to be activated. However, the presence or absence of connection of the telephone terminal 10 can be reliably confirmed.

  Moreover, during the time T1 when the call signal sending unit 5 is activated to check the connection of the telephone terminal 10, the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 is actually started after the call signal sending unit 5 starts sending the ringing signal for calling. Therefore, the telephone terminal 10 is inadvertently checked when the telephone terminal 10 is connected in a situation where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. There is no fear that will ring and generate noise.

  Further, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is stored in the storage unit 7 as the value of the connection state confirmation flag F. Under the situation where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, the telephone terminal control unit 4 Since the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 is prohibited and the control and monitoring of the telephone terminal such as sending a ringing signal at the time of incoming call and detecting the on-hook / off-hook of the telephone terminal are not executed, the telephone terminal 10 It is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption in a situation where is not connected.

Further, in the situation where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, that is, when an incoming call occurs when the value of the connection status confirmation flag F is 0, the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 based on the incoming call is prohibited, Further, since a busy signal or a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected is sent back to the connection request transmission source via the network 9, the busy request is sent by the terminal installed at the connection request transmission source. It is possible to confirm that the communication is impossible by detecting the input of the signal, and by detecting the input of the signal declaring that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, the communication control device 1 of the communication destination It can be confirmed that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected.
Accordingly, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the communication control device 1 at the connection request transmission source without going to the place where the telephone terminal 10 should be installed for maintenance or status check. Can be easily confirmed from a remote location via the network 9.
Further, the inconvenience that the calling signal is continuously transmitted to the connection request transmission source due to the unconnected telephone terminal 10 is also eliminated.

[Other variations]
In this embodiment, the value of the current flowing through the signal line connecting the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is detected as an electrical feature. However, the communication control for supplying power to the call signal sending unit 5 The same operation and effect as described above can also be obtained by monitoring the current of the power supply circuit of the device 1 and comparing the presence of the telephone terminal 10 with a threshold value (however, the value is different from that of the first embodiment). be able to.
Further, when there is a circuit that consumes a ringing signal in a section from the calling signal transmission unit 5 to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, a current flowing through the circuit is detected and a threshold value (however, the value is different from that in the first embodiment). The same operation and effect as described above can also be obtained by confirming the presence / absence of connection of the telephone terminal 10 as compared with ().
That is, the current of the power supply circuit of the communication control device 1 and the current flowing in the circuit provided in the section from the call signal transmission unit 5 to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 are also transmitted in the state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected. This is a kind of electrical characteristic that changes between when the call terminal 5 is activated and when the call signal transmission unit 5 is activated when the telephone terminal 10 is not connected.

  Next, as another example, when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated with the telephone terminal 10 connected, and when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated with the telephone terminal 10 not connected, As an electrical feature that changes, the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 are connected when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. The difference between the potential difference generated between the two signal lines and the potential difference actually detected by the detection unit 6 between the two signal lines when the calling signal sending unit 5 is operated is utilized. An embodiment in which the presence or absence of connection is confirmed will be described.

In this case, the detection unit 6 includes a voltage detection circuit that detects a potential difference between two signal lines connecting the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3, an A / D converter for quantification, and Potential difference generated between two signal lines connecting the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 Is constructed by a microprocessor or the like that subtracts the potential difference actually detected between the two signal lines when the calling signal sending unit 5 is operated to obtain a deviation as an electrical characteristic.
Here, the microprocessor in the control unit 8 is used as a microprocessor for obtaining a deviation as an electrical feature.
In addition, when the detection unit 6 obtains a deviation that is an electrical feature, the call signal transmission unit 5 is activated when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. In this embodiment, the call signal is not connected to the telephone terminal 10 in the state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal 10. Data of a potential difference generated between two signal lines connecting the calling signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the transmission unit 5 is operated is also stored in the storage unit 7 together with a threshold value.
Further, the detection unit 6 continuously detects a deviation that is an electrical feature over a set time T <b> 1 after the operation of the calling signal transmission unit 5 is started. During this time, when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, between the two signal lines connecting the call signal sending unit 5 and the phone terminal connection unit 3. Since the potential difference data also changes, when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 are connected. The data of the potential difference generated between the two signal lines to be connected is stored in the storage unit 7 in correspondence with the elapsed time in the time period from the start of the operation of the calling signal sending unit 5 until the set time T1 elapses. It is desirable to keep it.

  When the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the potential difference between the two signal lines connecting the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 Is equivalent to the reference voltage of the ringing signal sent from the call signal sending unit 5 and causes almost no voltage drop, but the call signal sending unit 5 is operated with the phone terminal 10 connected to the phone terminal connection unit 3. In this case, since the impedance of the ringing means of the telephone terminal 10 acts as a load, there is a certain voltage drop in the potential difference between the two signal lines connecting the calling signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connecting unit 3. Will occur.

Therefore, in this embodiment, when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, there are two connections for connecting the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3. Based on the potential difference V _T (V) generated between the signal lines, the voltage difference V _T (V) between the two signal lines actually detected at each time point by the voltage detection circuit of the detection unit 6 is determined as the potential difference V _T (V ) calculated as the electrical characteristics become deviation V _{TR (V)} the value obtained by subtracting from the telephone terminal 10 to the telephone terminal connection portion 3 when the deviation V _{TR of (V)} exceeds the a threshold 5 (V) It is determined that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 unless the deviation V _TR (V) which is an electrical characteristic exceeds the threshold value 5 (V). judge. That is, the storage unit 7 stores a value of 5 (V) as the threshold value.
Note that the potential difference V _T (V) is a function of time with the starting point of the operation of the calling signal transmission unit 5 as the base point, as already described.

The value of the deviation V _TR (V) = V _T (V) −V (V) detected by the detection unit 6 as an electrical feature at the start of the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 is, for example, as shown in FIG. In short, it is 0 (V) and smaller than the threshold value of 5 (V).
Further, when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, the ringing start time when the telephone terminal 10 is connected (for example, from the number T1 in the number line in FIG. Also, the potential difference (for example, the value of _VTP in FIG. 5) generated between the two signal lines connecting the calling signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at a time corresponding to the time P) which is later in time series. And when the telephone terminal 10 actually starts ringing in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, between the two signal lines connecting the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3. deviation (i.e., the value of _V TP -V _P in the FIG. 5) between the potential difference (for example, the value of _{V P} at the time P in Fig. 5) generated is a is greater than 5 (V) threshold.
Therefore, the threshold value of 5 (V) connects the call signal transmission unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. When the call signal sending unit 5 is operated when the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 and the potential difference generated between the two signal lines, the call signal sending unit 5 and the phone terminal connection unit 3 are connected. intermediate value of the deviation of the potential difference between the two signal line connecting (maximum value by the minimum value of the deviation is 0 in the example of FIG. 5 is larger than V _TP -V _P) (that is, 0 <5 < V _TP −V _P ).

FIG. 5 shows the interval between two signal lines connecting the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the phone terminal 10 is connected to the phone terminal connection unit 3. Is indicated by a solid line, and the call signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 are operated when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the phone terminal connection unit 3. 2 is a conceptual diagram showing a potential difference potential difference V _T (V) generated between two signal lines connecting the two lines.
The time T1 for activating the call signal sending unit 5 for confirming the connection of the telephone terminal 10 is from when the call signal sending unit 5 starts sending the ringing signal for calling until the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 is started. Since the value is determined to be shorter than the required time, if the transmission of the ringing signal from the calling signal transmission unit 5 is started and the transmission of the ringing signal is stopped immediately after T1 has elapsed, the telephone Even when the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the terminal connection unit 3, the telephone terminal 10 does not actually ring.

  6 to 7 are flowcharts showing an outline of processing of the control unit 8 constituted by a microprocessor.

  Next, the overall processing operation of the communication control apparatus 1 of this embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

  When the communication control device 1 is turned on, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 first reads the value of the preset time T1 as the operation time of the calling signal sending unit 5 from the storage unit 7 and loads it into the timer T. After setting (step b1), the ringing signal sending unit 5 is activated to send the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 and the detection unit 6 is started (step b2), and then the timer T is started to ring. The measurement of the elapsed time after the start of signal transmission is started (step b3).

Next, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 reads the potential difference V (V) actually detected by the voltage detection circuit of the detection unit 6 at this time (step b4), and further the elapsed time measured by the timer T. The voltage data V _T (V) stored in the storage unit 7 corresponding to _T , that is, when the call signal transmission unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 At time T, the value of the potential difference V _T (V) generated between the two signal lines connecting the calling signal sending unit 5 and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is read (step b5), and the potential difference V _T (from V to the potential difference) V (V) is subtracted to obtain the value of deviation V _TR (V), which is an electrical feature (step b6), and it is determined whether or not this deviation V _TR (V) exceeds 5 (V), which is a threshold (Step b7).

Here, if the deviation V _TR (V), which is an electrical characteristic obtained by the detection unit 6, does not exceed the threshold value 5 (V), the microprocessor of the control unit 8 further continues after the start of the sound signal transmission. It is determined whether or not the elapsed time T has reached the set time T1 (step b8).

If the elapsed time T after the start of the sound signal transmission has not reached the set time T1, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 repeatedly executes the processing of step b4 to step b8 in the same manner as described above, and the detection unit 6 It waits until the detected deviation V _TR (V) exceeds the threshold value of 5 (V) or the elapsed time T after the start of the ringing signal transmission reaches the set time T1.

While the processing of step b4 to step b8 is repeatedly executed, the determination result of step b7 is true, and the deviation V _TR (V) detected by the detection unit 6 exceeds the threshold value 5 (V). If confirmed, that is, it is clear that the deviation V _TR (V) detected by the detection unit 6 exceeds the threshold value 5 (V) before the elapsed time T after the start of the sound signal transmission reaches the set time T1. In this case, it means that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 at this time.

  Therefore, in this case, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 immediately stops the operation of the calling signal sending unit 5, stops sending the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, and prevents the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 and the detection unit. 6 is returned to a non-operating state to prevent generation of useless noise and useless power consumption (step b13).

  Next, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 sets the value 1 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the connection state confirmation flag F of the storage unit 7, thereby making the telephone terminal connection unit 3 That the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the terminal (step b14).

On the contrary, during the repeated execution of the processing from step b4 to step b8, it is confirmed that the determination result in step b8 is false and the elapsed time T after the start of ringing signal transmission has reached the set time T1. In other words, it is clear that the deviation V _TR (V) detected by the detection unit 6 does not exceed the threshold value 5 (V) even when the elapsed time T after the start of the sound signal transmission reaches the set time T1. If this happens, it means that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3.

  Accordingly, in this case, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 immediately stops the operation of the calling signal sending unit 5 to stop sending the ringing signal to the telephone terminal connection unit 3, and puts the detection unit 6 into an inactive state. By returning the unnecessary power consumption (step b9), by setting the value 0 indicating that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 to the connection state confirmation flag F of the storage unit 7, It is stored that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 (step b10).

  Then, the microprocessor of the control unit 8 reads the value of a predetermined cycle T2 determined in advance to repeatedly check whether the telephone terminal 10 is connected or not, and sets it in the timer T (step b11). T is started, and measurement of elapsed time after finishing the determination process of whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is started (step b12), and the process proceeds to step b15. .

  Since the processing from step b15 to step b23 is the same as the processing from step a13 to step a21 in the first embodiment, the description thereof will be omitted.

As described above, in this embodiment, the call signal transmission unit 5 and the detection unit 6 are operated by a command from the control unit 8 when the power to the communication control device 1 is turned on. In accordance with the elapsed time T, when the call signal sending unit 5 is operated in a state where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected to the phone terminal connecting unit 3, the two that connect the call signal sending unit 5 and the phone terminal connecting unit 3 are connected. Electricity is obtained by subtracting the potential difference V (V) between the two signal lines that is actually detected at the time T from the potential difference V _T (V) generated between the signal lines. The characteristic deviation V _TR (V) is obtained, and the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is connected to the telephone terminal by comparing the magnitude relationship between the deviation V _TR (V) and the threshold value 5 (V) stored in the storage unit 7. Since it is determined whether or not 10 is connected Even when the telephone terminal 10 is not off-hook, and even when there is no incoming call from the network 9 that causes the call signal sending unit 5 to be activated, it is possible to reliably check whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected. it can.

  Moreover, during the time T1 when the call signal sending unit 5 is activated to check the connection of the telephone terminal 10, the ringing of the telephone terminal 10 is actually started after the call signal sending unit 5 starts sending the ringing signal for calling. Therefore, the telephone terminal 10 is inadvertently checked when the telephone terminal 10 is connected in a situation where the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3. There is no fear that will ring and generate noise.

  Further, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit 3 is stored in the storage unit 7 as the value of the connection state confirmation flag F. Under the situation where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, the telephone terminal control unit 4 Since the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 is prohibited and the control and monitoring of the telephone terminal such as sending a ringing signal at the time of incoming call and detecting the on-hook / off-hook of the telephone terminal are not executed, the telephone terminal 10 It is possible to prevent wasteful power consumption in a situation where is not connected.

Further, in the situation where the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, that is, when an incoming call occurs when the value of the connection status confirmation flag F is 0, the operation of the call signal sending unit 5 based on the incoming call is prohibited, Further, since a busy signal or a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected is sent back to the connection request transmission source via the network 9, the busy request is sent by the terminal installed at the connection request transmission source. It is possible to confirm that the communication is impossible by detecting the input of the signal, and by detecting the input of the signal declaring that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected, the communication control device 1 of the communication destination It can be confirmed that the telephone terminal 10 is not connected.
Accordingly, whether or not the telephone terminal 10 is connected to the communication control device 1 at the connection request transmission source without going to the place where the telephone terminal 10 should be installed for maintenance or status check. Can be easily confirmed from a remote location via the network 9.
Further, the inconvenience that the calling signal is continuously transmitted to the connection request transmission source due to the unconnected telephone terminal 10 is also eliminated.

  A part or all of the embodiment disclosed above can be appropriately expressed by the description shown in the following supplementary notes, but the form for carrying out the invention and the technical idea of the invention are not limited to these. Absent.

The control program for driving and controlling the microprocessor of the control unit 8 may be stored in a non-temporary recording medium. As the non-temporary recording medium, for example, a DVD, CD, flash memory or the like can be used.
When the control program is stored in a non-temporary recording medium, the control program is read from the non-temporary recording medium by the microprocessor of the control unit 8 and stored in the storage unit 7.

[Appendix 1]
A line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, a telephone terminal control unit for controlling and monitoring a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and an incoming call from the network is detected. In the communication control device comprising a call signal sending unit for sending a ringing signal for calling to the phone terminal via the phone terminal connection unit,
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. A detection unit that detects and digitizes electrical characteristics that change from time to time inside the communication control device;
A value obtained by quantifying an electrical characteristic detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit A storage unit for storing a threshold value constituted by an intermediate value between a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the call signal transmission unit is not connected;
At least, when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time to send the ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit and the detection unit is operated, Reading the value digitized by the detection unit and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit to determine whether a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal If a telephone terminal is connected to the connection part, it stores that a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, while if no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, the telephone terminal connection part A communication control device comprising: a control unit for storing that the telephone terminal is not connected.

[Appendix 2]
The detection unit detects, as an electrical feature, a value of a current flowing in a signal line between the calling signal transmission unit and the telephone terminal connection unit,
The storage unit flows through a signal line between the calling signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connecting unit when the calling signal sending unit is operated while a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connecting unit. A current flowing in a signal line between the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. Memorize a threshold value consisting of an intermediate value of
The control unit reads the current value digitized by the detection unit, compares the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit, and the current value digitized by the detection unit is the threshold value If the current value quantified by the detection unit does not exceed the threshold value, the telephone terminal connection unit is called. The communication control device according to appendix 1, wherein the communication device stores that the terminal is not connected.

[Appendix 3]
The detection unit has two signal lines that connect the call signal transmission unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. Detecting a deviation between a potential difference generated between the two signal lines actually detected by the detection unit as an electrical feature;
The storage unit has two signal lines for connecting the calling signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connecting unit when the calling signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connecting unit. A difference in potential between the two signal lines connecting the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where no telephone terminal is connected to the phone terminal connection unit. Memorize a threshold value consisting of an intermediate value of the deviation of the potential difference generated between,
The control unit reads the deviation value quantified by the detection unit, compares the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit, and the deviation value quantified by the detection unit is the threshold value If it exceeds, the fact that a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit is stored, while if the deviation value quantified by the detection unit does not exceed the threshold value, the telephone terminal connection unit is called The communication control device according to appendix 1, wherein the communication device stores that the terminal is not connected.

[Appendix 4]
The set time is set to be shorter than a required time required for the ringing of the telephone terminal to start after the ringing signal transmission unit starts to ring the ringing signal for calling. The communication control device according to Supplementary Note 1, Supplementary Note 2 or Supplementary Note 3.

[Appendix 5]
The control unit permits the operation of the telephone terminal control unit in a situation where the connection of the telephone terminal is stored, and prohibits the operation of the telephone terminal control unit in a situation where the connection of the telephone terminal is stored. The communication control device according to supplementary note 1, supplementary note 2, supplementary note 3 or supplementary note 4, which is characterized.

[Appendix 6]
The control unit prohibits the operation of the call signal sending unit based on an incoming call detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected. 5. The communication control device according to 5.

[Appendix 7]
The control unit sends back a busy signal via the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected. 3. Communication control device according to Supplementary Note 4, Supplementary Note 5 or Supplementary Note 6.

[Appendix 8]
The control unit returns a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected via the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected in a situation where the telephone terminal is not connected. The communication control device according to the supplementary note 1, the supplementary note 2, the supplementary note 3, the supplementary note 4, the supplementary note 5 or the supplementary note 6.

[Appendix 9]
The control unit further operates the call signal sending unit to send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit and activates the detection unit at predetermined intervals longer than the set time. Reading the value digitized by the detection unit and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit to determine whether a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal If a telephone terminal is connected to the connection unit, the fact that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit is updated and stored, whereas if no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal connection unit The communication control device according to any one of Supplementary Note 1, Supplementary Note 2, Supplementary Note 3, Supplementary Note 4, Supplementary Note 5, Supplementary Note 6, Supplementary Note 7 or Supplementary Note 8, wherein the telephone terminal is updated and stored.

[Appendix 10]
A line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, and a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal via the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected A control method of a communication control device comprising a call signal sending unit for sending,
At least when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time so that the telephone terminal connection unit sends a ringing signal for calling.
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. Detect and quantify electrical characteristics that change over time,
This value, a value obtained by quantifying electrical characteristics detected when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and the telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit The telephone terminal is compared in magnitude relation with a threshold value constituted by an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the call signal transmission unit is not connected. Determine whether a phone terminal is connected to the connection,
If a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the control unit of the communication control device stores that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, while the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. If not, the control unit of the communication control apparatus stores in the control unit of the communication control apparatus that the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit.

[Appendix 11]
The set time is set to be shorter than a required time required for the ringing of the telephone terminal to start after the ringing signal transmission unit starts to ring the ringing signal for calling. The control method of the communication control apparatus according to appendix 10.

[Appendix 12]
Appendix 10 characterized in that the operation of the telephone terminal control unit is permitted under the condition where the connection of the telephone terminal is stored, while the operation of the telephone terminal control unit is prohibited under the condition where the connection of the telephone terminal is not stored. Or a control method of the communication control device according to attachment 11.

[Appendix 13]
13. The communication control device control method according to appendix 10, appendix 11 or appendix 12, characterized in that the operation of the calling signal sending unit based on an incoming call detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected is stored.

[Appendix 14]
A supplementary note 10, a supplementary note 11, a supplementary note 12 or a supplementary note 13, wherein a busy signal is returned via the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected. Method of communication control apparatus of the present invention.

[Appendix 15]
Appendix 10 characterized by returning a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected through the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected. , Appendix 11, Appendix 12, or Appendix 13.

[Appendix 16]
Further, at predetermined intervals longer than the set time, the call signal sending unit is operated to send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit,
In each case, when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and the call signal sending unit is not connected to the phone terminal connection unit, Detect and quantify electrical characteristics that change when activated,
A value obtained by quantifying electrical characteristics detected when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit and a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit The telephone terminal connection unit is compared with a threshold value composed of an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where there is no telephone signal. Determine whether or not
If a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the fact that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit is updated and stored in the control unit of the communication control device, while the telephone terminal connection unit Supplementary note 10, supplementary note 11, supplementary note 12, and supplementary note 13, wherein if the terminal is not connected, the control unit of the communication control device updates and stores that the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. , Supplementary Note 14 or Supplementary Note 15.

  The present invention can be applied to a communication control apparatus installed between a network such as the Internet or a leased line network and a telephone terminal.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication control apparatus 2 Line connection part 3 Telephone terminal connection part 4 Telephone terminal control part 5 Call signal transmission part 6 Detection part 7 Memory | storage part 8 Control part 9 Network 10 Telephone terminal 11 Connection cable (two-wire type)
T Elapsed time after starting ringing signal transmission T1 Predetermined set time T2 Predetermined period F Connection state confirmation flag V _{T When the} call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is not connected, Potential difference (function of T) generated between two signal lines connecting the telephone terminal connection
V. Difference in voltage _VTR electrical characteristic between two signal lines actually detected at each time by the voltage detection circuit of the detection unit after the start of the operation of the calling signal sending unit (function of T)
P At the start of ringing when the telephone terminal is connected V When the ringing signal sending unit is operated without the telephone terminal being connected to the _TP telephone terminal connecting unit, at the time corresponding to the start of ringing at the connection of the telephone terminal Sending a call signal when the telephone terminal actually starts ringing in a state in which the telephone terminal is connected to the potential difference _VP telephone terminal connection section generated between two signal lines connecting the call signal transmission section and the telephone terminal connection section Difference generated between two signal lines connecting the terminal and the telephone terminal connection

Claims (10)

A line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, a telephone terminal control unit for controlling and monitoring a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and an incoming call from the network is detected. In the communication control device comprising a call signal sending unit for sending a ringing signal for calling to the phone terminal via the phone terminal connection unit,
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. A detection unit that detects and digitizes electrical characteristics that change from time to time inside the communication control device;
A value obtained by quantifying an electrical characteristic detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, and a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connection unit A storage unit for storing a threshold value constituted by an intermediate value between a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected by the detection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where the call signal transmission unit is not connected;
At least, when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time to send the ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit and the detection unit is operated, Reading the value digitized by the detection unit and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit to determine whether a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal If a telephone terminal is connected to the connection part, it stores that a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, while if no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection part, the telephone terminal connection part A communication control device comprising: a control unit for storing that the telephone terminal is not connected. The detection unit detects, as an electrical feature, a value of a current flowing in a signal line between the calling signal transmission unit and the telephone terminal connection unit,
The storage unit flows through a signal line between the calling signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connecting unit when the calling signal sending unit is operated while a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connecting unit. A current flowing in a signal line between the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. Memorize a threshold value consisting of an intermediate value of
The control unit reads the current value digitized by the detection unit, compares the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit, and the current value digitized by the detection unit is the threshold value If the current value quantified by the detection unit does not exceed the threshold value, the telephone terminal connection unit is called. The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device stores that the terminal is not connected. The detection unit has two signal lines that connect the call signal transmission unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. Detecting a deviation between a potential difference generated between the two signal lines actually detected by the detection unit as an electrical feature;
The storage unit has two signal lines for connecting the calling signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connecting unit when the calling signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connecting unit. A difference in potential between the two signal lines connecting the call signal sending unit and the telephone terminal connection unit when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where no telephone terminal is connected to the phone terminal connection unit. Memorize a threshold value consisting of an intermediate value of the deviation of the potential difference generated between,
The control unit reads the deviation value quantified by the detection unit, compares the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit, and the deviation value quantified by the detection unit is the threshold value If it exceeds, the fact that a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit is stored, while if the deviation value quantified by the detection unit does not exceed the threshold value, the telephone terminal connection unit is called The communication control device according to claim 1, wherein the communication device stores that the terminal is not connected.   The set time is set to be shorter than a required time required for the ringing of the telephone terminal to start after the ringing signal transmission unit starts to ring the ringing signal for calling. The communication control device according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3.   The control unit permits the operation of the telephone terminal control unit in a situation where the connection of the telephone terminal is stored, and prohibits the operation of the telephone terminal control unit in a situation where the connection of the telephone terminal is stored. The communication control device according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, or claim 4, characterized by the above.   The said control part prohibits the operation | movement of the said call signal transmission part based on the incoming call detected in the condition which memorize | stored the unconnected telephone terminal. The communication control device according to claim 4 or 5.   The control unit returns a busy signal via the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected under the condition that the telephone terminal is not connected. , Claim 3, Claim 4, Claim 5 or Claim 6.   The control unit returns a signal declaring that the telephone terminal is not connected via the line connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected in a situation where the telephone terminal is not connected. The communication control device according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5 or claim 6.   The control unit further operates the call signal sending unit to send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit and activates the detection unit at predetermined intervals longer than the set time. Reading the value digitized by the detection unit and comparing the magnitude relationship with the threshold value stored in the storage unit to determine whether a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal If a telephone terminal is connected to the connection unit, the fact that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit is updated and stored, whereas if no telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the telephone terminal connection unit 6. The update storage of the telephone terminal being unconnected is stored in claim 1, claim 2, claim 3, claim 4, claim 5, claim 7, or claim 8. Communication control device. A line connection unit for connecting to a network, a telephone terminal connection unit for connecting a telephone terminal, and a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal via the telephone terminal connection unit when an incoming call from the network is detected A control method of a communication control device comprising a call signal sending unit for sending,
At least when the power to the communication control device is turned on, the call signal sending unit is operated for a predetermined set time to send a ringing signal for calling to the telephone terminal connection unit,
The call signal transmitter is activated when the call signal transmitter is operated with a telephone terminal connected to the telephone terminal connector and the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connector. Detect and quantify electrical characteristics that change over time,
A value obtained by quantifying electrical characteristics detected when the call signal sending unit is operated in a state where a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit and a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit The telephone terminal connection unit is compared with a threshold value composed of an intermediate value with a value obtained by quantifying the electrical characteristics detected when the call signal transmission unit is operated in a state where there is no telephone signal. Determine whether or not
If a telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, the control unit of the communication control device stores that the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit, while the telephone terminal is connected to the telephone terminal connection unit. If not, the control unit of the communication control apparatus stores in the control unit of the communication control apparatus that the telephone terminal is not connected to the telephone terminal connection unit.

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