JP2005065329A - Control system and control method of communication network for internet telephone, internet fax and internet television telephone - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To allow to easily control only the communication with an internet telephone or the like only, without putting a lot of task on a user and a communication network administrator. <P>SOLUTION: A central information administration server 22 is connected directly to an adapter 24 connected between a communication terminal 12A and a public line network 14 via a PSTN or the like. Each relay station 18 sends an authentication information to the central information administration server 22; the central information administration sever 22 administers a charge information for communication fee payment from a communication terminal 12 A user, on the authentication information basis. When an outstanding information is detected, the communication for the internet telephone, internet FAX, or internet TV telephone is restricted, while maintaining a connection function for the communication terminal 12A to the public line network 14 via the adapter 24. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention provides a communication network for Internet telephones, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephones that perform communication by replacing the long distance calling part with the Internet by a connection authentication means such as an adapter provided between the communication terminal and the public line network. The present invention relates to a control device and a control method.

  In recent years, especially for the purpose of reducing communication charges in long-distance telephone calls such as international calls to overseas or long-distance FAX communication, these long-distance communication parts have become one of the networks against the background of remarkable progress in Internet technology. Internet telephones, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephones (hereinafter abbreviated as “Internet telephones etc. as appropriate”), which communicate by replacing the Internet, have begun to spread.

  This communication network such as an Internet telephone calls a relay base equipped with a gateway through a public line network such as PSTN or ISDN from the communication terminal of the communication source, and the communication is connected to the Internet by the gateway of this relay base to perform communication. Connect to the relay base that has jurisdiction over the public line network to which the previous communication terminal belongs via the Internet, and connect again from the relay base that has jurisdiction over the communication terminal to the communication terminal through the public line network. This makes it possible to make a call or other communication, and enables a long-distance call in particular at a low charge equivalent to the usage fee of a local call line.

  In this Internet telephone or the like, a communication terminal as a communication source requires an adapter or other connection authentication means for connecting to a relay base and the Internet, and this connection authentication means is disposed between the communication terminal and the public line network. There is a feature that is.

  However, in the case of Internet telephones, connection authentication means such as adapters are interposed between communication terminals such as telephones and communication networks, unlike public telephone networks such as ordinary local calls and long distance calls. As a result, some problems have arisen in the management of the communication network.

  For example, first, there is a problem in fee management. Specifically, in order to restrict communications via Internet telephones, etc., even if the required amount of communication charges has not been paid, etc. for users of Internet telephones, etc. The connection authentication means must be removed from the communication terminal such as a telephone. However, when the connection authentication means such as the adapter is removed as described above, these are interposed between the communication terminal such as the telephone and the public line network, so that not only the communication by the Internet telephone but also the PSTN, There has been a problem that communication cannot be performed even in ordinary local calls and long-distance calls using a public line network such as ISDN.

  In this case, in order to enable a telephone call over the public line network, it is possible for the user to cope with the work by directly reconnecting the communication terminal such as a telephone and the public line network. In this case, there arises a problem that the user is forced to bear more work than necessary. In addition, when the unpaid status of charges has been resolved, when resuming communication by Internet telephone or the like again, the user must reconnect the connection authentication means such as the adapter again. It becomes complicated.

  In addition, in the first place, in response to such unpaid communication charges, it is often difficult to obtain cooperation from users. Instead, it is desirable that the communication network administrator can limit communication by Internet telephone or the like. In this case, technically, it is possible to restrict the connection by the control of the host center or the like on the side of the communication network manager such as the Internet phone, but unlike the ordinary public line network or the like, the Internet phone Since special equipment called connection authentication means such as an adapter is interposed in the network, the use of the public line network becomes impossible at the same time due to the suspension of the function of the adapter. Therefore, in the control of a communication network such as an Internet telephone, it is necessary to limit only the communication using the Internet telephone or the like while taking into consideration maintaining the use function of the public line network.

  In addition, as a response to unpaid charges, a so-called real-time charging system using prepaid cards may be considered, but in the future, communication using Internet telephones will become increasingly popular, and public networks will be used even in ordinary homes. It is installed in the same way as ordinary telephones used for mobile phones, and if it comes to using Internet telephones, etc. without the user being particularly conscious, as in the case of ordinary public telephone networks, it will also manage the communication time, etc. A log-type charging system in which the charge is accumulated on the operator side is desirable. In this case, it is necessary to strengthen the response of the communication network administrator to the unpaid fee as described above.

  In addition to the above problems, in current communications such as Internet telephones, connection authentication means such as adapters are prepared separately from communication terminals such as telephones and personal computers, and these are connected to or incorporated into the communication terminals. However, as a result, there is a problem that makes the user unnecessary work and awareness, and even if the administrator himself performs the connection and setting work on its behalf, There was also a problem that required time, labor and cost.

  In view of the above problems, the problem to be solved by the present invention is an Internet telephone that can easily control only communication by Internet telephone or the like without forcing a user and a manager of a communication network to perform a great deal of work. An object of the present invention is to provide a control device and a control method for a communication network of Internet FAX and Internet TV phone.

  As a first means for solving the above-mentioned problems, the present invention is arranged between a communication terminal of an Internet telephone, an Internet FAX, or an Internet TV telephone and a public line network, and connects the communication terminal to the public line network. In addition, the authentication information necessary for communication and the telephone number information of the relay base are stored, and the communication terminal is connected to the relay base corresponding to the telephone number information stored via the public network, and the authentication information and the telephone number of the communication destination Alternatively, the communication comprises a connection authentication means for transmitting a FAX number to a relay base via a public line network and each relay base installed at a plurality of locations connected to a communication terminal via the public line network by this connection authentication means. A connection between the relay base connected to the original communication terminal and the relay base having jurisdiction over the public line network to which the communication terminal of the communication destination belongs is established via the Internet. Each of the relay bases having jurisdiction over the communication terminal, connects the communication to the communication terminal of the communication destination via the public line network, and connects the communication terminal of the communication source and the communication terminal of the communication destination so that they can communicate with each other. A central information management server having an authentication information management means for managing authentication information assigned to each connection authentication means connected to the relay base, and each relay base receives the authentication information received when receiving the authentication information from the connection authentication means A control device for a communication network of Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone that transmits information to a central information management server, wherein the central information management server uses a communication terminal for each authentication information managed by authentication information management means. The connection from the connection authentication means that stores the corresponding authentication information when the unpaid information is detected by managing the charge information about the presence or absence of the communication fee payment of the subscriber Charge information management means, and when the unpaid information is detected for the user corresponding to the authentication information transmitted from each relay base, the charge information management means passes through the connection authentication means of the communication terminal. Providing a communication network control system for Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone, which restricts communication of Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone while maintaining the connection function to the public line network It is.

  According to the present invention, as a second means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in the first solving means, the connection authentication means is integrally attached to the communication terminal. The present invention provides a control device for a communication network of an Internet TV phone.

  In addition, the present invention also provides the following method for controlling a communication network such as an Internet telephone by using the control device for the communication network of the Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, or the Internet TV telephone, which is the above-described solution. To do. That is, as a third means for solving the above problems, the present invention is arranged between the communication terminal of the Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV telephone and the public line network and authentication information and relay necessary for communication. This communication terminal is connected to the relay base corresponding to the stored telephone number information by the connection authentication means storing the telephone number information of the base through the public line network, and the authentication information and the telephone number or FAX number of the communication destination are made public. A relay base that transmits to the relay base via the circuit network, and is connected to the communication terminal of the communication source via the public line network by the connection authentication means and the relay base having jurisdiction over the public line network to which the communication terminal of the communication destination belongs Is connected to the communication terminal from the relay base having jurisdiction over the communication terminal of the communication destination via the public line network. The terminal and the communication terminal of the communication destination are communicably connected, and the authentication information given to each connection authentication means is managed by the authentication information management means of the central information management server connected to each relay base. A relay base is a method for controlling a communication network of an Internet telephone, an Internet FAX, or an Internet TV telephone that transmits authentication information received when receiving authentication information from a connection authentication means to the central information management server. For each authentication information managed by the authentication information management means by the charge information management means, the charge information related to whether or not the communication fee is paid by the user of the communication terminal is managed, and the authentication information corresponding to the case where unpaid information is detected is stored. The connection from the connection authentication means is limited, and the authentication information transmitted from each relay base by this fee information management means When the unpaid information is detected for the user who performs the communication, the communication of the Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV telephone is restricted while maintaining the connection function to the public line network through the connection authentication means of the communication terminal. A feature of the present invention is to provide a method for controlling a communication network of Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone.

  According to the present invention, as a fourth means for solving the above-mentioned problems, in the third solving means, a connection authentication means is integrally attached to a communication terminal, Internet telephone, Internet FAX, Internet TV A method for controlling a telephone communication network is provided.

  According to the present invention, even if communication fees for Internet telephones and the like are not paid for the above, only communications such as Internet telephones are maintained while maintaining the connection function to the public line network via the connection authentication means of the communication terminal. Therefore, it is possible to maintain the function as a normal telephone while performing control and management corresponding to the payment of charges on the communication network administrator side without removing the connection authentication means such as an adapter. Therefore, there is an actual benefit that does not put excessive effort and burden on the administrator and user of the communication network.

  Further, in this case, according to the present invention, it is not necessary to remove the connection authentication means such as an adapter, and at the same time, there is no need to change the authentication information itself stored and registered in the connection authentication means or the authentication information management means. Even when the state of unpaid charges is resolved, there is an advantage that communication by Internet telephone or the like can be resumed immediately and easily again.

  According to the present invention, since the connection authentication means is integrally attached to the communication terminal as described above, the user prepares a connection authentication means such as an adapter separately from the communication terminal such as a telephone or a personal computer. This eliminates the need to connect or set this to a communication terminal, and enables communication using an Internet telephone or the like with the same work and consciousness as a telephone using a normal public line network. The administrator can also set information necessary for connection authentication means such as an adapter in advance at the administrator or manufacturer's stage, thus saving time, labor, and costs such as visiting the user. There is an actual benefit that does not place a burden on the user.

  An embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an outline of a communication network control apparatus 10 for the Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV telephone according to the present invention. As shown in FIGS. 1 to 3, the control device 10 for the Internet TV phone communication network is arranged between the communication terminal 12 and the public line network 14 for the Internet phone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV phone. A connection authentication means 16 for connecting the communication terminal 12 to the public line network 14 and a relay base group comprising the relay bases 18 installed at a plurality of locations connected to the communication terminal 12 via the public line network 14 by the connection authentication means 16. 20 and a central information management server 22 connected to each relay base 18. The connection between each relay base 18 and the central information management server 22 is not particularly limited in form, such as a frame relay or a dedicated line.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the connection authentication means 16 is shown as an adapter 24 as shown particularly in FIG. 3, and the adapter 24 as the connection authentication means 16 includes authentication information necessary for communication and The telephone number information of the relay base 18 is stored.

  When the user (caller) dials the telephone number or FAX number of the communication destination, the adapter 24 determines whether the communication is for the local area code or the area code, for example, for the area code. When communication is performed, first, a call is made to the corresponding relay base 18A via the public line network 14 based on the stored telephone number information, and the communication terminal 12A of the communication source is connected to the relay base 18A.

  In addition, when the adapter 24 is connected to the relay base 18A, the adapter 24 similarly transmits the stored authentication information to the relay base 18A via the public line network 14. The relay base 18A that has received the authentication information from the adapter 24 transmits the received authentication information to the central information management server 22, and when communication by an Internet telephone or the like is permitted, as will be described later, The telephone number or FAX number of the communication destination dialed by the person is transmitted to the relay base 18A via the public network 14.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the relay base 18A connected to the communication terminal 12A of the communication source determines the relay base 18D having jurisdiction over the public line network 14 to which the communication terminal 12D of the communication destination belongs, and itself (relay base 18A) And a relay base 18D having jurisdiction over the public line network 14 to which the communication terminal 12D of the communication destination belongs. As shown in FIG. 1, the relay base 18D having jurisdiction over the public line network 14 to which this communication terminal 12D belongs receives the telephone number or fax number of the communication destination from the relay base 18A via the Internet 26. When a call is made again to the corresponding telephone number or FAX number via the public line network 14, and the communication destination responds to the call, the communication terminal 12A of the communication source and the communication terminal 12D of the communication destination are connected to be communicable. The

  In this case, the adapter 24 usually has a relay base 18A where the call charge from the area code is the lowest according to the area code of the public line network 14 to which the communication terminal 12A of the communication source (user) subscribes. The telephone number is stored, and it is set to connect to the relay base 18A having the nearest telephone number for this fee. Therefore, normally, the relay base 18A having the same area code as the public line network 14 to which the communication terminal 12A as the communication source subscribes is selected and set, and connected to the relay base 18A via the local telephone line. become. However, when the installation of the relay base group 20 is not set in detail, it can be set to the relay base 18 having the nearest area code in the charge among the installed relay base groups 20.

  This can be adopted as a similar reference when the relay base 18A connected to the communication terminal 12A as the communication source determines other relay bases 18B to 18D to be connected via the Internet 26. That is, according to the area code of the telephone number or FAX number of the communication destination transmitted from the adapter 24, it is determined that the relay base 18D closest to the area code is to be connected via the Internet 26. . For this reason, in the present invention, the “relay base having jurisdiction over the public line network to which the communication terminal 12 of the communication destination belongs” means the area code of the public line network 14 to which the communication terminal 12D of the communication destination subscribes for a fee. It points to the nearest relay station 18D. In this case, it is needless to say that this communication terminal 12D and the relay base 18D connected thereto may be installed overseas. Note that the public line network to which these communication terminals 12 subscribe is not particularly limited in the form of PSTN, ISDN, or the like, and may be used as, for example, a CATV or other dedicated line.

  As understood from the above functions, each relay base 18 is generally called an access point, and therefore includes at least a gateway 28 for connecting communication to the Internet 26, as shown in FIG. The received audio signal or the like is converted into a signal suitable for communication via the Internet 26, compressed, etc., and transferred to the other relay base 18 via the Internet 26. In addition, the relay base 18 can also include a gateway controller (not shown) or the like as necessary.

  In this case, the connection of each relay base 18 to the Internet 26 can be appropriately connected to the Internet 26, for example, using a dedicated line. The connection form may be different. In the illustrated embodiment, four relay bases 18A to 18D are shown. However, as long as the relay bases 18A to 18D are installed at a plurality of locations, the number of relay bases 18A to 18D is not limited to four. It is desirable that the more installation points there be, the more effective services can be provided to the user with fine settings.

  In addition, the communication terminal 12 can also make a telephone call and other communications by transmitting and receiving audio signals and video signals, such as a telephone, a FAX, a telephone dedicated to a videophone, an information communication terminal such as a FAX apparatus, and a personal computer. The form is not particularly limited as long as it is possible. In this case, in the present invention, the adapter 24 which is the connection authentication means 16 is integrally attached to the communication terminal 12 as shown in FIG.

  Specifically, in particular, when the communication terminal 12 is in the form of a telephone or a FAX dedicated machine, the adapter 24 is built in the telephone or the like, or is externally integrated with the communication terminal 12. The adapter 24 can be attached integrally. In addition, the connection authentication means 16 can also be integrated with a telephone or the like by incorporating it into a circuit board or the like in a circuit form. In this latter case, the connection authentication means 16 is not the form of the adapter 24 but a portion having a function of connecting to the relay base 18 in the circuit.

  When the connection authentication means 16 is integrally attached to the communication terminal 12 in this way, the user prepares a connection authentication means such as an adapter 24 separately from the communication terminal 12 such as a telephone or a personal computer, and communicates this. There is no need to connect to or incorporate the terminal 12 for setting, and communication can be performed by Internet telephone or the like with the same work and consciousness as a telephone using a normal public line network 14. However, since it is possible to set necessary information in the connection authentication means such as the adapter 24 in advance at the administrator or manufacturer stage, it is possible to save time, labor, and cost for visiting the user. Yes, without burdening the user.

  In this sense, the embodiment in which the connection authentication unit 16 is integrally attached to the communication terminal 12 is the case where the communication terminal 12 is a general-purpose information communication device such as a personal computer, that is, according to the public line network 14. If there is an information processing function other than communication by telephone and Internet telephone, it is not always clear whether it will be used for Internet telephone etc., so it is difficult to set authentication information etc. in advance and it is not always suitable However, it is possible to cope with the problem by incorporating necessary extension equipment.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the central information management server 22, in particular, as shown in FIG. 2, the authentication information management means 30 for managing the authentication information assigned to each connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24, and this authentication For each piece of authentication information managed by the information management means 30, a charge information management means 32 for managing charge information related to whether or not the user of the communication terminal 12 has paid a communication charge, and remote control of the authentication information stored in the connection authentication means 16 Authentication information changing means 34 for changing the connection number, and connection number changing means 36 for changing the telephone number information stored in the connection authentication means 16 by remote control.

  The authentication information management means 30 registers and manages authentication information given to each user's connection authentication means 16 (adapter 24) in advance, and from each connected relay base 18 to each relay base 18. Receives the transfer of the authentication information stored in the connection authentication means 16 received from the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24. In this way, each relay base 18 searches the authentication information management means 30 of the central management server 22 for the authentication information transmitted from the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24. As a result, when there is no corresponding authentication information, as a result, communication by Internet telephone or the like is restricted at this stage. The authentication information can be composed of an appropriate combination of numbers, alphabets, symbols and the like.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the charge information management means 32 provides information (paid information and unpaid information) on whether or not a necessary communication fee has been paid by input from a communication network administrator or in conjunction with a financial institution system. Each authentication information is registered and managed. In the case where fee information is managed in conjunction with a financial institution system, the fee information can be managed in real time even with a log-type charging method. In addition, the upper fee management means 32 restricts communication by the Internet telephone or the like from the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24 that stores the corresponding authentication information when the unpaid information is detected.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, the fee information management unit 32 is connected to the authentication information management unit 30, and for each authentication information registered in the authentication information management unit 30, the user appropriately When the communication fee is paid, for example, a paid signal based on a signal such as “0” is given. On the other hand, when the user does not pay the fee by a predetermined date or a predetermined amount, for example, “ An unpaid signal is generated by a signal such as “1”. In this case, the unpaid signal is set as a signal for restricting the connection. Each relay base 18 uses the authentication information registered in the authentication information management means 30 of the central management server 22 as a clue to determine whether or not the charge information management means 32 has received a payment signal or Check which unpaid signal is generated, and if unpaid signal is generated, limit communication by Internet phone etc. via connection authentication means 16 such as adapter 24 storing the corresponding authentication information To do.

  In this case, the charge information management means 32 particularly restricts communications such as Internet telephones while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14 via the connection authentication means 16 of the communication terminal 12A. Specifically, the unpaid signal generated by the charge information management means 32 is set as a control signal for instructing only opening / closing (in this case, prohibition of connection) of the gateway 28 to the Internet 26 in each relay base 18. Therefore, each relay base 18 does not open the gateway 28 for the connection request by the Internet telephone or the like from the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24 storing the corresponding authentication information when confirming the unpaid signal. Only the connection to the Internet 26 is restricted.

  Therefore, a normal local telephone call or the like by the public line network 14 is secured through the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24. In this case, only the connection to the Internet 26 is impossible, and the connection to the relay base 18A via the public network 16 is maintained functionally, so that the user does not notice as it is. If the connection is maintained, the usage fee for the public line network 14 is added, so the relay base 18A or the like informs the user by voice or image that communication by the Internet telephone or the like is not possible, or It is desirable to set so that the connection via the public line network 14 is automatically disconnected after a certain period of time.

  On the other hand, the connection authentication means 16 such as an adapter is set so that not only communication by Internet telephone or the like but also communication by the normal public line network 14 is possible. In other words, in hardware, the circuit for communication using the Internet telephone or the like and the communication for the public line network are separated and set so that either circuit can be used, or the circuit is one. However, it is also possible to set so that the information signal to be transmitted is generated for the public line network 14 or for communication by Internet telephone or the like by software processing.

  In order to recognize whether the communication is through the public line network 14 or the Internet telephone, for example, when the connection authentication means 16 presses “#” and dials the telephone number of the communication destination, etc. It can be handled by setting it to be recognized as communication via Internet telephone, etc. Therefore, even if the user is restricted from communication via telephone and telephone, this operation should not be performed. Thus, it is possible to make a call or the like with a communication destination through the public line network 14.

  As another recognition method, when making a local call, since it is normal not to dial an area code (including country-specific numbers in international calls) starting from 0, the connection authentication means 16 normally Is set so that when “0” is dialed for the first time, it is recognized as communication by Internet telephone or the like, and at the same time, the user selects communication by public line network 14 or communication by Internet telephone or the like. If a change-over switch (not shown) or the like that can be used is provided and communication by an Internet telephone or the like is restricted, a call through the public line network 14 can be secured by operating the change-over switch.

  In the above embodiment, when the charge information management means 32 generates an unpaid signal, it communicates that communication by Internet telephone or the like is impossible, or automatically by the public network 14 Unlike the above, the connection change means (not shown) that automatically switches to communication via the public line network 14 is set when the communication such as Internet telephone is restricted. 18 or 16 in the connection authentication means can be set so that it is possible to save the trouble of maintaining and re-communication. However, in this case, if long-distance communication is performed using the public line network 14, the fee is high, so this processing is used in advance so that a high communication fee is not added without the user being aware of it. The user's consent, or whether the user wishes to maintain the communication and continue to make a call through the public network 14 or the like. It is desirable to be able to do that.

  In this way, even if communication fees for Internet telephones or the like are not paid, if only communication such as Internet telephones is controlled while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14 via the connection authentication means 16 of the communication terminal 12. The communication network administrator can maintain the function as a normal telephone while performing control and management corresponding to the payment of the fee without removing the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24. The administrator and the user are not burdened with excessive effort and burden.

  In this case, it is not necessary to remove the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24, and at the same time, there is no need to change the authentication information itself stored and registered in the connection authentication means 16 or the authentication information management means 30. Even when the non-payment status is resolved, it is possible to immediately and easily resume communication by Internet telephone or the like again simply by canceling the generation of the non-payment signal.

  In the above embodiment, each relay base 18 is registered in the authentication information management means 30 of the central information management server 22 as a transmission form of the unpaid signal generated by the charge information management means 32 to each relay base 18. The authentication information thus used is connected to the charge information management means 32, and the charge information management means 32 makes an inquiry to the charge information management means 32 to determine whether an unpaid signal is generated for the corresponding authentication information. Alternatively, the unpaid signal is given to the corresponding authentication information registered in advance in the authentication information management means 30 from the fee information management means 32, and each relay base 18 receives the corresponding authentication information in the authentication information management means 30. It is also possible to inquire about whether an unpaid signal is given to the information. In this case, an unpaid signal is transmitted from the central information management server 22 to each relay base 18 as a response to the inquiry request from each relay base 18, or no response is made to each relay base 18, or each relay base 18 is unpaid When a signal or another connection restriction signal is recognized, the communication is set to be restricted. In addition, each relay base 18 can also be configured to go directly to the authentication information management means 30 and the charge information management means 32 to confirm the connection.

  Further, the unpaid signal generated by the charge information management means 32 is not in a form of being responded to and processed in the central information management server 22 as described above, but can be in a form of being used in each relay base 18. That is, authentication information in which an unpaid signal is generated is transmitted from the central information management server 22 to each relay base 18 in advance, the list is managed in each relay base 18, and a connection request from the corresponding authentication information is received. If there is, it is possible to perform processing for restricting communication by Internet telephone or the like at the stage of the relay base 18.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the authentication information changing means 34 provided in the central information management server 22 is directly connected to the connection authentication means 16 via the communication line 38 and stored in the connection authentication means 16 by remote operation. Change information. That is, the authentication information changing unit 34 is set in a state where it can communicate with the direct connection authentication unit 16 via the communication line 38 without going through the relay base 18 as shown in FIG. The communication line 38 is not particularly limited as long as it is a line that can directly communicate with the connection authentication means 16. For example, when PSTN or ISDN is used, the communication line 38 is a user's report that is reported to the administrator of the communication network. This is preferable because the telephone number can be used as it is and is the simplest.

  In this case, specifically, when the authentication information stored in the connection authentication unit 16 is changed, for example, there is a possibility that the authentication information stored in the connection authentication unit 16 may be known to another person for some reason such as theft. If there is a notification that there is a communication network administrator, or if it is found that there is a connection request with the same authentication information during communication by Internet telephone, etc. When there is a request to change the authentication information due to the circumstances of the user, the authentication information changing means 34 makes a call by calling the communication terminal 12A of the user via the PSTN or ISDN which is the communication line 38. After entering the state, an appropriate signal such as a tone signal can be transmitted to the connection authentication means 16 and the authentication information stored in the connection authentication means 16 can be changed by this tone signal or the like. Note that the authentication information is changed by an appropriate method such as changing only the last five digits instead of changing all of them when the authentication information is composed of 10-digit numbers or the like. be able to.

  In this case, an instruction to start the authentication information changing process is performed by performing an input operation or the like in the administrator of the communication network that has been contacted by a telephone or the like from the user. 34, the user may connect to the central information management server 22 via the relay base 18 or directly with the communication terminal 12A or the like, and perform processing for instructing the start of the change procedure. It can also be set as possible. Furthermore, both of these can be provided side by side. However, when the change procedure is started by operating the communication terminal 12A on the user side, it is necessary to input an ID or the like for the change procedure so that authentication information is not changed by a person other than the user. It is desirable to do.

  In this case, not only the authentication information stored in the connection authentication means 16 but also the authentication information registered in the authentication information management means 30 of the central information management server 22 is changed by the administrator of the communication network in accordance with this change. Or, when the user requests a change procedure to the central management server 22, the change is automatically made in conjunction with this.

  The authentication information changing unit 34 changes the authentication information stored in the connection authentication unit 16 while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14 via the connection authentication unit 16 of the communication terminal 12A during the change process. . Specifically, the authentication information changing unit 34 is set so that only the information necessary for communication by Internet telephone or the like in the connection authentication unit 16 such as the adapter 24 can be changed, and other public information is set. This can be dealt with by not changing the setting required for communication via the network 14. In the connection authentication means 16 as well, this authentication information can be dealt with more appropriately by setting it as information that is not used in the case of communication via a normal public line network.

  In this way, the connection authentication unit 16 connects the central information management server 22 directly to the connection authentication unit 16 such as the adapter 24 via, for example, a public network, and the connection authentication unit 16 via the connection authentication unit 16 of the communication terminal 12A. If the authentication information stored in the connection authentication unit 16 is changed while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14, even if the authentication information is stolen, the authorized user can remove the connection authentication unit 16 or change the setting. It is possible to restrict communication by the Internet phone etc. of the theft of the authentication information without imposing an excessive burden due to such work, and at the same time, the communication by the authorized user via the Internet phone etc. or communication through the public network 14 While securing, it is possible to appropriately respond by restricting only the communication by the thief.

  In this case, when the authentication information is changed by a tone signal using PSTN or the like as the communication line 38 as in the above embodiment, the authentication information changing means 34 (central information management server 22) is used. Since it is assumed that the communication terminal 12A of the user is in a call state, the user needs to cooperate with the user in response to a call from the authentication information changing unit 32. In other words, the cooperation of the user is necessary. If there is, the authentication information can be changed not only to steal the authentication information but also to cope with unpaid communication charges. Furthermore, the authentication information is not changed by the tone signal through the PSTN or the like, but by using the CATV or other dedicated line that is always connected, etc. It can also be set to change. In this case, it is possible to appropriately cope with user's unpaid charges.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the connection number changing means 36 provided in the central information management server 22 is directly connected to the connection authentication means 16 via the communication line 38 and stored in the connection authentication means 16 by remote operation. Change the number information (telephone number of the relay base). That is, as shown in FIG. 2, the connection number changing means 36 is set in a state where it can communicate with the direct connection authentication means 16 via the communication line 38 without going through the relay base 18. The communication line 38 is not particularly limited as long as it is a line that can communicate directly with the connection authentication unit 16 as in the case of the authentication information changing unit 34. For example, when PSTN or ISDN is used, communication is possible. This is preferable because the telephone number of the user reported to the network manager can be used as it is and is the simplest.

  Accordingly, in the telephone number information changing process, similarly to the authentication information changing means 34, specifically, the authentication information changing means 34 calls the user's communication terminal 12A via the public line network as the communication line 38. After making a call state, an appropriate signal such as a tone signal can be transmitted to the connection authentication means 16, and the telephone number information stored in the connection authentication means 16 can be changed by this tone signal or the like.

  It should be noted that the method for instructing the change processing of the telephone number information stored in the connection authentication means 16 may be based on contact from the user or judgment of the communication network administrator. That is, if the area code of the public line network 14 to which the user's communication terminal 12A is subscribed changes due to the user moving or changing the installation location of the communication terminal 12A, the user The authentication information stored in the connection authentication unit 16 is changed based on Specifically, when the communication network manager receives a notification that the area code has been changed, the input operation by the administrator or the user via the relay terminal 18 via the communication terminal 12A or the like. Alternatively, the change processing can be set to start by directly connecting to the central information management server 22 and instructing the start of the change procedure. Of course, both methods can be provided. However, when the change procedure is started by operating the communication terminal 12A on the user side, an ID or the like for performing the change procedure is input so that the telephone number information is not changed arbitrarily by a person other than the user. It is desirable to be a condition.

  In contrast to this, there is a case where a change start is instructed by processing on the side of the communication network manager (central information management server 22). Specifically, for example, when it is more advantageous for the user to change from the area code that the user joins to the relay base 18 that is closer to the fee, the relay base 18 is added, or the relay base 18 When the telephone number itself of the base 18 is changed, the telephone network information is instructed to be changed as a service by the communication network manager. Also in this case, when information related to the addition of the relay base 18 or the change of the telephone number is registered in the central information management server 22 that manages the information by the input operation of the administrator of the communication network or the like, it is interlocked therewith. It is also possible to set to start the change process automatically.

  In this way, the connection number changing means 36 connects the central information management server 22 directly to the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24 through, for example, a public network, and the relay base stored in the connection authentication means 16 is used. If the telephone number information of 18 is changed, even if there is a need to change the relay base 18 to be connected due to relocation due to moving or addition, change, or abolition of the relay base, it is closest to the user for the fee The telephone number of the relay base can be appropriately changed without imposing an excessive burden, such as searching for a relay base and changing the setting of the connection authentication means 16. Does not overload the user.

  In this case, the connection number changing unit 36 also maintains authentication function stored in the connection authenticating unit 16 while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14 via the connection authenticating unit 16 of the communication terminal 12A during the changing process. Can be set to change. Specifically, like the authentication information changing means 34, the connection authentication means 16 such as the adapter 24 is set so that only the information necessary for communication by the Internet telephone or the like can be changed. It is possible to cope with this by not changing the setting necessary for communication via the public network 14 of the network.

  Thus, if the telephone number information stored in the connection authentication means 16 is changed while maintaining the connection function to the public line network 14 via the connection authentication means 16 of the communication terminal 12, the burden on the user is further increased. Can be reduced.

  Also in this connection number changing means 36, when the authentication information is changed by tone signals using PSTN as the communication line 38, the communication between the connection number changing means 36 (central information management server 22) and the user is performed. Since it is assumed that the terminal 12A is in a call state, the user needs to cooperate with the user in response to a call from the connection number changing means 36, but usually the change process that benefits the user Because there is no problem. Furthermore, it is not a change by the tone signal via the PSTN or the like, but by using the CATV or other dedicated line that is always connected, the telephone of the communication network administrator can be used without the cooperation of the user. It can also be set to change the number information.

  In the illustrated embodiment, the central information management server 22 has all of the charge information management means 32, the authentication information change means 34, and the connection number change means 36, but is necessary for actual implementation. Depending on the above, these can be used alone or in appropriate combination. Specifically, (1) charge information management means 32 and authentication information change means 34, (2) charge information management means 32 and connection number change means 36, (3) authentication information change means 34 and connection number change means 36 A combination etc. are mentioned.

It is a schematic conceptual diagram of the control apparatus of this invention. It is a schematic systematic diagram of the central information management server used for this invention. It is the schematic which shows the connection state of the connection authentication means and user's communication terminal which are used for this invention.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Control apparatus 12 Communication terminal 12A User (communication origin) communication terminal 12D Communication destination communication terminal 14 Public line network 16 Connection authentication means 18 Relay base 20 Relay base group 22 Central information management server 24 Adapter 26 Internet 28 Gateway 30 Authentication Information management means 32 Fee information management means 34 Authentication information change means 36 Connection number change means 38 Communication line

Claims (4)

It is arranged between the communication terminal of the Internet telephone, Internet FAX, Internet TV telephone and the public line network, and connects the communication terminal to the public line network and stores authentication information necessary for communication and telephone number information of the relay base. The communication terminal is connected to the relay base corresponding to the stored telephone number information via the public line network, and the authentication information and the communication destination telephone number or FAX number are connected via the public line network. A connection authentication means for transmitting to the relay base, and the connection authentication means comprising the relay bases installed at a plurality of locations connected to the communication terminal via the public line network and connected to the communication terminal of the communication source The relay base connected to the relay base having jurisdiction over the public line network to which the communication terminal of the communication destination belongs is connected via the Internet. The relay base having jurisdiction over the communication destination communication terminal can communicate with the communication destination communication terminal via the public line network so that the communication source communication terminal and the communication destination communication terminal can communicate with each other. A relay base group to be connected; and a central information management server having authentication information management means for managing the authentication information assigned to each connection authentication means connected to each of the relay bases, wherein each relay base has the connection When the authentication information is received from an authentication means, the control device of a communication network of an Internet telephone, an Internet FAX, or an Internet TV telephone that transmits the received authentication information to a central information management server, wherein the central information management server For each piece of the authentication information managed by the authentication information management means, charge information relating to whether or not the communication terminal user pays a communication charge is not managed. And the charge information management means for restricting the connection from the connection authentication means that stores the corresponding authentication information when the information is detected, wherein the charge information management means transmits the authentication information transmitted from each relay base. When unpaid information is detected for a user corresponding to the information, the Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV telephone are maintained while maintaining a connection function to the public line network through the connection authentication means of the communication terminal. A communication network control apparatus for Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone, characterized by restricting communication of the Internet. 2. The Internet telephone, the Internet FAX, and the Internet TV telephone communication network control apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the connection authentication means is integrally attached to the communication terminal. Fax, Internet TV phone communication network control device. The communication terminal is stored by the connection authentication means that is arranged between the communication terminal of the Internet telephone, Internet FAX, Internet TV telephone and the public line network and stores authentication information necessary for communication and telephone number information of the relay base. Connecting to the relay base corresponding to the telephone number information via the public line network and transmitting the authentication information and the telephone number or FAX number of the communication destination to the relay base via the public line network, Via the Internet between the relay base connected to the communication terminal of the communication source via the public line network by the authentication means and the relay base having jurisdiction over the public line network to which the communication terminal of the communication destination belongs The communication base is connected to the communication terminal of the communication destination from the relay base that is connected and has jurisdiction over the communication terminal of the communication destination. The communication terminal and the communication terminal of the communication source are communicably connected to each other, and the authentication information management means included in the central information management server connected to each of the relay bases is assigned to each connection authentication means A communication network for Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone that manages authentication information, and each relay base transmits the received authentication information to a central information management server when the authentication information is received from the connection authentication means. And the fee information management unit of the central information management server manages fee information related to whether or not the communication terminal user has paid the communication fee for each authentication information managed by the authentication information management unit. If unpaid information is detected, the connection from the connection authentication means that stores the corresponding authentication information is restricted. Connection to the public line network via the connection authentication means of the communication terminal when unpaid information is detected for the user corresponding to the authentication information transmitted from each relay base by the charge information management means A method for controlling a communication network of an Internet telephone, an Internet FAX, and an Internet TV telephone, wherein communication of the Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone is restricted while maintaining a function. 4. The Internet telephone, Internet FAX, and Internet TV telephone communication network control method according to claim 3, wherein the connection authentication means is integrally attached to the communication terminal. A control method for a TV telephone communication network.

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