KR100386930B1 - Apparatus and method for interfacing internet telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

The present invention provides a device and method for an internet telephone interface, wherein an audio output signal received from an external terminal connected to the external telephone during an internet telephone call is output to a handset of the external telephone, and an audio input received from the external telephone. The signal may be input to an audio input terminal of the external terminal device to enable an internet telephone call using an external telephone. In addition, in a method of implementing an Internet telephone using IP, a database of IP numbers of a plurality of terminal devices connected to the Internet network is provided, and when there is a request for an IP number from a specific terminal device to a specific terminal device, the terminal is connected from the database. By searching and providing the IP number of the device, it is possible to make a telephone call through the Internet directly without going through an Internet telephone provider.

As described above, according to the present invention, an audio output signal received from an external terminal connected to an external telephone is output to the handset of the external telephone during an internet telephone call, and the audio input signal received from the external telephone is input to an audio input terminal of the external terminal. There is a convenience in use to enable the Internet phone call using an external phone to enable the Internet phone call using an external phone.

Description

Apparatus and method for interfacing internet telephone}

The present invention relates to an internet telephone interface device and method, and more particularly, to a method for implementing an internet phone between an IP device using an IP relay server and an interface device capable of making a landline phone call and an internet phone call with a single general telephone.

Recently, due to the development of computer and communication technology, various applications using multimedia information processing and multimedia have emerged. In addition, the popularization of the Internet (Internet) that connects every corner of the world is occurring rapidly, and recently, the range of application is being extended to long distance calls through the Internet. The telephone call through the Internet network refers to a service that enables a telephone call to be made through the Internet network without using an existing telephone network. In other words, it is a system implemented to connect a PC equipped with an Internet phone SW, a speaker, a microphone, a sound card, and a universal serial bus (USB) connector to the Internet, and to talk like a regular phone with a PC owner having the same system. Telephone over the Internet has been spreading worldwide since it was first introduced by Israel's Vocaltec in February 1995, and has been developing from early PC-to-PC to PC-to-phone and even phone-to-phone. to be.

In spite of the problems that the call quality is lower than that of the general phone and that the internet subscribers have to be in the online standby state at the same time, it is not only possible to make international calls at a low price because it is connected through the Internet. Due to the advantages of being able to simultaneously transmit multimedia data such as images and documents through digital transmission, the spreading speed is rapidly progressing.

1 is a system configuration diagram for a conventional Internet telephone call.

Referring to FIG. 1, an ISP (118, 120) is an Internet service provider and provides a basic service for each of the PCs 102 and 130 of the A user 100 and the B user 128 to access the Internet network 116. Means providing a provider, for example, may be Korea Telecom, Hanaro Telecom. Internet phone providers 122 and 124 refer to service providers such as dial pads or wow calls, which are currently performing telephone service, and provide a service for enabling a telephone call between PCs connected to their servers. Provides a service that allows a phone call to be connected to the PC and the other party's phone.

The Internet Telephony Gateway 126 converts the packet data of the Internet protocol transmitted from the Internet telephony service provider servers 122 and 124 into a data format used by the telephone network 112, and transmits the data to the exchange 114. The data transmitted from the exchange 114 is converted into packet data of the Internet protocol and transmitted to the Internet telephone company servers 122 and 124.

Now, a telephone call method between user A and user B 128 will be described with reference to FIG. 1. First, the user A 100 calls the user B 128 is a telephone call to the telephone 108 to the telephone 136 through the switch 110, 114 and the telephone network 112 as in route 1 (L1). There is a method for performing the operation, and ISP server 118 of the Internet network 116 using the computers 102 and 130 equipped with the microphones 104 and 132 and the speakers 106 and 134 as in the path 2 (L2). 120, and then a telephone call between the PC 102 and the telephone 136 through the Internet telephone service provider servers 122 and 124. Also, as in the path 3 (L3), a telephone call method between the PC 102 to the PC 130 through the Internet telephone service provider servers 122 and 124, and an IP address without passing through the Internet telephone service provider servers 122 and 124. There is a method of performing a direct telephone call between the PC (102, 130) connected to the Internet network 116 by using.

If the operation of the Internet phone call corresponding to the path 2 (L2) and the path 3 (L3) of the telephone call method in more detail as follows.

First, a PC 102-to-PC 130 Internet phone is a method in which two people wanting to make a phone call connect to the Internet network 116 at the same time and connect to an Internet phone server of an Internet telephone company to find and talk to the other party. First, the analog voice signal input through the microphone 104 in the PC program of the speaker is digitized and compressed and the packetized voice is packetized using a protocol such as H323, RSVP, RTP / RTCP, and the Internet network 116. When the call is sent to the PC 130 of the listener, the call is decompressed by the receiving PC 130, and the digitized packet data is converted into an analog voice signal so that the voice spoken through the speaker 134 is restored.

Next, the PC 102-to-telephone 136-type Internet phone corresponding to route 2 (L2) is an Internet phone gateway installed in a specific area after installing the program on the PC 102 and accessing the Internet network 116. The device 126 is ringing and making a phone call to the telephone 136 through the telephone network 112. The person making the call through the PC 102 is the same as the PC 102 to PC 130 method described above, but since the recipient makes the phone call through the ordinary telephone 136, the PC 102 to the PC ( 130) compared to the method can be said to be an advanced method. That is, while the PC 102 to PC 130 method is all made of the Internet method, the PC 102 to phone 136 method is the Internet method of making a call and the receiving side is a conventional phone method. To do. That is, the role played by the Internet phone gateway 126 serves to connect the Internet network 116 and the existing telephone network 112.

However, in the conventional internet phone call service implemented by the PC 102 to the PC 130 or the PC 102 to the phone 136 described in FIG. 1, the PC sound card is connected to the PC sound card as shown in FIG. Since only the connected speakers 105 and 134 and the microphones 104 and 132 can be used, the user can only speak through the microphone 104 and listen through the speaker 106 near the PC 102. In addition, there was an inconvenience in using the headphones equipped with a microphone 104 for more stable voice reception. When implementing an Internet telephone call using IP, the Internet telephone call using IP is possible only when the other party's IP is known in advance. There was a problem. In other words, the IP address of the other party must be checked manually, and in the case of a dynamic IP user, there is a difficulty in making an Internet phone call using IP because the IP is changed every time the ISP is connected.

Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and the present invention has an object to provide an Internet telephone interface device and method capable of making a local telephone call and an internet telephone call using a general external telephone. .

Another object of the present invention is to provide an Internet telephone interface device and method that can easily implement the Internet telephone call using IP between the parties to receive the IP of the counterpart from the IP relay server when making an Internet telephone call using IP. .

1 is a system configuration diagram for a conventional trunk line telephone and Internet telephone call,

2 is a system configuration diagram for making a telephone call to an Internet telephone call with a single telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention;

3 is a block diagram of a trunk line telephone and an internet telephone interface device according to an embodiment of the present invention;

4 is a view showing a connection diagram between each computer and an IP relay server system according to an embodiment of the present invention, and the contents of a database of an IP relay server;

5 is a diagram illustrating a message transmission process between members and an IP relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention;

6 is a flowchart illustrating a process for the caller A computer obtaining the IP of the called party B from the IP relay server and making an Internet phone call with the called party B computer according to an embodiment of the present invention;

7 is a diagram of an input screen for registering a member in an IP relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention;

8A and 8B are diagrams illustrating a user interface screen of a phone interface device application program according to an embodiment of the present invention;

9 is an operation flowchart of an IP relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention;

10A to 10H are flowcharts illustrating operations of a telephone interface device application program according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

<Description of Symbols for Major Parts of Drawings>

11: external speaker terminal 12: audio input signal processing unit from the outside

13: audio output signal processing unit from the outside

14: external microphone connection terminal 15: control signal transmission and reception processing unit

16: telephone connection terminal 17: external trunk line connection terminal

21: second relay 22: third relay

23: first relay 31: Internet call processing unit

32: trunk line call processing unit 33: DTMF transceiver

34: controller

A feature of the present invention for achieving the above object is, in the Internet telephone interface device for making an Internet telephone call using an external telephone, the audio output signal received from the external terminal device is sent to the handset of the external telephone, The audio input signal received from the external telephone is an internet call processing unit for applying to an audio input signal processing unit of an external terminal device, a trunk line call processing unit for detecting "hook off" of the external telephone and detecting whether a call is received from a trunk line; A DTMF receiver for detecting DTMF tones of a dial key of the external telephone and transmitting DTMF tones to the trunk line processing unit, a first switching unit for selectively connecting the external telephone to a trunk line and the Internet, and an audio output signal of an external terminal device Audio input signal processing from the outside from the processing unit The second switching unit for selectively switching the signal passing through the audio signal output unit to the external connection device, and the audio input signal processing unit of the external terminal device through the audio output signal processing unit to the outside through the Internet call processing unit and the external connection device A third switching unit for selectively switching connection to an audio signal input unit of the control unit, and in the case of a trunk line telephone mode, controlling the first switching unit to connect the external telephone to the trunk line, and controlling the first switching unit in the Internet telephone mode. A call line is formed between the external telephone and the internet call processor, and the audio signal input / output signal processor of the external terminal device is connected to the transmitter / receiver of the external phone through the internet call processor by controlling the second and third switching units. Between the control unit and the external terminal device and the telephone interface device. And an I / O interface unit for interfacing data to be transmitted / received.

Preferably, the Internet call processing unit, subscriber line matching unit for matching the subscriber line between the external connection device and the external telephone, ring tone generation unit for generating a ring tone for informing the incoming call to the external telephone when the Internet telephone incoming; The incoming call alarm sound generation unit that generates an alarm sound to notify an external telephone when an incoming call is received during an internet phone call, a hook-off detection unit that detects whether the external telephone is "hooked off" and the "hook off" of the external telephone. It characterized in that it comprises a call waiting sound generator for transmitting a call waiting sound to the external telephone.

Preferably, the trunk line call processing unit includes a trunk line incoming call detection unit for detecting incoming line calls, an internet incoming call alarm generation unit for generating an alarm sound to notify an external telephone when an incoming line is incoming during a trunk line phone call; And hook off detection for detecting "hook off" of the external telephone.

Preferably, the switching unit, characterized in that implemented as a relay element or switching element.

Preferably, the external terminal device, characterized in that a personal computer (PC).

Another feature of the present invention is an IP relay server system for implementing an Internet telephony call using IP, comprising: a plurality of PCs to which an IP number is assigned, an ISP for connecting the plurality of PCs to the Internet network, and the ISP; The IP number assigned to the PCs of the members subscribed to the IP server system connected to the Internet is stored in the database together with the member's name, ID, and connection number. It is characterized in that it includes an IP relay server that retrieves the IP number of the PC being used by the member from the database.

Preferably, the IP number of the PC, characterized in that the floating IP number or fixed IP number.

Still another aspect of the present invention is a method for implementing an internet telephone call using an internet telephone interface device, wherein an audio output signal received from an external terminal device during an internet telephone call is output to a handset of the external telephone; The audio input signal received from the external telephone is input to the audio input signal processor of the external terminal device, thereby enabling the Internet telephone call using the external telephone.

In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for implementing an Internet telephone using IP, which includes a process of databaseting IP numbers of a plurality of terminal devices connected to the Internet network, and requesting an IP number from an arbitrary terminal device to a specific terminal device. If present, by searching for the IP number of the terminal device from the database and providing the Internet phone call using the IP directly between the parties.

In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of setting an initial environment of an internet telephone interface device, the method including starting up an external terminal device connected to the telephone interface device, and accessing an Internet service provider server through the external terminal device. Obtaining an IP number and setting an initial environment of the telephone interface device application program implemented in the external terminal device.

Preferably, the process of setting a basic connection path of the external telephone in the user interface, a process of setting a mutual conversion code for changing the connection path of the set external telephone and a connection number, dialing / canceling, Internet call Shutdown / Reset, Connect Phone to Computer, Connect Phone to CO Line, Turn On External Speaker, Turn Off External Speaker, Turn Off Intercom Code, Set Default Connection Path, Use Flash, ID, Password, Connection Number, Serial Communication Port It is characterized by including a process such as setting.

In still another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method for implementing an internet phone using an external phone in an internet phone interface device, the method comprising: checking a basic connection path of the external phone, and setting the connection path as a transmission path in the internet phone mode; If so, the step of establishing a connection with the other party through the Internet, the audio output signal received from the external terminal device is sent to the handset of the external telephone and the audio input signal received from the external telephone is It is made of a process for transmitting to the audio input signal processor of the external terminal device.

Preferably, when the connection path of the external telephone is set as the connection path to the trunk line, further comprising the step of performing a telephone call with the other party using the telephone network through the trunk line.

Preferably, the call path forming process, the step of receiving a dial key from the external telephone, and if the combination of the input dial key means the connection number of the other party connected to the Internet phone service provider server corresponds to the connection number The process of performing an internet telephone call with the other party and if the combination of the input dial keys means the IP number of the other party, performs a telephone call by directly making an internet connection with the other party through an internet service provider. Characterized in that made.

Preferably, the process of receiving the input is characterized in that the process by the input via the telephone number button or the keyboard or mouse.

Preferably, when the combination of the dial keys is a transmission path change code for changing a telephone call mode, when the currently set transmission path is a trunk line telephone mode, changing and setting the transmission path of the external telephone to the Internet telephone mode; The method may further include changing and setting the transmission path of the external telephone to the trunk line telephone mode if the transmission path is the Internet telephone mode.

Preferably, the method further comprises a process of inputting a user interface for registering an IP relay server and checking whether a connection number is duplicated.

Preferably, it is characterized in that it further comprises a process of automatically connecting to the telephone number of the telephone line having a corresponding telephone number when the Internet phone using the IP.

Hereinafter, exemplary embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the reference numerals to the components of the accompanying drawings, it should be noted that the same reference numerals have the same reference numerals as much as possible even if displayed on different drawings. Also in the following description and in the accompanying drawings, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. And a detailed description of known functions and configurations that may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention will be omitted.

2 is a system configuration diagram for making a telephone call and an internet telephone call with a single telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

2, the configuration of the Internet phone system according to an embodiment of the present invention is to replace the telephone interface device 200 in place of the microphone and speaker that must always be provided in the user PC (102, 130) for the conventional Internet phone call It is installed between the telephones 108 and 136 and the PCs 102 and 130 to enable internet phone calls using the external telephones 108 and 136.

That is, the received audio signal from the other party output from the PCs 102 and 130 is outputted to the handset of the external telephones 108 and 136 via the telephone interface device 200, and the handset of the external telephones 108 and 136 is output. The user's transmission audio signal input from the user is transmitted to the audio input signal processor of the PCs 102 and 130 through the telephone interface device 200. Therefore, an internet phone call can be made using an external telephone without a microphone and a speaker provided in the PCs 102 and 130.

3 is a block diagram of a trunk line telephone and an internet telephone interface apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, the first relay 23 forms a call line between the external telephone 108 and the trunk line when making a CO line call (Cooking Line Mode), and when making an Internet call (Internet Phone Mode). ) Is switched under the control of the controller 34 to connect the external telephone 108 to the Internet call processor 31.

The second relay 21 is switched under the control of the controller 34, and the audio signal from the audio input signal processor 12 from the outside is connected to the internet call processor 31 in both a trunk line telephone mode and an internet telephone mode. It outputs to the trunk line call processing part 32. In the Internet telephony mode, the audio signal output from the PC is transmitted to the handset of the external telephone 108 through the internet call processor 31.

The second relay 21 is switched under the control of the controller 34 and is connected to the audio input signal processing unit 12 and the external speaker connection terminal 11 from the outside in the standby state where the handset is lowered or in the trunk line telephone mode. In the Internet phone mode, the audio input signal processing unit 12 and the external speaker connection terminal 11 from the outside are operated to be separated. At this time, no sound is heard from the external speaker SP.

However, it is possible to operate the audio input signal processor 12 and the external speaker connection terminal 11 from the outside by the user's manipulation. At this time, the person in the vicinity of the external speaker (SP) can listen to the Internet phone call.

The third relay 22 is switched under the control of the controller 34 and is connected to the external microphone connection terminal 14 in the standby state in which the handset is lowered or in the trunk line telephone mode, and is input from an external microphone (MIC). Is connected to the audio input signal processing unit of the PC via the audio output signal processing unit 13 to the outside, and is connected to the internet call processing unit 31 in the Internet telephone mode, and is input from the talker of the external telephone 108. The audio signal is connected to the audio input signal processor of the PC through an external audio output signal processor 13. The DTMF receiver 33 detects the dial number input from the dial key of the external telephone 108 and applies it to the control unit 35. The DTMF transceiver 33 receives the dial number from the controller 34 and dials the trunk line via the trunk line call processing unit 32. do.

The Internet call processing unit 31 includes a subscriber line matching unit (SLIC) for matching an external telephone 108 with a subscriber line, a trunk line incoming alarm sound generating unit for notifying a user when an incoming call is made during an internet telephone call, and an external telephone. A "hook off" detector for detecting "hook off" and notifying the controller 34, and a call waiting sound generator for generating a call waiting sound as in the case of a "hook off" of an external telephone and an external telephone to notify when an incoming call is made. The telephone is configured to include at least a ring tone generating unit for generating ring tones ringing distinction from when the trunk line telephone is incoming.

The trunk line call processing unit 32 includes a trunk line incoming call detection unit that detects the incoming / outgoing of the trunk line telephone, an Internet telephone incoming alarm sound generation unit that generates an alarm sound to notify an external telephone when the Internet phone is incoming during a trunk line call, and the external device. And at least a " hook off " detector for detecting whether the telephone is " hook off ".

The control signal transmission and reception processing unit 15 is connected to the PC in a form of being plugged into a serial or parallel communication port or a slot of a universal serial bus (USB) or PC (PC) and is connected between the telephone interface device 200 and the PC. Interfaces data sent and received.

The controller 34 controls the overall operation of the telephone interface device 200, stores operation programs and various reference data, and generates data during various operations performed by the telephone interface device 200 according to the operation programs. It has a memory for temporarily storing the inside.

4 is a diagram showing a connection diagram between each computer and an IP relay server system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention, and showing the contents of a database of an IP relay server.

Referring to FIG. 4, the IP relay server 408 according to an embodiment of the present invention may display fixed or dynamic IPs of a plurality of PCs 400, 402, 404, and 406 connected through ISPs 118 and 120 in FIG. 4. It is stored as a lookup table 412 in the database (DB) 410 as shown, and provides a current IP number of the corresponding party's PC when there is a request from any PC. Therefore, when implementing the Internet phone using IP, the parties can be provided from the IP relay server 408, without checking each other's IP number, it is possible to make an Internet phone call using the IP. Accordingly, it is possible to alleviate the inconvenience of having to check the IP number between the parties in advance when making an Internet phone call using the conventional IP.

The contents 412 of the database 410 list each member's name, ID, connection number, local telephone number, IP address, current connection status, last logon time, last logoff time, and last check time. The connection number is a fixed number assigned to each user. It's kind of like a telephone number. The phone number is the general phone number that the person has.

There are two types of connection status: logon and logoff. Logon is a user who connects to the IP relay server 408 and informs the IP relay server 408 of his IP. Re-connect within) and your computer or IP will remain the same. In the IP relay server 408, if the member who once accessed within the predetermined time does not connect again, the IP relay server 408 directly accesses the IP known to the member until then, inquires the member information, The information is compared to determine whether the member logs on or off. The last logon time means the last time the member connected to the IP relay server 408, and the last log off time means the time when the member last logged off to the IP relay server 408. The last check time means the time when the IP relay server 408 last attempted to access the member using the member's IP.

5 is a diagram illustrating a message transmission process between members and an IP relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 5, first, when a computer is booted as in M1, the computer accesses the Internet network 116 and sends its ID, password, IP, connection number, and the like to log on to a server. It connects to the IP relay server 408 at a predetermined time as in M2 and sends its ID, password, IP, connection number, etc. to inform that it is operating normally. If the user's IP is changed for various reasons such as M3, the IP relay server 408 is immediately notified of the changed IP.

If you want to inquire another person's IP, you can send the person's connection number or ID. The IP relay server 408 informs the IP relay server 408 that the computer terminates itself before the computer shuts down, such as M4. If B is logged on, B is notified of A's IP, if not logged on, it is notified to A. M6 means that A makes an Internet phone call to B directly, and M7 means that an Internet phone call is made between the two by B's response.

In addition, a member who does not reconnect within a predetermined time, as in M8 to M11, logs off or checks whether the member is an IP relay server by directly accessing the member with a known IP and then logs on or logs off.

6 is a flowchart illustrating an operation control for performing an internet telephone call using an external telephone according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to Figure 6 describes the process until the person A is connected to the person B by making an Internet phone call, first, if there is a key input for the PC power "on" from the user A is started in step S100. Subsequently, access to the Internet service providers (ISPs 118 and 120) to obtain a unique IP number (step S101).

After performing the step S101, the user executes an application program for operating the telephone interface device 200 pre-programmed in a PC according to an embodiment of the present invention, in order to make an Internet phone call using the external phones 108 and 136. (Step S102). In operation S102, a user interface screen (FIG. 8) of an application program of the phone interface device 200 is displayed on the monitor. The user's ID, password, IP, connection number, etc. are automatically sent to the IP relay server 408 to log on (step S103). This set up the environment for making Internet phone calls.

The next time the user picks up the phone (step S104), the default connection path in the configuration column of Fig. 10 is checked to the Internet (step S105), or the "Connect the phone to the computer" command appears on the user interface screen or In step S106, when the flash comes in while the phone is connected to the trunk line (step S107), the user can enter a connection number of the person (for example, B) who wants to make an Internet phone call. Input at step S108 may be by pressing a number button on the telephone or by pressing a number button on the keyboard of the computer. The application receives the number and sends it to the IP relay server 408 (step S109). The IP relay server 408 checks whether this number is the registered member number (step S110), and if the IP relay server 408 knows the member IP corresponding to this number (step S112), the IP is transmitted to A. Inform (step S113). If the registration is not registered in the IP relay server 408 in step S110, the IP relay server 408 notifies A that the connection number is not present in the IP relay server 408 (step S111). After performing steps S111 and S112 or in step S115, if B does not receive A's Internet call, the Internet phone call is not connected between A and B (step S117).

Then, A makes an internet call to B using the IP thus learned (step S114). Then, if B receives an Internet call (step S115), and if B wants to answer A's Internet call in step S115, an internet phone call is made (step S116).

7 is a diagram illustrating an example of a user interface screen for registering a member in the IP relay server 408. The user may input a name, ID, password, and a connection number and e-mail address to be registered in the IP relay server 408. .

8A and 8B illustrate an example of an application program screen of the phone interface device 200. As shown in FIG. 8B, a user interface screen for controlling the main operation of the phone interface device 200 is displayed on the PC monitor screen. do. In FIG. 8A, the connected phone book is information about people who are mainly used to call me. If you double-click on any one of these lines with a computer mouse, an Internet phone call with that person will be attempted using that person's IP.

If the internet phone call fails, the person's phone number is automatically dialed through the internet toll free phone site. If the phone using the internet free phone is also failed, the phone is automatically connected to the phone line. The speed dial of FIG. 8A is for dialing a two-digit number in the phone and then pressing '#' to make an Internet call to the person. The connected state indicates whether the person is currently connected to the IP relay server 408. If you press the 'Add Member' button, you can add a member from the linked directory. If you select a row and press 'Edit Member Information', you can edit the name, ID, connection number, trunk line number and speed dial number. If you press the 'Delete Member' button, you can select and delete the member from the connection directory. If you press the 'Check Connection Status' button, the information on the current connection status of the members in the connection directory is received from the IP relay server 408 and updated. do.

Under the 'Netable state' at the top of FIG. 8B, a string indicating the state of the current phone interface device 200 is output. In the 'Internet dialing using IP' box, you can try to make a call by entering the direct connection number or the IP of the other party and pressing the 'Call by dialing number' button or 'Call by IP' button. The 'Cancel / Stop' and 'End / Initiate Internet Call' buttons can be used to stop the internet call. Pressing the 'connect the telephone to the computer' button allows the external telephone to be connected to the internet call processing unit by manipulating the first relay (23 in FIG. 3). If your phone is connected by trunk line, you can use it to connect to your computer to make an internet call. Pressing the 'connect the telephone to the trunk line' button allows the external telephone to be connected to the trunk line call processing unit by manipulating the first relay (23 in FIG. 3). When the phone is connected to the computer, it can be used to connect to the trunk line to make a trunk line call. When the 'external speaker on' button is pressed, the second speaker (21 in FIG. 3) is operated to connect the external speaker connection terminal (11 in FIG. 3) to the audio input signal processor (12 in FIG. 3) from the outside. When the 'external speaker off' button is pressed, the second speaker (21 in FIG. 3) is operated to separate the external speaker connection terminal (11 in FIG. 3) from the audio input signal processor (12 in FIG. 3) from the outside. Interchange code can be set in 'Currency Line <-> Internet Interchange Code Setting' in the environment setting field. Pressing the transfer code in the state of the Internet phone is a trunk line call state, and pressing the transfer code in the state of the trunk line call is the Internet phone state. Checking the Internet in 'Default connection path setting' means that the phone will be in the state of Internet call when the phone is picked up, and if it is checked on the C.O.line, the phone will be in the state of C.O. In 'Use Flash', if it is checked, it will respond to the flash coming from the phone. If it is not used, it will not respond to the flash coming from the phone. Flash can be used to make cross-calls between CO lines. ID, password, and connection number are information about the user. The serial communication port sets the communication port between the telephone interface device 200 and the computer.

You can make an internet call through the toll free phone site. You can add a toll free phone site by clicking the 'Add' button in the 'Dial phone call' field on the left side of FIG. 8B. do. If you select one of the listed free internet phone providers and press the 'Select' button, the site will be used to try toll-free calls. Then, when the call is failed using the IP, the call is made through the currently selected toll-free telephone site using the telephone line number or the telephone number input through the telephone in the connection directory. The ID and password are entered automatically when you automatically access each selected toll free phone site. If you want to make a call using a toll-free site manually, enter the area code and the phone number you want to call and press the 'Call' button. Press 'Cancel / Stop' button to cancel the call.

9 is a flowchart illustrating an algorithm in an IP relay server according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, when power is supplied to the IP relay server 408, a timer for notifying every predetermined time (for example, 30 minutes) is activated in step S200. When the timer is activated in step S200, if there is a person who wants to register a member in the IP relay server 408 in step S201, an ID, a password, a connection number, an IP, and the like are added to the database 410 as a new member (step S202). When a member who has joined subscribes to log on (step S203), an ID, a password, a connection number, an IP, and the like are received and confirmed and logged on (step S204).

When a member who is logged on attempts to log off (step S205), an ID, a password, a connection number, an IP, and the like are received and confirmed and logged off (step S206). When a member tries to inquire another member's IP (step S207), whether a user is logged on or logged off is notified and the result is notified (step S208). When a member changes his or her IP for various reasons (step S209), the ID, password, connection number, IP, etc. are received and confirmed, and if correct, the IP of the database 410 is updated (step S210). In step S211, when the timer reaches 30 minutes, and when the time of the timer to inform every predetermined time, check whether the data of the members in the database is correct (step S212), the members who do not match log off processing (step S213) . If the IP relay server 408 is to be terminated (step S214), the IP relay server 408 ends to complete the operation of the IP relay server 408.

10A to 10H are flowcharts illustrating an operation algorithm in a computer program according to an embodiment of the present invention.

10A to 10H, when the computer A is started up as shown in FIG. 10A (step S300), in step S301, an Internet Service Provider (ISP) 118, 120 is connected to obtain an IP, and in step S302. ID, password, connection number, IP of the computer A 400 to the IP relay server 408 to log on to the IP relay server 408 (step S302), and informs every predetermined time (for example 20 minutes) Starts the timer (step S304).

If it is determined in step S305 that the time (20 minutes) is determined, if the predetermined time is notified to the IP relay server 408 ID, password, connection number, IP, etc. that the A computer 400 can make an Internet phone call Notify (step S306). In step S305, the predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) or after performing the step S306 determines whether or not the telephone line call (step S307), if the telephone line came in step S307 determines whether or not the handset (step S308) . In addition, if it is determined in step S307 that the trunk line call has not come, it is determined whether the handset is picked up (step S309). If it is heard in step S309, it is determined whether the default connection path is the Internet (step S310).

If the handset is not picked up in steps S308 and S309, it is determined whether an Internet phone call is received (step S311). If the Internet phone is received in step S311, the phone is up and the phone is recognized (step S312). If the Internet phone call has not come in step S311, it is determined whether an inquiry request is received from the IP relay server 408 to check whether the A computer 400 can make an Internet phone call (step S313). If this is not the case, return to step S305 and if the inquiry request in step S313 communicates to the IP relay server 408 to inform the ID, password, connection number, IP of the computer A 400 so that the computer A 400 calls the Internet phone. Informs that the operation can be performed (step S314), and if the program is to be terminated (step S316), it ends, or returns to step S305.

If the handset is picked up in step S308 or if the default connection path in step S310 is not the Internet, it indicates that the trunk line is in the state (step S315). In addition, if the default connection path is the Internet in step S310, the phone is in a state of determining an incoming call recipient (step S317).

Fig. 10B is a flowchart for determining a counterpart who wants to make an internet phone call with a telephone.

If it is determined in step S317 to pick up the recipient of the Internet phone call, it is determined whether the handset is set down (step S318). If the handset is set down in step S318, the process returns to the standby state of step S303. In step S318, if the handset is not put down, it is determined whether a local telephone call is received (step S319). When the telephone line comes in step S319, a sound for notifying the incoming telephone call is output to the computer speaker and the telephone to inform a person (step S320).

In step S319, it is determined whether the telephone line does not come or the Internet call comes after performing the step S320 (step S321). If the Internet phone comes in the step S321, the call is rejected because the existing telephone call is attempted (step S322). . In step S321, if there is no Internet call or after performing step S322, it is determined whether the flash or the telephone cord is received or whether the button for connecting the phone to the trunk line is pressed (step S323). When the button to be connected to the trunk line is pressed, the phone is changed to the trunk line state (step S324).

If the flash or the conversion code does not come in step S323 or if the button for connecting the phone to the trunk line is not pressed, it is determined whether the called party to be determined is determined (step S325), and the called party to communicate in step S325 is not determined. If it is returned to step S318. In order to determine the person to be communicated with in step S325, the user presses a number button on the phone or inputs it with a computer mouse. In addition, in order to determine the called party to communicate in step S325, the number button on the keyboard, or select a person in the connection number of Figure 8a or double-click. If it is determined in step S325 that the called party to be called is determined that the called party is a number in the connected phone book (step S326), if the number in the connected phone book in step S326 IP recipient server IP relay server 408 In the waiting state for receiving notification from the step (S327). If the number is not in the connected phone book, the call is attempted using the toll free site (step S328).

10c is a flowchart for receiving notification of an IP of a person to be called from an IP relay server.

In step S327, when the IP address of the called party is waiting for notification from the IP relay server 408, the connection number of the called party is sent to the IP relay server 408 to request the IP of the called party (step S329). After performing step S329, it is determined whether the handset is put down (step S330). If the handset is dropped in step S330, the process returns to step S303 in a standby state, and if the handset is not put down in step S330, the IP relay server 408. Determining which response has been received from (S331), if no response in step S331 returns to step S330 and if the response is received in step S331 determines whether the received connection number is a member registered in the IP relay server 408 ( Step S332).

If the connection number received in step S332 is a member registered in the IP relay server 408, it is determined whether a called party corresponding to the received connection number is logged on to the IP relay server 408 (step S333). If the user is logged on at step S333, the IP recipient server is notified of the IP of the called party (step S334). If you are not a registered member in step S332 or you are not logged on in step S333, the service automatically connects to the toll-free telephone site (step S335). Try. In step S334, when the IP of the called party is notified, an Internet telephone call is made and the receiver waits for a caller response (step S336).

10d is a flowchart of directly making an internet call using the IP determined in the previous step and waiting for a response from the other party.

In step S336, when making an internet phone call and waiting for a caller response, the caller makes an internet call to the called party using the IP of the called party (step S337). In step S337, simply drop the handset, the Internet call is canceled (step S339), and the process returns to the standby state of step S303.

If the handset is not dialed in step S338 (step S340), and determines whether a telephone line call comes in step S340, and outputs a sound for notifying the incoming call to the computer speaker and the phone (step S341). In addition, in step S340, whether or not an incoming call or an internet call has been made after performing step S341 (step S342). When an internet call is received in step S342, the call is rejected because it is being made. Step S343).

In step S342, it is determined whether an internet phone call has not been made or a flash or a switching code is received after performing step S343, or whether the button for connecting the phone to the trunk line is pressed (step S344). If the flash or the conversion code is received in step S344 or if the button for connecting the phone to the trunk line is pressed, the transmission of the Internet call is canceled (step S345) and the state of the trunk line call (step S346).

If there is no flash or telephone cord in step S344 or if the button for connecting the phone to the trunk line is not pressed, it is determined whether it is possible to make an internet call with the called party (step S347), and if not yet determined in step S347 S338 Returning to the step, if it is determined that it is possible to call the Internet telephone call with the called party (S348 step). If it is determined that it is impossible, try to call using a free phone site (step S349). If it is determined in step S348 possible to wait for the response of the called party in step S350 and if the called party to answer the Internet phone call to the Internet phone call with the called party (step S354). In step S350, if the called party does not answer the Internet call, an error tone is sent to the telephone (step S351), and it is determined whether the handset is put down (step S352). If the handset is not put down in step S349, the step S352 is repeated again. If the handset is put down in step S352, the standby state (step S353).

Fig. 10E is a flowchart showing that the Internet telephone is on while the telephone is up.

In step S312 of FIG. 10A, when the telephone is up and the phone call is recognized, the receiver determines whether the receiver has heard the handset (step S355), and if the called party hears the handset, the receiver approves the reception of the Internet phone (step S356). In step S357, the phone is in a state of making an Internet phone call.

If the called party does not pick up the handset in step S355, it is determined whether another internet phone call is received (step S358). If another internet phone call is received in step S358, the receiver refuses to receive the internet phone call (step S359). In step S358, another Internet phone call does not come, or after performing step S359, it is determined whether a local line call is received (step S360). (Step S362).

In step S360, if the call does not come, it is determined whether the caller hangs up before receiving the Internet call (step S363). If the caller does not hang up the phone before receiving the Internet call in step S363, the process returns to step S355. If the caller hangs up before answering the Internet call in step S363, the process becomes a standby state (step S364).

Fig. 10F is a flowchart showing a state in which an Internet telephone call is being carried with a telephone.

If it is in the state of making a phone call on the Internet in step S357, a timer for notifying every predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) is activated (step S365), and it is determined whether it is a predetermined time (step S366). When a predetermined time is reached in step S366, the IP relay server 408 notifies the ID, password, connection number, IP, etc., so that the computer A 400 can make an internet phone call (step S367).

If the predetermined time is not reached in step S366 or step S367, it is determined whether a local telephone call is received (step S368), and when the telephone line comes in step S368, a sound for informing the incoming call is output to the computer speaker and the telephone (step S369). ).

In step S368, if the local telephone line does not come or performs step S369, it is determined whether another internet phone call is received (step S370). If another internet phone call is received in step S370, the reception of the internet call is refused (step S371). If another Internet call does not come in step S370 or step S371 determines whether the button for connecting to the flash, conversion code, or trunk line is pressed (step S372), and for connecting to the flash, conversion code, or trunk line in step S372 Is pressed, the Internet telephone call is terminated (step S373). When the internet phone call is terminated in step S373, the state changes to the trunk line telephone state (step S374).

If the button for connecting to the flash, conversion code, or trunk line is not pressed in step S372, it is determined that the other party has first disconnected the internet call while making a call (step S375). An end sound is generated (step S376). If the telephone termination sound occurs in step S376, it is determined whether the handset is put down (step S377). If the handset is not put down in step S377, it is determined whether the handset is repeatedly put down.

If it is determined in step S375 that the other party did not first hang up the telephone, it is determined whether the handset is set down (step S378), and if the handset is put down in step S378, the telephone call is terminated (step S379). If the handset is put down in step S377 or the step S379 is performed (step S380).

If the handset is not put down at step S378, it is determined from the IP relay server 408 whether an inquiry request has been made to check whether the A computer 400 can make an Internet phone call (step S381), and the inquiry request at step S381. If not, the process returns to step S366 and, in step S381, when an inquiry request confirms whether or not the Internet phone can be made from the IP relay server 408 during the Internet phone call, it communicates with the IP relay server 408 to A computer. The ID, password, connection number, and IP of 400 indicate that the computer A 400 can make an Internet phone call (step S382), and returns to step S366.

10G is a flow chart of what can happen when making a telephone call.

In step S374, the timer for notifying every predetermined time (for example, 20 minutes) in the state of the trunk line telephone is activated (step S383), and it is determined whether it is a predetermined time (step S384), and the IP relay is performed every time in step S384. By notifying the server 408 of the ID, password, connection number, IP, etc., the A computer 400 notifies that the Internet telephone call can be made (step S385).

In step S384, if it is not a certain time or if step S385 is performed, it is determined whether an Internet call has arrived (step S386). (Step S387). In step S386, if there is no Internet call or if step S387 is performed, it is determined whether the button for flashing, switching code, or connecting to the computer is pressed (step S388). In step S388, the button for flashing, switching code, or connecting to the computer is pressed. In step S389, the mobile phone is lifted up to determine the recipient of the Internet call.

In step S388, if the flash, switching code, or the button for connecting to the computer is not pressed, it is determined whether the handset is put down (step S390), and when the handset is put down in step S390, the standby state is reached (step S391).

If the handset is not put down in step S390, it is determined whether an inquiry request is received from the IP relay server 408 to check whether the A computer 400 can make an Internet phone call (step S392), and the inquiry request in step S392. If this is not the case, return to step S384 and if the inquiry request is received in step S392, communicate with the IP relay server 408 to inform the ID, password, connection number, and IP of the A computer 400 so that the A computer 400 makes an Internet phone call. (Step S393), the process returns to step S384.

Fig. 10H is a flow chart of the things that make a call through a toll free site.

Here, the site to which access is attempted is the toll-free site selected in FIG. 8B. First, it is determined whether the site can be accessed (step S394). Step S396), the phone line number of the called party is automatically input (step S397). After performing step S397, it is determined whether it is connected with the other party (step S398). If it is not connected or is determined impossible in step S394, the external telephone is connected to the trunk line (step S399), and the called party's trunk line number is used. By making a call through the trunk line (step S400), the user dials directly to the trunk line so that the state of the trunk line becomes a state (step S401). If it is connected to the other party in step S398 is a call with the other party (step S402), it is determined whether the user put down the handset (step S403), if the call is released (step S404).

Meanwhile, in the above description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications may be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. In particular, in the embodiment of the present invention has been described as an example that the Internet telephone interface device is installed externally to the external terminal device and the telephone period, the telephone interface device may be provided in the external terminal device in the form of a card, Even in such a case, the method of implementing an Internet phone according to the embodiment of the present invention is equally applicable. Therefore, the scope of the invention should not be defined by the described embodiments, but should be defined by the equivalent of claims and claims.

As described above, according to the present invention, an audio output signal received from an external terminal connected to an external telephone is output to the handset of the external telephone during an internet telephone call, and the audio input signal received from the external telephone is an audio input signal processor of the external terminal. Internet phone call using an external phone can be made by inputting it into the network. Therefore, it is convenient to use the Internet phone call using an external phone. Also, it is possible to randomize the database by IP number of a plurality of terminal devices connected to the Internet network. When there is a request for an IP number from a terminal device to a specific terminal device, there is an advantage that an Internet phone call using IP can be made without having to go through an Internet telephone provider by searching for and providing an IP number of the terminal device from a database.

Claims (21)

An internet telephone interface device for making an internet telephone call using an external telephone, An internet call processor for transmitting an audio output signal received from an external terminal device to a receiver of an external telephone, and applying an audio input signal received from the external telephone to an audio input signal processor of the external terminal apparatus; A trunk line call processing unit for detecting a "hook off" of the external telephone and detecting whether a call is received from a trunk line; A DTMF transceiver for detecting DTMF tones of a dial key of the external telephone and transmitting DTMF tones to the trunk line processing unit; A first switching unit for selectively connecting the external telephone to the trunk line and the Internet; A second switching unit configured to selectively switch the signal output from the audio output signal processing unit of the external terminal device through the audio input signal processing unit from the outside to the audio signal output unit to the external connection device; A third switching unit for selectively switching and connecting the audio input signal processing unit of the external terminal device to the audio signal input unit of the internet call processing unit and the external connection device through the audio output signal processing unit to the outside; In the case of a trunk line telephone mode, the first switching unit is controlled to connect the external telephone to the trunk line. In the case of an Internet telephone mode, the first switching unit is controlled to form a call line between the external telephone and the Internet call processing unit. A control unit for controlling the third switching unit to connect the audio signal input / output signal processing unit of the external terminal device to the transmission / reception terminal of the external telephone through the internet call processing unit; And an I / O interface unit for interfacing data transmitted / received between an external terminal device and the telephone interface device. According to claim 1, wherein the Internet call processing unit, Subscriber line matching unit for matching the subscriber line between the external connection device and the external telephone, A ring tone generation unit for generating a ring tone for informing the incoming call of the Internet phone to an external telephone when the Internet phone is received; An incoming call alarm generation unit for generating an alarm sound to notify an external telephone when an incoming call is received during an internet phone call; A hook-off detector for detecting "hook off" of the external telephone; And a call waiting sound generator for transmitting a call waiting sound to the external phone when " hooking off "of the external phone. According to claim 1, wherein the trunk line call processing unit, A trunk line incoming call detection unit for detecting a trunk line incoming call, Internet call incoming alarm generation unit that generates an alarm sound to notify external telephones during incoming calls. And a hook-off detector for detecting "hook off" of the external telephone. The method of claim 1, wherein the switching unit, Internet telephone interface device, characterized in that implemented as a relay element or switching element. According to claim 1, wherein the external terminal device, Internet telephone interface device, characterized in that the personal computer (PC). In the IP relay server system for implementing an Internet telephony call using IP, Multiple PCs with IP numbers, ISP for connecting the plurality of PCs to the Internet network; The IP number assigned to the PCs of the members subscribed to the IP server system connected to the Internet through the ISP is stored in the database together with the member's name, ID, connection number and local telephone number, An Internet telephony interface device, comprising: an IP relay server for retrieving an IP number of a PC being used by a member from a database when another member's IP number is requested. The method of claim 6, wherein the IP number of the PC, An Internet telephony interface device, which is either a floating IP number or a fixed IP number. A method of implementing an internet telephone call using an internet telephone interface device, Audio output signal received from an external terminal device connected to an external telephone during an internet telephone call is output to a receiver of the external telephone; and The audio input signal received from the external telephone is input to the audio input signal processing unit of the external terminal device to enable the Internet telephone call using the external telephone, characterized in that it comprises a process for enabling an internet telephone call. . In the Internet telephone implementation method using IP, Database IP numbers of a plurality of terminal devices connected to the Internet network; and If there is an IP number inquiry request from a certain terminal device to a specific terminal device, the Internet phone call using the IP directly between the parties by searching for and providing the IP number of the terminal device from the database, characterized in that it comprises a Internet telephone implementation method using an external telephone. In the method for setting the initial environment of the Internet telephone interface device, Starting up an external terminal connected to the telephone interface device; Obtaining an IP number by accessing an internet service provider server through the external terminal device; and Internet telephone implementation method using an external telephone, characterized in that the process of setting the initial environment of the telephone interface device application program implemented in the external terminal device. The method of claim 10, Setting a default connection path of the external telephone; Setting a mutual conversion code for changing a connection path of the set external telephone; and Connection number, dial / cancel, end / initialize internet call, connect phone to computer, connect phone to trunk line, turn on external speaker, turn off external speaker, set up mutual phone code, set default connection path, use flash Internet telephone interface method, characterized in that it further comprises a process, such as ID, password, connection number, serial communication port setting. In the Internet telephone interface device implementation method using an external telephone, Checking a basic connection path of the external telephone; When the connection path is set as a transmission path in the Internet telephone mode, establishing a connection path with the other party through the Internet; Transmitting an audio output signal received from an external terminal connected to the external telephone to a handset of the external telephone; and And an audio input signal received from the external telephone is transmitted to an audio input terminal of the external terminal device. The method of claim 12, If the connection path of the external telephone is set as the connection path to the trunk line, further comprising performing a telephone call with the other party using a telephone network through the trunk line. The method of claim 12, wherein the forming of the currency path, Receiving a dial key from the external telephone; When the combination of the input dial key means the other party's connection number, connecting to the Internet telephone company server to perform an internet phone call with the other party corresponding to the connection number; And when the combination of the input dial key means the IP number of the other party, performing a telephone call by directly connecting to the other party through an internet service provider. 15. The method of claim 14, wherein the receiving process Internet telephone interface method characterized in that the process by input through the telephone number buttons or the keyboard or mouse. The method of claim 12, When the combination of the dial keys is a transmission path change code for changing a telephone call mode, when the currently set transmission path is a trunk line telephone mode, changing and setting the transmission path of the external telephone to the Internet telephone mode; And changing the transmission path of the external telephone to a trunk line telephone mode if the currently set transmission path is an internet telephone mode. The method of claim 12, The Internet telephone interface method further comprising the step of inputting into the user interface for IP relay server membership registration and checking whether the connection number is duplicated. The method of claim 12, The Internet telephone interface method, characterized in that it further comprises the step of automatically connecting to the local telephone number that can be connected to the user when the Internet phone using the IP is not possible. In the Internet telephone implementation method using IP, Databaseting IP numbers of a plurality of terminal devices connected to the Internet network; And When there is a request for an IP number inquiry from a specific terminal device to a specific terminal device, the IP number of the specific terminal device is searched and provided from the IP numbers databased in the above process, or the arbitrary information where the IP relay server is databased Attempts to connect to the IP number of the terminal device, checks whether or not the terminal device is the specific terminal device to which the terminal device is connected, notifies the terminal device that it is wrong if it is wrong, and if it is correct, the fact that it is correct and the specific terminal device. And a step of notifying the arbitrary terminal apparatuses with the IP number of the terminal to directly make an internet telephone call using the IP between the parties. The method of claim 19, The method further comprises the step of attempting to make a call using a toll-free site when making an Internet call using an IP and failing. The method of claim 19, The method further comprises the step of attempting to communicate using a trunk line telephone when both an Internet telephone call using IP and a telephone call using a toll free telephone site are failed.