KR20010021123A - Internet telephone system and method thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: An Internet phone system is provided to make each Internet phone device perform independent gateway roles, so as to carry out phone-to-phone calls through an Internet network. CONSTITUTION: When a user dials an international ID telephone number of a receiver, Internet phone devices(203) search an IP(Internet Protocol) address corresponding to a device ID number of the international ID telephone number in a memory. The Internet phone devices(203) connect with the IP address of the receiver, and confirm whether the device ID number connected to the IP address is equal to a device ID number stored in the memory, to perform a call. The Internet phone devices(203) are connected to an Internet network(205) and a telephone network(207). An Internet phone server(209) receives the international ID telephone number, the device ID number, and the IP address, when the Internet phone server(209) connects with the Internet phone devices(203). The Internet phone server(209) registers the received international ID telephone number, the device ID number, and the IP address. If the dialled international ID telephone number is not stored in the memory or if the device ID number corresponding to the IP address is different from the device ID number stored in the memory, the Internet phone server(209) notifies an IP address and a device ID number of the receiver, according to requests of the Internet phone devices(203).

Description

Internet phone call system and its method {INTERNET TELEPHONE SYSTEM AND METHOD THEREOF}

The present invention relates to an Internet phone, and more particularly, to an Internet phone call system for enabling a call to a general telephone through the Internet.

In general, a call using the Internet refers to a technology that converts a voice signal into a data signal, transmits data through the internet network, and converts the data signal into a voice signal on the other side so that voice calls are made between users.

Conventional calls using the Internet are largely divided into two methods. First, a PC-to-PC call, which is a call between computers equipped with devices such as S / W, microphones, and speakers required for Internet calls while the PCs are connected to the Internet. Therefore, both users must own a computer, and the computer must be simultaneously connected to the Internet. However, the method has a lot of restrictions on the call to an unspecified number, and in that it should not be inconvenient to use a computer and a network, its usage is not familiar to the user and it is difficult to use it.

Second, the method of the phone-to-phone call is connected to the Internet phone gateway installed in each region or country through the telephone network of the telephone company (for example, the telecommunications network of Korea Telecom). Each Internet phone gateway is connected to an Internet line, and a mechanism using a general telephone network from the Internet phone gateway to the counterpart phone is used. This has the advantage that users can talk to anyone anytime, anywhere, but it is inconvenient because the user has to re-enter the phone number of the other party to connect to after connecting to the Internet phone gateway through a general telephone network. In addition, since there is a need to use both a general telephone network and a gateway operator's network, communication charges are imposed in a double manner, which causes a relatively inexpensive feeling of the Internet phone.

The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and an object of the present invention is to provide an Internet phone call system to make a phone-to-phone call through the Internet network.

Internet phone call system according to the present invention for achieving the above object,

cellphone; When the user dials the recipient's international identification telephone number to the input unit of the telephone, the IP address corresponding to the device unique number of the international identification telephone number is searched in the memory where the call record is stored, and then connected to the recipient's IP address. An internet phone device connected to an internet network and a telephone network so as to make a call by checking whether a device unique number connected to the IP address and a device unique number stored in the memory are the same; And receiving and registering an international identification phone number, a device unique number, and an IP address registered to the Internet phone device when the first connection to the Internet phone device is performed, and storing the international identification phone number dialed by the user in the memory of the Internet phone device. If not, or if the device unique number corresponding to the recipient IP address is different from that stored in the memory, an Internet phone server for informing the recipient's IP address and device unique number in accordance with the inquiry of the Internet phone device is included. Characterized in that.

1 is a block diagram showing an Internet phone call system according to the present invention.

2 is a block diagram showing an Internet phone apparatus according to the present invention.

3 is a flowchart illustrating an initial setting method according to the present invention.

4 is a flow chart of an internet phone call method according to the present invention.

<Explanation of symbols for the main parts of the drawings>

101: central processing unit 103: memory

105: Y pyrom 107: communication module

109: modulation / demodulation module 111: IP finder module

113: program storage area 115: data storage area

201: Phone 203: Internet Phone Device

205: Internet network 207: Telephone network

209: Phone Server

Hereinafter, with reference to the accompanying drawings will be described in detail with respect to the present invention.

1 is a block diagram showing an overall Internet phone call system.

The input unit of the telephone, i.e., a button, is used as the input interface of the Internet phone apparatus 203 and the Internet phone call system. The Internet phone device 203 connected to the telephone 201 and the telephone network 207 is a device that collects S / W and H / W necessary for making a call over the Internet, even if the user does not have knowledge of the Internet or a computer. Make it easy to make Internet calls.

The Internet phone device 203 is also given a device unique number, which is used to distinguish the users by a unique number given to all users who wish to use the Internet phone system. In addition, the device unique number may be individually given to not only the person having the Internet phone device 203 but also a user who wants to use the Internet phone call system using a PC.

Accordingly, the types of calls that can be made in the Internet phone call system are Internet phone devices vs. Internet phone devices, Internet phone devices vs. general PCs, and Internet phone devices vs. general phones. Thus, the call in the Internet phone call system enables not only the person who owns the Internet phone device, but also the user who does not own the Internet phone device to connect with the general telephone network or the Internet network.

The Internet phone server 209 is a server that helps telephone connection of Internet phone devices 203 throughout the world. The Internet phone server 209 is a device that communicates with the Internet phone devices 203 through the Internet network 205, and uses the device authentication and access IP address by device identification number and registered international identification phone number. It converts to numbers. The international identification telephone number is a number having a system of country code-area code-country code-phone number.

2 is a block diagram showing an Internet phone apparatus, wherein the Internet phone apparatus comprises: a modulation / demodulation module 109 for performing modulation / demodulation between a voice signal and a data signal inputted from the telephone; An EPIROM 105 including an IP finder module 111 for finding an IP address and a program storage area for storing an operating program; A memory 103 in which a device unique number of a user, an input international identification telephone number, an IP address, and a call log are stored; A central processing unit (101) including the ypyrom (105) and the memory (103) for control; And a communication module for extracting information data stored in the memory and performing communication.

The Internet phone device 203 stores software for operating the Internet phone device. The Y pyrom 105 is a modulation / demodulation module 109 for performing the modulation / demodulation between the voice signal and the data signal in order to transfer the voice signal input from the telephone through the data line, the IP address automatically assigned IP finder 111 for searching the currently connected IP address, program storage area 113 in which the modulation / demodulation algorithm is stored, and data storage area in which data necessary for modulation / demodulation and IP address search and device identification number are stored. 115).

The memory 103 of the Internet phone device 203 includes a device unique number, an IP address of the user, one or more international identification phone numbers entered by the user, and a call record after the user uses the Internet phone device 203. Save it.

The CPU 101 finds the modulation / demodulation and the IP address according to an operating program stored in the program storage area 113 of the YPROM 105, and stores the data obtained by the CPU 101 in the memory 103. ) And temporarily store the extracted data and communicate with the outside through the communication module 107. In addition, the operating program stored in the EPROM 105 may download the upgraded operating program on the Internet. The communication module 107 includes a modem and a LAN card necessary for communication, and the Internet phone device is connected to the Internet through the communication module 107 to make an Internet call.

Next, a method of making a call in the Internet phone call system will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 3 and 4.

3 is a flowchart showing an initial setting method in the Internet phone passing system.

The initial setting method of the Internet phone call system includes registering an international identification phone number with the Internet phone device (S10); Connecting the Internet phone device to the Internet (S20); And initially storing the IP address, the device unique number, and the international identification telephone number in the Internet phone server connected to the Internet, and initially registering the same.

In the step S10 of registering the international identification phone number with the Internet phone device, at least one international identification phone number may be registered and used in one Internet phone device. When the user wants to register an international identification phone number (S11), the select button of the Internet phone device is set to "Register User Phone Number", and then presses his international identification phone number on the phone connected to the Internet phone device, A finish indication (for example, automatic timeout or pressing * twice) is performed (S12). Then it is stored in the memory of the Internet phone device (S13).

After the step of registering the international identification telephone number (S10) or after the end of the step, the Internet phone device is connected to the Internet (S20).

Initial registration by storing an IP address, a device unique number, and an international identification phone number in the Internet phone server connected to the Internet (S30) may be performed when the Internet phone device is connected to the Internet phone call system for the first time or by the user. This occurs when the "initial registration" button of the device is selected. The initial registration refers to a process of registering and storing information (device unique number, currently connected IP address, and inputted international identification telephone number) stored in the memory of the Internet phone device in the Internet phone server.

After the initial registration is completed, the Internet phone call system may know that the registered international identification phone number is a member of the Internet phone call system, and another Internet phone call system participant calls the international identification phone number instead of the device unique number. Attempt to connect, if the phone number registered in the Internet phone call system tells the device unique number, if the number is not registered tells the user that it is an unregistered number.

Thereafter, the Internet phone device updates the information of the Internet phone server 209 at intervals or when there is a change of stored information (change of connected IP address, user international identification phone number, device unique number change) or at regular intervals. The Internet phone call system may obtain information on currently used Internet phone devices, and may allow a specific Internet phone device to participate in the Internet phone call system.

4 is a flowchart of an internet phone call system.

According to the flowchart, the method of using the Internet phone call system is

a) initial setting of the Internet phone call system (FIG. 3); b) after step a), the user selectively dialing one of the recipient's internationally identified telephone number and the device unique number using the input of the telephone (S301); c) analyzing the input number (S303) and confirming whether a pass record according to the input number is stored (S305); d) if the call record of step c) exists, search for the recipient's IP address / device unique number (S307); if not, contact the Internet phone server (S313); e) confirming the recipients based on the recipient IP address / device unique number searched in step d) (S309, S311); f) when the recipient of step e) is confirmed, the call is connected, and if the reception is not confirmed, inquiring of the Internet phone server (S313); g) as a result of the inquiry of steps d) and f), checking whether the recipient's IP address and the device unique number are registered in the Internet phone server (S315); h) As a result of checking in step g), if the receiver is not registered in the Internet phone server, the receiver connects to the telephone network (S321). If the receiver is registered in the Internet phone server, the receiver's information, that is, device identification number, IP address and international number And storing (S317) and updating (S319) the identification telephone number in the user's Internet phone device.

And step e), the step of connecting to the IP address of the receiver (S309); And checking whether the device unique number of the Internet phone device using the IP address is the same as the device unique number previously stored in the memory (S311).

The user who wants to use the Internet phone call system can use the telephone 201 connected to the Internet phone device 203 or the button of the phone embedded in the Internet phone device 203 to select one of the recipient's international identification phone number and the device unique number of the receiver. One is pressed (S301).

Then, after interpreting any one of the international identification phone number and the device unique number input from the Internet phone device 203 connected to the phone (S303), the call record is stored in the memory 103 inside the Internet phone device 203. Check whether it is stored (S305).

When the user inquires with the international identification telephone number, if the call record is stored, the IP address of the receiver corresponding to the international identification telephone number and the device unique number are searched in the memory of the Internet phone device (S307). On the other hand, when the user inquires with the device unique number of the receiver, the memory searches for an IP address corresponding to the device unique number of the receiver (S307).

After the IP address and the device unique number of the receiver are searched (S307), the process proceeds to the step of confirming the receiver (S309) (S311).

If the IP address currently connected in the recipient identification step and the device unique number is the same, it is determined that the registered user continues to use, check the device unique number to establish a connection between the registrant and the receiver, and send a connection tone Allow calls between the two sides.

However, when the IP address and the device unique number are different, it is determined that the corresponding IP address is used by another user, and the other user is informed of the reason with the failure signal to inform that the call is impossible. The reasons include the change of the recipient's IP address, no new address registration, and the like.

If the receiver fails in the step of confirming the call or if the call record is not stored in the memory of the Internet phone device, check with the Internet phone server (S313) to check whether the receiver has subscribed as a member of the Internet phone call system (S315). If the receiver is subscribed, the information is stored (S317) and updated (S319) in the memory of the user's Internet phone device.

Subsequently, if the user confirmation procedure succeeds, a call connection tone is generated to allow each other to make a call, and if the call is not made even though a predetermined number is generated, the call fails.

However, if the telephone number inquired in the Internet phone call system is not registered initially or the call fails, the user is notified and the call is automatically connected to other communication means (general international telephone service provider or Internet phone gateway service provider line). If is selected, the call is automatically connected to the selected communication means so that the user can make a call with the other party only by dialing the phone. If not, the call is terminated.

When the Internet phone device 203 accesses the Internet network 205 via a modem, an ISP phone number, an account, and a password to be connected are stored in the Internet phone device memory so as to be connected to the Internet without user's special operation. In addition, even when accessing the Internet through a LAN, necessary settings (required measures such as setting a unique IP address and inputting an ID and password) are set in advance so that the user can access the Internet without any special manipulation. To this end, a modem or a LAN card is basically mounted inside the Internet phone device 203, and an interface that can be mounted later for a third medium is also left.

As described above, when using the Internet phone call system of the present invention, since each Internet phone device serves as an independent gateway, it is possible to simultaneously enjoy the convenience and economics of the phone-to-phone. In addition, in making a phone call, a user can use an existing phone number as it is, even if he or she does not know the Internet phone, the user can make an Internet call without objection. First of all, the difference between the existing phone system and the Internet phone system is very small, so it is excellent in user friendliness. And secondly, there is an installation simplicity in which all installations are completed by simply installing an Internet phone device on an existing telephone. Thirdly, if the other party is not a phone number subscribed to the Internet phone system, the phone number entered through the designated gateway company connected to the local office or LAN of the general telecommunications company is not automatically connected to the other party. Calls can be made regardless of whether they are part of the phone system, so there is no need to know whether the other party subscribes to the Internet phone system.

Claims (6)

cellphone; When the user dials the recipient's international identification telephone number to the input unit of the telephone, the IP address corresponding to the device unique number of the international identification telephone number is searched in the memory where the call log is stored. An Internet phone device connected to the Internet network and the telephone network so as to be able to make a call after accessing the IP address of the receiver and confirming that the device identification number connected to the IP address and the device identification number stored in the memory are the same; And Upon initial connection to the Internet phone device, it receives and registers the international identification phone number, device identification number and IP address registered in the Internet phone device, If the internationally identified telephone number dialed by the user is not stored in the memory of the Internet phone device or the device unique number corresponding to the recipient IP address is different from that stored in the memory, And an Internet phone server for notifying the IP address of the receiver and the device unique number according to the inquiry of the Internet phone device. According to claim 1, The Internet phone device, An e-pyrom including a modulation / demodulation module for performing modulation / demodulation between a voice signal and a data signal input from the telephone, an IP finder module for finding an IP address, and a program storage area for storing an operating program; A memory for storing a device unique number of a user, an inputted international identification telephone number, an IP address and a call log; A central processing unit controlling the ypyrom and the memory; And And a communication module for extracting information data stored in the memory to perform communication. The Internet phone call system according to claim 1, wherein an input unit of said telephone is used as an input interface of said internet phone system. a) initial setting of the Internet phone call system; b) after step a), the user optionally dialing one of the recipient's internationally identified phone number and device unique number using the input of the telephone; c) interpreting the entered number and checking whether a pass record according to the entered defense is stored; d) searching for the recipient's IP address / device unique number if the call record of step c) exists, and inquiring the Internet phone server if it does not exist; e) identifying the recipient based on the recipient IP address / device unique number searched in step d); f) a call is connected when the receiver of step e) is confirmed, and if the reception is not confirmed, inquiring of the Internet phone server; g) as a result of the inquiry of steps d) and f), checking whether the recipient's IP address and the device unique number are registered in the Internet phone server; h) As a result of checking in step g), if the receiver is not registered in the Internet phone server, the telephone network is connected. If the receiver is registered in the Internet phone server, the information of the receiver, i.e., the device unique number, IP address and international identification telephone number. Storing and updating in the user's Internet phone device. The method of claim 4, wherein step a) Registering the international identification telephone number with the Internet phone device; Connecting the Internet phone device to the Internet; And And storing the IP address of the Internet phone device, a device unique number, and an international identification phone number set by the user in the Internet phone server connected to the Internet, and registering the phone. The method of claim 4, wherein step e) Connecting to the recipient's IP address; And And confirming that the device identification number of the Internet phone apparatus using the IP address is the same as the device identification number pre-stored in the memory.