JPH10178503A - Selecting method and system for voice communication system and recording medium storing lcr function setting program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a selecting method for a voice communication system which can make the most inexpensive and effective transmission by selecting which function is used between a general telephone function and an internet phone function in each originating ground based on the telephone number of an originating ground that is inputted by a user. SOLUTION: A deciding part 120 decides whether a call incoming terminal of an originating ground owns an internet phone software that has mutuality with a call originating terminal 100 and has a fixed IP address, and when it does, the part 120 refers to an automatic selection table 130 based on the telephone number of the call incoming terminal of the originating ground. In the case of a general telephone, control is shifted to a general telephone function part 150, and in the case of an internet phone, the control is shifted to an internet phone function part 160. Thereby, the part 150 makes a telephone transmission to the call incoming terminal according to a telephone number, while the part 160 acquires an IP address from a number conversion table 140 and transmits an internet.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method and a system for selecting a voice communication system and a storage medium storing an LCR function setting program. And a storage medium storing an LCR function setting program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a general telephone function and an Internet telephone function are independent, and there is no integrated terminal. Therefore, when using a landline phone,
When dialing the telephone number of the other party and using the Internet phone, by performing different operations such as dialing the telephone number of the provider or connecting to a dedicated line and specifying the IP address of the other party,
They use regular phones and internet phones, respectively.

[0003] In addition, a comparison is made between the telephone number input by the conventional telephone number and the specific access number (for example, 0088, 0070) of the cheapest communication carrier.
Etc.) to the input phone number and make outgoing calls
(Least Cost Routing) function.

[0004]

However, in the above-described conventional system, the Internet phone has a lower call charge than a general telephone, but has a limit in call quality. It is expected that users will want to use the Internet or regular telephones depending on the situation. For example, there are needs such as “I want to use the Internet phone when the call fee is much lower” or “I want to use the Internet phone only when the communication quality is not significantly affected”. In this case, it is very troublesome to calculate a call charge every time a call is made and to consider a call quality based on a distance. That is, since the LCR function conventionally used cannot be applied to the Internet phone, a terminal having both functions of the general phone function and the Internet phone, a charge for the user to use the Internet phone, a general phone function, and the like. There is a problem that it takes time to calculate and compare the charges when using.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above points, and when a terminal having both functions of an Internet phone and a general telephone is used, the situation at the time of outgoing call can be reduced without any special labor or operation. Method and system for selecting voice communication system capable of making transmission at the lowest cost and effective
It is an object to provide a storage medium storing a function setting program.

[0006]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention. The method of selecting a voice communication system according to the present invention uses an analog line or an ISDN for one terminal.
A general telephone function that connects to a communication partner via a public network including a line and performs voice communication, and an analog line or ISDN
When the user has a dial-up connection via a public network including a line or an Internet phone function that connects to the provider via a dedicated line and performs voice communication via the Internet, the user inputs the telephone number of the destination address (Step 1), the user selects which of the general telephone function and the Internet phone function to use for each call destination based on the telephone number of the call destination input by the user (Step 2). The call is transmitted to the call destination based on the function (step 3).

Further, according to the present invention, when selecting one of the functions based on the telephone number of the communication partner, a transmission method for each transmission destination is defined in advance, and the telephone number of the input communication destination is defined. The corresponding transmission method is determined by referring to a predefined transmission method, and when a call is made to the telephone number of the destination, if the determined transmission method is a general telephone function, the input is performed. The telephone number at the communication destination is dialed as it is to the public network, and when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function, the connection is made to the provider by the public network and to the communication partner by the IP address.

[0008] Further, according to the present invention, when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function and the IP address is defined in advance, the IP address corresponding to the input telephone number is obtained, When a call is made based on the IP address and the IP address is not defined,
A call is made to the communication partner based on the input telephone number, an IP address is obtained from the communication partner, and the communication partner is connected.

Further, the transmission method for each transmission destination according to the present invention is as follows.
3. The method for selecting a voice communication system according to claim 2, wherein the voice communication system is defined in advance based on parameters including a call fee, a predicted call time, a distance, and a call quality. In addition, the present invention provides a method for defining a calling method for each call destination, inputting a local telephone number, inputting a telephone number of the call destination, inputting a telephone number of a provider, and making a telephone call for dial-up connection. Enter the charge and the metered communication charge of the provider, calculate the telephone charge based on the distance based on the entered local telephone number and the telephone charge of the calling destination, enter the telephone call charge for dial-up connection and the metered communication The sum of the charges is calculated, and the total value of the telephone charge, the telephone charge for the dial-up connection, and the usage-based communication charge is set for each call destination.

Further, according to the present invention, when the transmission method is determined, the input destination terminal of the transmission destination has internet phone software compatible with communication and has a fixed IP address, or When the calling terminal and the receiving terminal are the same type of terminal having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the input telephone number, a telephone charge, a telephone call charge for dial-up connection, and a pay-per-use system. Compare the total value of the communication charges, and select an inexpensive function.

Further, according to the present invention, when the transmission method is determined, if the communication quality is lower than a predetermined communication quality level, the general telephone function is selected. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating the principle of the present invention. The present invention relates to an analog line or IS
A public network including a DN line, a general telephone function for connecting to a communication partner via the public network and performing voice communication, and a dial-up connection or a dedicated line for connecting to a provider via the public network to connect the Internet. A transmitting terminal 100 having an Internet phone function for performing voice communication via
A voice communication system selection system including a receiving terminal 200 as a communication partner from the terminal, wherein the transmitting terminal 100 uses a general telephone function or an Internet telephone function for each receiving terminal 200 to determine whether to use the function. A function selecting means 120 for selecting based on the telephone number of the call destination input by the user, and a transmitting means 180 for calling to the call destination based on the function selected by the function selecting means 120.

The above-mentioned function selection means 120 is provided in a transmission method selection table 1 in which a transmission method is previously defined for each transmission destination.
30 and a selection condition 121 for selecting a transmission method set in advance, and a function determination for determining a transmission method corresponding to the input telephone number of the communication destination with reference to the selection condition and the transmission method selection table. Transmitting means 180 for transmitting the input telephone number of the communication destination to the public network as it is when the transmitting method determined by the function determining means 122 is a general telephone function. 150, and an Internet phone transmitting means 160 for connecting to a provider by a public network when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function and connecting to a communication partner by an IP address.

The Internet phone transmitting means 160 refers to a number conversion table for converting the input telephone number into an IP address and a number conversion table when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function. If the first IP address acquiring means for acquiring the IP address corresponding to the input telephone number and the IP address acquiring means cannot acquire the IP address,
The input telephone number is transmitted to the receiving terminal 200,
A second I that acquires an IP address from the called terminal 200
P address acquisition means.

Further, the present invention further includes a transmission method selection table generating means 170 for setting a transmission method selection table for each receiving terminal 200 based on parameters including a call charge, a call estimation time, a distance, and a call quality. Have. The transmission method selection table generating means 170 includes a local station input means for inputting a local telephone number, and a receiving terminal 200.
Terminating terminal station input means for inputting the telephone number of the provider, provider station input means for inputting the telephone number of the provider, telephone charge for dial-up connection, and charge input means for inputting the pay-as-you-go communication charge of the provider, Telephone charge setting means for obtaining a telephone charge based on distance based on the own telephone number input by the own station input means and the terminal terminal input means and the telephone charge of the receiving terminal 200; Charge summing means for calculating a total of communication charges.

[0015] The above-mentioned function deciding means is that the selection condition is that the receiving terminal 200, which has received the input, owns Internet phone software compatible with communication and has a fixed IP address, or When the receiving terminal 200 is a terminal of the same type having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the input telephone number, the telephone charge setting means of the transmission method selection table and the charge obtained by the charge summing means are calculated. By comparison, if the charge set by the telephone charge setting means is lower,
A means for selecting the general telephone function and selecting the Internet phone function if the charge obtained by the charge summing means is lower.

The function determining means includes a quality judging means for judging whether the communication quality satisfies a predetermined level, and a transmitting method when the communication quality is lower than the predetermined level. The selection table includes a table setting changing means for setting a general telephone function to be selected.

The present invention relates to an analog line or ISDN
A general telephone function that connects to a communication partner via a public network including a line and performs voice communication, and an analog line or ISDN
A provider (hereinafter simply referred to as a provider) that provides a connection service to a computer communication network (hereinafter, referred to as a TCP / IP network) by a dial-up connection or a dedicated line via a public network including a line by a TCP / IP method. ), And a storage medium storing an LCR function setting program installed in a terminal having an Internet phone function for performing voice communication via a TCP / IP network. A function selection process that selects which of the phone functions to use based on the telephone number of the destination that was input by the user, and a call that calls the destination based on the function selected by the function selection process Process.

In the above function selection process, the transmission method corresponding to the input telephone number of the communication destination is determined by selecting a preset selection condition for the transmission method selection and a transmission method for each transmission destination in advance. Including a function determination process that is determined with reference to a defined transmission method selection table, the transmission process includes an input communication destination telephone number when the transmission method determined by the function determination process is a general telephone function. A telephone call process of dialing the public network as it is, and if the determined calling method is the Internet phone function, connect to the provider via the public network,
And an Internet phone calling process for connecting to a communication partner by an IP address.

In the above-described Internet phone calling process, when the determined calling method is the Internet phone function, the input telephone call is referred to a number conversion table for converting the input telephone number into an IP address. A first IP address acquisition process for acquiring an IP address corresponding to a number, and an IP address acquisition process
A second IP address acquisition process of transmitting the input telephone number to the receiving terminal if the IP address cannot be obtained, and obtaining an IP address from the receiving terminal.

The storage medium storing the LCR function setting program of the present invention sets a transmission method selection table for each receiving terminal based on parameters including a call charge, an estimated call time, a distance, and a call quality. The method further includes a transmission method selection table generation process. Further, the above-mentioned transmission method selection table generation process includes a local station input process for inputting a local telephone number, a receiving terminal station input process for inputting a telephone number of a receiving terminal, and a provider station input process for inputting a provider station number. And a telephone charge for dial-up connection, a charge input process for inputting a pay-as-you-go communication charge of the provider, a local telephone number input by the local station input process and a terminal terminal input process, and a telephone of the receiving terminal. It has a telephone charge setting process for obtaining a telephone charge by distance based on a charge, and a charge summation process for obtaining the sum of the call charge and the pay-as-you-go communication charge input by the charge input process.

In the above-described function determination process, the selection condition is that the input receiving terminal has a communication compatible Internet phone software and has a fixed IP address, When the receiving terminal is a similar terminal having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the input telephone number,
Compare the telephone charge setting process in the calling method selection table with the charge obtained by the charge summation process, and if the charge set by the telephone charge setting process is lower, select the general telephone function and If the charge obtained by the summation process is lower, a process of selecting the Internet phone function is included.

The above function determining process includes a quality determining process for determining whether the communication quality satisfies a predetermined level, and a transmitting method when the communication quality is lower than the predetermined level by the quality determining process. A table setting change process for setting the selection table to select a general telephone function is included. Further, the storage medium storing the LCR function setting program of the present invention includes a local station input control process for prompting the input of the local telephone number, a receiving terminal station input control process for prompting the input of the telephone number of the receiving terminal, A provider station input process for prompting the entry of a station number, a charge input control process for prompting the input of a telephone charge for a dial-up connection, and a pay-per-use communication charge of the provider,
A telephone charge setting process for obtaining a telephone charge based on distance based on the local telephone number input by the own station input control process and the receiving terminal telephone input control process and the telephone charge of the receiving terminal, and a call charge and usage amount input by the charge input process. Compare the charges for using the Internet phone function and the charges for using the general telephone function with respect to the charge summation process for calculating the total communication charge and the telephone number of the called terminal obtained by the called terminal station input control process. And a function determination process for setting the cheaper one.

In the storage medium storing the LCR function setting program of the present invention, when the use of the Internet phone function set by the function determination process is specified, the communication quality is reduced below a predetermined level due to a long-distance call. And a function changing process of changing the Internet phone function to a general telephone function when it is determined that the function is reduced in the determining process.

As described above, according to the present invention, when one terminal such as a personal computer has a general telephone function and an Internet telephone function, it is automatically determined which function to use for each call destination. It becomes possible to select it. The terminal has a table in which a transmission method for each ground is set, and when starting communication, the transmission destination is determined by searching the table based on the input telephone number. If the calling method uses the general telephone function,
The entered telephone number is dialed as it is to the public network, but when using the Internet phone function,
When the IP address corresponding to the input telephone number is registered in the table, the connection is made to the provider by the telephone network and then to the destination by the IP address.
If the IP address is not registered, the telephone number is notified to the receiving terminal of the calling destination by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-262103, the IP address is obtained from the receiving terminal, and the receiving terminal is notified. Make a connection with

Further, a table referred to for selecting which of the general telephone function and the Internet telephone function is to be used is generated based on parameters such as a call charge, a predicted call time, a distance, and a call quality. The total amount of the telephone charge of the own terminal and the receiving terminal, the call charge from the own terminal to the connection with the provider, and the metered communication fee charged by the provider is set. As a result, the telephone charges of the own terminal and the receiving terminal, the call charges from the own terminal to the provider connection, and the total amount of the metered communication charges charged by the provider are compared, and the telephone charges are lower than the total amount. In some cases, the general telephone function can be automatically selected; otherwise, the Internet telephone function can be selected. This function is hereinafter referred to as an LCR function.

Further, according to the present invention, when the above-mentioned LCR function is activated, it is determined whether the destination terminal at the originating destination has a communication-compatible Internet phone host and has a fixed IP address, Provided that the terminal and the receiving terminal are the same type of terminal having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, and if these conditions are satisfied, the LCR function can be used.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is no need to calculate the rate difference or the like between the case where the ordinary telephone function is used and the case where the Internet phone is used. Inexpensive communication functions can be selected. Furthermore, even when the table is set to select the Internet phone function at the time of selecting the communication method, the communication quality may deteriorate when communication is performed between remote locations. To address this,
If the quality drops below a predetermined level, the quality in long-distance communication is guaranteed by changing the table so that the general telephone function is automatically selected.

Further, by constructing the above-mentioned LCR function as a program and storing it in a storage medium, it can be installed as necessary on a terminal having both the Internet phone function and the general telephone function. Becomes

[0029]

FIG. 3 shows the configuration of a voice communication system selection system according to the present invention. The system shown in the figure includes a general telephone function unit 150 and an Internet phone function unit 160.
Originating terminal 100, receiving terminal 200, and public networks 300 and 50 accommodating analog lines or ISDN lines.
0 and the provider 400.

General communication telephone function unit 15 of calling terminal 100
0 connects to the receiving terminal 200 via the public network 300,
Voice communication is performed with the general telephone function unit 250 of the receiving terminal 200. Further, the Internet phone function unit 160 connects to the provider 400 via a dial-up connection or a dedicated line via a public network, and performs voice communication with the Internet phone function unit 260 of the receiving terminal 200 via the Internet.

FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the terminal of the present invention. Although the example shown in FIG. 1 is described using the transmitting terminal 100 as an example, the receiving terminal 200 has the same configuration. Terminal 10 shown in FIG.
0 indicates the input unit 110, the determination unit 120, the automatic selection table 130, the number conversion table 140, the general telephone function unit 15
0, the Internet function unit 160, and the table creation unit 170.

The input unit 110 inputs the telephone number of the destination terminal 200 at which the terminal user communicates using the general telephone function unit 150 or the Internet function unit 160. In addition, the input unit 110 includes a local telephone number, an adjacent station number, an estimated call time, a charge system information of a domestic type 1 carrier, and a charge system of an international type 1 carrier for generating the automatic selection table 130. The information, the provider's station number, and the telephone charge per unit time of the provider's pay-as-you-go billing are input. Also, the incoming telephone number for setting the number conversion table 140, and the I corresponding to the incoming telephone number
Enter the P address.

[0033] The determination unit 120 determines the automatic selection table 1 based on the telephone number of the call destination input from the input unit 110.
With reference to 30 and the number conversion table 140, either the general telephone function unit 150 or the Internet telephone function unit 160 is selected. The automatic selection table 130 defines, for each station number, whether to use the general telephone function unit 150 or the Internet phone function unit 160 as a communication medium.

In the number conversion table 140, the IP address of the destination terminal 200 at the destination is registered for each telephone number. The general telephone function unit 150 performs voice communication by connecting to a communication partner via the public network 300. The Internet phone function unit 160 communicates with the provider 4 via the public network 300.
At 00, a connection is made to the provider 400 through a dial-up connection or a dedicated line, and voice communication is performed via the Internet.

The table creating section 170 automatically selects the automatic selection table 13 based on various information input from the input section 110.
0 and the number conversion table 140 are generated. Hereinafter, a method of generating the automatic selection table 130 by the table creation unit 170 will be described. FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a process of generating an automatic selection table by the table creation unit of the present invention.

(1) First, the input unit 110 inputs the own station number,
Enter the adjacent station number, estimated call time, domestic type 1 telecommunications carrier rate system, and international type 1 telecommunications carrier fee structure. (2) Of these, own station number, adjacent station number, estimated communication time,
Based on the information on the charge system of the domestic first-class telecommunications carrier, a call charge per unit time for each major domestic point is calculated.

(3) Further, a call charge per unit time (D) for each international country is calculated from the information of the own station number, the estimated call time and the charge system of the international first-class communication carrier. (4) Next, when the station number of the provider is input, based on the telephone charge per unit time for each major domestic point calculated in (2) above and the unit time to the provider based on the station number of the provider. The per-call charge (A) is calculated.

(5) Further, the communication charge (B) per unit time of the provider pay-as-you-go billing is input. (6) The input call charge and the call charge calculated in (4) are added to obtain a charge for using an Internet phone and a charge (C) for using a domestic telephone. (7) The allowable difference (α) between the call charge (A), the call charge (B), and the charge (C) when using domestic calls or the charge (D) when using international calls from the input unit 110 to (6). Is entered.

(8) The table creating section 170 compares the charges and creates a table of general telephone / internet telephone for each main point in Japan. For example, (A) + (B) ± (α) ≧ (C) or (D) → General telephone (A) + (B) ± (α) <(C) or (D) → Internet phone And an automatic selection table 1 as shown in FIG.
Generate 30.

Further, there is a method in which the table creation unit 170 determines a communication medium in consideration of not only the charge but also the communication quality. The user can change the automatic selection table 130 generated as described above in order to take communication quality into consideration. In the case of a long-distance call, an Internet phone will be selected if it is determined only by comparing the charges. At this time, it is expected that the call quality will also deteriorate to some extent in proportion to the distance. Depending on the user, if the quality is lower than a certain level, there is a possibility that the user wants to use a general telephone even if the fee is high. In such a case,
The table creating unit 170 changes the communication method set in the automatic selection table 130 according to the designation input from the input unit 110.

The table creating section 170 creates a number conversion table 140 as shown in FIG. 7 based on the called telephone number of the calling destination and the IP address corresponding to the called telephone number. Next, the processing of the determination unit 120 will be described. The determination unit 120 determines whether the receiving terminal 200 on the outgoing destination owns Internet phone software having communication reciprocity with the transmitting terminal 100 and has a fixed IP address. The selection table 130 is referred to based on the input telephone number of the destination terminal 200 at the destination. As a result of the reference, in the case of the ordinary telephone, the control is transferred to the ordinary telephone function unit 150. In the case of an Internet phone, the control is transferred to the Internet phone function unit 160.

Thus, the ordinary telephone function unit 150 makes a call to the receiving terminal 200 using the telephone number, and the Internet phone function unit 160 acquires the IP address from the number conversion table 140 and makes an Internet call. However, it is necessary that the receiving terminal 200 has started Internet phone software. In addition, the determination unit 120
It is determined whether or not the receiving terminal 200 on the outgoing destination is the same type of terminal having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication. In the case of the same type of terminal, communication using a general telephone or Internet phone The communication is determined by referring to the automatic selection table 130,
In the case of an Internet phone, Japanese Patent Application No. 8-262
According to the technology disclosed in No. 103, real-time voice communication is realized by making a telephone call on the ISDN network, notifying the user information of the setup or obtaining the IP address via the B channel, and transmitting the Internet. I do.

In a case where a connection from an Internet phone to a general telephone is made possible, for example, as seen in "Net3phone" developed by IDT in the United States, a connection from the Internet phone to a general telephone via the Internet is made possible. Could be possible. In this case, after dialing up the provider 400, the caller notifies the other party of the telephone number. By automating the dial-up to the provider 400, the caller can connect only by inputting the other party's telephone number in the same manner as a call operation on a general telephone. Therefore, in this case, the receiving terminal 20
If the same operation as described above is performed for all destinations without reference to the Internet phone possession status of 0 (no need to check all digits of the telephone number), referring to the automatic selection table 130. Good.

[0044]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing an operation when the general telephone function according to the embodiment of the present invention is selected by the determination unit. Step 101) The input unit 110 inputs the telephone number of the destination terminal 200 at the destination.

Step 102) The judging section 120 refers to the automatic selection table 130 based on the input telephone number. Step 103) As a result of the reference, the determination unit 120 acquires a general telephone function identifier (identifier notifying that the general telephone function unit 150 is used). Step 104) The judgment unit 120 determines whether the general telephone function unit 1
Notify 50 of the telephone number. Thereby, the general telephone function unit 150 connects to the receiving terminal 200 corresponding to the telephone number via the public network.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an operation of the embodiment when the Internet phone function is selected by the determination section. Step 201) The input unit 110 inputs the telephone number of the destination terminal 200 at the destination. Step 202) The determining unit 120 refers to the automatic selection table 130 based on the input telephone number.

Step 203) As a result of the reference, the determination section 120 acquires the Internet phone function identifier (identifier for notifying that the Internet phone is used), and based on the telephone number, the number conversion table 14
0. Step 204) The IP address corresponding to the telephone number is acquired from the number conversion table 140. This is a case where a dedicated line connection is possible, and a case where an IP address is uniquely determined and set in the number conversion table 140.

Step 205) Internet phone function identifier acquired in step 203 and step 20
4 to the Internet phone function unit 160. Thereby, the Internet phone function unit 160 transmits the IP address via the Internet.
It connects to the receiving terminal 200 of the address. FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing the operation of the embodiment of the present invention when the IP address is not uniquely determined.

Step 301) From the input section 110, the telephone number of the destination terminal 200 at the destination is input. Step 302) The determining unit 120 refers to the automatic selection table 130 based on the input telephone number. Step 303) The determining unit 120 further refers to the number conversion table 140 based on the input telephone number.

Step 304) At this time, since the IP address corresponding to the telephone number is not set in the number conversion table 140, the number conversion table 14
From “0”, “NULL” is returned. Step 305) The internet phone function identifier is returned from the automatic selection table 130 to the determination unit 120.

Step 306) Thus, the judgment unit 1
20 makes a call request to the internet phone function unit 160 together with a telephone number. As a result, the Internet phone function unit 160 makes a call to the terminating terminal 200 through the ISDN network and notifies the user / user information of the setup or the B channel, as disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-262103. Obtain an IP address,
The Internet transmission is made to the IP address.

The table creation unit 170 of the present invention
It is assumed that the operation is performed by software for setting the LCR function having the function shown in FIG. Therefore, LCR
When it is desired to change the condition of the function, the software can be used for general purposes by appropriately changing the software. Further, the above embodiment has been described based on the configuration of FIG. 4, but is not limited to this example, and the terminal device 10
0 input unit 110, determination unit 120, general telephone function unit 15
0, the Internet phone function unit 160 and the table creation unit 170 are constructed as programs, stored in a portable storage medium such as a floppy disk or a CD-ROM, and installed in a terminal device having both a general telephone function and an Internet phone function. By doing so, it can be used for general purposes.

The present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, but can be variously modified and applied within the scope of the claims.

[0054]

As described above, according to the present invention, the terminal has the automatic selection table in which the transmission method of the general telephone / internet telephone for each ground is set. The destination is determined by searching the table based on the entered telephone number. When the calling method uses the general telephone function, the input telephone number is dialed to the public network as it is, but when the Internet telephone function is used, the IP address corresponding to the input telephone number is registered in a table. In this case, after connecting to the provider by the telephone network, the connection is made to the other party by the IP address. If the IP address is not registered, the telephone number is notified to the receiving terminal of the calling destination by the method disclosed in Japanese Patent Application No. 8-262103, the IP address is obtained from the receiving terminal, and the receiving terminal is notified. Since the connection is established, even if an IP address is not registered, communication using an Internet phone is possible.

Further, by generating an automatic determination table using a software medium for setting the LCR function, a general telephone function and an Internet telephone function according to various conditions such as a call charge, a call estimation time, a distance, and a call quality. Can be generated. Therefore, it is possible to select not only the fee but also the communication quality.

As described above, according to the present invention, there is no need to calculate the difference in charges between the case where the ordinary telephone function is used and the case where the Internet phone is used. Inexpensive communication functions can be selected. As described above, according to the voice communication system selection method and system of the present invention, terminals having two functions, a general telephone function and an Internet telephone function, are automatically used properly according to the purpose of use such as emphasis on charge and quality. It is possible to improve the convenience of the user by using the general telephone and the Internet telephone in a correlated manner.

Further, according to the storage medium storing the LCR function setting program of the present invention, the program stored in the storage medium can be easily stored in a terminal having two functions, a general telephone function and an Internet telephone function, as necessary. And the above effects can be easily obtained.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining the principle of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a principle configuration diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of a voice communication system selection system according to the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a configuration diagram of a terminal of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating a process of generating an automatic selection table by a table creation unit according to the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an example of an automatic selection table according to the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an example of a number conversion table according to the present invention.

FIG. 8 is a sequence chart showing an operation when a general telephone function according to one embodiment of the present invention is selected by a determination unit.

FIG. 9 is a sequence chart showing an operation when an Internet phone function according to one embodiment of the present invention is selected by a determination unit.

FIG. 10 is a sequence chart showing an operation when an IP address is not uniquely determined according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[Explanation of symbols]

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 100 Calling terminal 110 Input part 120 Judgment part, function selection means 121 Selection condition 122 Function determination means 130 Automatic selection table, transmission method selection table 140 Number conversion table 150 General telephone function part, telephone transmission means 160 Internet telephone function part, Internet telephone Sending means 170 Table creating section 180 Sending means 200 Receiving terminal 250 General telephone function section 260 Internet phone function section 300, 500 Public network 400 Provider

 ────────────────────────────────────────────────── ─── Continuing on the front page (72) Inventor Yasuhiro Yamashita Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corporation 3-19-2 Nishishinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Claims (23)

[Claims] 1. An analog line or an I / O
A general telephone function for connecting to a communication partner through a public network including an SDN line and performing voice communication, and an analog line or I / O
A provider (hereinafter simply referred to as a provider) that provides a connection service to a computer communication network (hereinafter, referred to as a TCP / IP network) by a dial-up connection or a dedicated line through a public network including an SDN line by a TCP / IP method. ), And has an Internet phone function that performs voice communication via a TCP / IP network, and determines which function to use for each call destination by inputting the telephone number of the call destination to the user. And selecting a voice communication method based on the selected function. 2. When selecting one of the functions based on the telephone number of the communication partner, a transmission method for each of the transmission destinations is defined in advance, and the transmission method corresponding to the input communication destination telephone number is defined. The calling method to be performed is determined by referring to a predefined calling method, and when calling to the telephone number of the destination, if the determined calling method is the general telephone function, the input is performed. If the telephone number of the determined communication destination is dialed as it is to the public network, and the determined transmission method is a device for performing voice communication via a TCP / IP network (hereinafter referred to as an Internet phone), 2. The method for selecting a voice communication system according to claim 1, wherein the public network is used to connect to a provider and the IP address is used to connect to a communication partner. 3. When the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function, and when the IP address is defined in advance, an IP address corresponding to the input telephone number is obtained, The call is made based on the IP address. If the IP address is not defined, the call is made to the communication partner based on the input telephone number, the IP address is obtained from the communication partner, and the communication is performed. 3. The method for selecting a voice communication system according to claim 2, wherein the voice communication system is connected to a partner. 4. The method for selecting a voice communication system according to claim 2, wherein the transmission method for each transmission destination is defined in advance based on parameters including a call charge, an estimated call time, a distance, and a call quality. 5. When defining the calling method for each call destination, enter a local telephone number, enter a telephone number of the call destination, enter a telephone number of the provider, and enter a telephone number for dial-up connection. The telephone charge of the provider and the pay-as-you-go communication charge of the provider are input, and the telephone charge based on the distance is obtained based on the input own telephone number and the telephone charge of the calling destination, and the telephone call for the dial-up connection is input. 3. The method according to claim 2, further comprising: calculating a total of a charge and the metered communication charge; and setting, for each of the calling destinations, a total value of the telephone charge, a telephone call charge for the dial-up connection, and the metered communication charge. How to select the voice communication method. 6. The method according to claim 1, wherein when the transmission method is determined, the receiving terminal at the input transmission destination has Internet phone software compatible with communication and has a fixed IP address, or When the terminal and the receiving terminal are the same type of terminal having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the input telephone number, the telephone charge,
3. The method according to claim 2, wherein a comparison is made between a telephone call charge for the dial-up connection and a total value of the pay-as-you-go communication charges, and an inexpensive function is selected. 7. The method for selecting a voice communication system according to claim 6, wherein, when the transmission method is determined, if the quality is lower than a predetermined communication quality level, the general telephone function is selected. 8. A public network including an analog line or an ISDN line, a general telephone function for connecting to a communication partner via the public network and performing voice communication, and a dial-up connection via the public network, or A calling terminal having an Internet phone function of connecting to a provider via a dedicated line and performing voice communication via the Internet, and a voice communication system selection system including a receiving terminal of a communication partner from the terminal; A terminal, a function selecting unit for selecting which of the general telephone function and the Internet telephone function to use for each of the receiving terminals based on a telephone number of a destination address input by a user; Transmission means for transmitting to the transmission destination based on the function selected by the selection means. M 9. The function selecting means includes: a transmission method selection table in which a transmission method is defined for each of the transmission destinations; a preset selection condition for selecting the transmission method; A transmission method corresponding to the telephone number of the communication destination, including the selection condition and a function determining unit that determines the transmission method by referring to the transmission method selection table, wherein the transmission unit determines the transmission method determined by the function determination unit. Is the general telephone function, telephone input means for dialing the input telephone number of the communication destination to the public network as it is, and if the determined transmission method is the Internet telephone function, Connecting to the provider via the public network,
9. The voice communication system selection system according to claim 8, further comprising: an Internet phone transmitting means for connecting to a communication partner by a P address. 10. The Internet phone transmitting means, comprising: a number conversion table for converting the input telephone number into an IP address; and the number conversion table when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function. A first IP address acquisition unit for acquiring an IP address corresponding to the input telephone number; and an IP address cannot be acquired by the IP address acquisition unit. 10. The voice communication system selection system according to claim 9, further comprising: a second IP address acquisition unit that sends out the input telephone number and acquires an IP address from the called terminal. 11. A transmission method selection table generating means for setting the transmission method selection table for each receiving terminal based on parameters including a call charge, a call estimation time, a distance, and a call quality. Voice communication system selection system. 12. The transmitting method selection table generating means, a local station inputting means for inputting a local telephone number, a receiving terminal inputting means for inputting a telephone number of the receiving terminal, and a telephone number of the provider. Provider station input means; charge rate for telephone calls for dial-up connection; and charge input means for inputting a pay-as-you-go communication charge of the provider; and the own station input by the own station input means and the receiving terminal station input means. A telephone charge setting unit for obtaining a telephone charge based on a distance based on a telephone number and a telephone charge of the receiving terminal; and a charge summing unit for obtaining a sum of the call charge and the pay-as-you-go communication charge input by the charge input unit. Item 12. The voice communication system selection system according to Item 11. 13. The function determining means, wherein the selection condition is such that the input terminal has communication-compatible Internet phone software and has a fixed IP address, or the calling terminal And when the called terminal is a terminal of the same type having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the input telephone number, the telephone charge setting means and the charge summing means of the calling method selection table determine If the charge set by the telephone charge setting means is lower, the general telephone function is selected, and the charge obtained by the charge summation means is lower. 10. The voice communication system selection system according to claim 9, further comprising means for selecting the Internet phone function. 14. The function determining means, comprising: quality determining means for determining whether communication quality satisfies a predetermined level; and when the communication quality is lower than a predetermined level by the quality determining means, 14. The voice communication system selection system according to claim 13, further comprising a table setting change unit configured to set a general telephone function in the outgoing system selection table. 15. A general telephone function for performing voice communication by connecting to a communication partner via a public network including an analog line or an ISDN line, and a dial-up connection via a public network including an analog line or an ISDN line. Or a computer communication network based on the TCP / IP method using a dedicated line (hereinafter, referred to as a TCP / IP network)
Storage medium storing an LCR function setting program installed in a terminal having an Internet phone function for performing voice communication via a TCP / IP network by connecting to a provider (hereinafter, simply referred to as a provider) that provides a connection service to the Internet A function selection process of selecting which of the general telephone function and the Internet telephone function is to be used for a receiving terminal based on a telephone number of an outgoing destination input by a user; A transmission process for transmitting to the transmission destination based on the function selected by the function selection process. A storage medium storing an LCR function setting program. 16. The function selecting process includes: selecting a transmission method corresponding to the input telephone number of the communication destination, selecting a preset selection condition for the transmission method, and setting a transmission method for each transmission destination in advance. Includes a function determination process that determines with reference to the defined transmission method selection table, wherein the transmission process is performed when the transmission method determined by the function determination process is the general telephone function. A telephone calling process of dialing the telephone number of the communication destination as it is to the public network; and, if the determined calling method is the Internet phone function, connect to a provider via the public network,
16. A storage medium storing an LCR function setting program according to claim 15, further comprising: an Internet phone calling process for connecting to a communication partner by a P address. 17. The Internet phone transmission process, wherein, when the determined transmission method is the Internet phone function, the input method refers to a number conversion table for converting the input telephone number into an IP address. To obtain an IP address corresponding to the entered telephone number
A second step of transmitting the input telephone number to the receiving terminal and obtaining an IP address from the receiving terminal if the IP address cannot be obtained by the P address obtaining process and the IP address obtaining process; 17. A storage medium storing an LCR function setting program according to claim 16, including an IP address acquisition process. 18. The transmission method selection table generating process for setting the transmission method selection table for each receiving terminal based on parameters including a call charge, a call estimation time, a distance, and a call quality. LCR of
A storage medium that stores a function setting program. 19. The transmitting method selection table generating process includes: a local station inputting process for inputting a local telephone number; a receiving terminal station inputting process for inputting a telephone number of the receiving terminal; and inputting a telephone number of the provider. A provider station input process; a telephone call fee for dial-up connection; and a fee input process for inputting a pay-as-you-go communication fee of the provider; and the own station input by the own station input process and the receiving terminal station input process. Claims comprising: a telephone charge setting process for obtaining a telephone charge according to distance based on a telephone number and a telephone charge of the receiving terminal; and a charge summation process for obtaining a sum of the call charge and the pay-as-you-go communication charge input by the charge input process. Item 19. A storage medium storing the LCR function setting program according to Item 18. 20. The function determination process, wherein the selection condition is that the input terminal has internet telephone software compatible with communication and has a fixed IP address, or the transmitting terminal has When the called terminal is a terminal of the same type having a negotiation function for Internet phone communication, based on the inputted telephone number, the telephone charge setting process and the charge summing process of the calling method selection table are performed. If the charge set by the telephone charge setting process is lower, the general telephone function is selected, and the charge obtained by the charge summation process is lower. 17. The method of claim 16, including the step of selecting said internet phone function.
A storage medium storing the described LCR function setting program. 21. The function determining process, comprising: a quality determining process for determining whether communication quality satisfies a predetermined level; and if the communication quality is lower than a predetermined level by the quality determining process, 17. A storage medium storing an LCR function setting program according to claim 16, including a table setting change process for setting a general telephone function in the transmission method selection table. 22. A local station input control process for prompting input of a local telephone number, a receiving terminal station input control process for prompting input of a telephone number of the receiving terminal, and a provider station input process for prompting input of the provider's station number. A call charge for a telephone call for dial-up connection, a charge input control process for prompting a provider to input a pay-as-you-go communication charge, and the local station input by the local station input control process and the receiving terminal station input control process. A telephone charge setting process for obtaining a telephone charge based on distance based on a telephone number and a telephone charge of the receiving terminal; a charge summation process for obtaining a sum of the call charge and the pay-as-you-go communication charge input by the charge input process; The telephone number of the receiving terminal obtained by the terminal station input control process is A storage medium storing an LCR function setting program, characterized by having a function determining process of setting a cheaper one by comparing a charge at the time of use and a charge at the time of using a general telephone function. 23. A decision process for judging whether the communication quality drops below a predetermined level due to a long-distance call when the use of the Internet phone function set by the function decision process is designated; 23. The storage medium storing the LCR function setting program according to claim 22, further comprising: a function change process for changing the Internet phone function to a general phone function when it is determined that the function is lowered.