JPH04269058A - Personal communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To utilize a public communication network and to make connection with a private communication network with a simple procedure when a terminal equipment for personal communication in the private communication network such as a PBX or a centrex moves from the private communication network to the outside. CONSTITUTION:A card memory 8 is loaded to a terminal equipment 5 to bring it to be available on the outside of the zone of the private communication network. A group identification number (GID1) and its personal number (PTN11) is stored in the card memory 8. The PTN 12 is dialed by dialing operation. The content of the card memory 8 is read and the GID1, PTN11, PTN12 are sent to a subscriber exchange 13 via a radio base station 10, a talking line 18, a radio line control station 12 and a talking line 19.

Description

[Detailed description of the invention]

0001

FIELD OF INDUSTRIAL APPLICATION The present invention is applied to a personal communication system in which line connection and billing are performed using a personal number. In particular, it is used in a system in which a personal communication terminal belongs to a private communication network and the private communication network is configured to be connectable to a public communication network.

[0002] Here, the term "private communication network" refers to a communication network that includes a switched network such as PBX or Centrex, and the most commonly used form is telephone, but it is not limited to telephone, but also includes image information and digital information. Also available.

[0003] The present invention provides that even when a personal communication terminal moves out of an area where the private communication network can be connected, the private communication terminal can be connected to the private communication network using the public communication network in the same way as when it is inside the private communication network. It relates to a method that enables connection to a communication network.

0004

2. Description of the Related Art A personal communication system is a system in which a personal number set for each individual is used in place of the line number of a terminal, and connection requests and billing are made using the personal number. If an individual travels and carries a personal terminal with a wireless transmitter/receiver unit that can connect to a communication network at the destination, the connection using the personal number will be made to the terminal at the destination. . Furthermore, the terminal does not necessarily have to be equipped with a wireless transmitter/receiver unit, but may be a terminal that can be carried by an individual and connected to a wired line at a destination. Alternatively, the mobile device carried by an individual does not necessarily have to be a hardware device such as a handset, but simply a card memory, and when the card memory is inserted into the destination terminal, the card memory is inserted. It is also possible to configure the terminal to be the destination for calling the personal number. Regarding such personal communication, the applicant's earlier application (Japanese Patent Application No.
No. 168725 or PCT/JP90/0083
No. 9 (both publication numbers undetermined at the time of filing), there is a detailed description in the specification and drawings.

[0005] It is thought that such personal communication systems will be widely used in public communication networks as soon as they become popular in private communication networks. As mentioned above, the private communication network is a communication network typified by PBX or Centrex, and is used by many large companies for internal communication. Here, PBX is a system in which auxiliary connections are mainly made using a manual switchboard for incoming calls from the public communication network, and Centrex is a system in which most calls are made using a manual switchboard for incoming calls from the public communication network. This method allows connections to be made without the need for assistance. Also,
The private communication networks used by many large companies are set up over a wide range of areas using dedicated lines, for example, so that not only the headquarters but also branch offices are included in one network.

[0006]

[Problem to be solved by the invention] Personal communication terminals belonging to a single private communication network can be conveniently used within the range where they can be connected to that network, such as inside the head office building, but as a general rule, when going outside the network, becomes unavailable. For this purpose, individuals who often go out will need to subscribe to a personal communication system that belongs to the public communication network.
It would be extremely inconvenient if it were necessary to carry a separate personal number or a separate device.

[0007] Generally, in a private communication network, communication charges are not charged to individual lines or users, but are borne entirely by the person who installs and operates the communication network. Even if a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network is configured so that it can be used to connect to a public communication network by going outside the private communication network, it is not possible for a person belonging to the private communication network to connect to the public communication network. If the personal number is charged separately for communication, it is not a sufficient service, and personal communication cannot be used conveniently. Even if you are moving outside of a private communication network, you can communicate with people belonging to that private communication network without worrying about billing conditions, just as if you were inside the network. It is good to be able to do this.

[0008]Furthermore, when a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network is outside the private communication network,
When a connection request is made to the private communication network via the public communication network, the operation procedure for the connection request is generally quite complicated. In other words, while some private communication networks can be easily operated by dialing a number with a relatively small number of digits (for example, 4 digits), when making a connection request via a public communication network, various Naturally, it is necessary to add a security code, a number for selecting the private communication network, or a password to exclude others. As personal communication systems become more widespread, the number of digits alone in these complex numbers becomes quite large, and it is necessary to listen for a response signal from the exchange after some prefixes before performing the next operation. It becomes necessary to do things like do things like that, and it goes beyond the limits of convenience that people can easily memorize and operate.

The present invention was made against this background, and when a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network moves to a location where it cannot physically connect directly to the private communication network, The object of the present invention is to provide a system that allows connection to the private communication network via the public communication network and to set billing conditions different from those for calls from the public communication network to the private communication network. .

Furthermore, the present invention generally describes the operating procedure when a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network goes outside the private communication network and requests connection to the private communication network via the public communication network. The aim is to significantly simplify the operation procedure for connection requests in public communication networks.

[0011]

[Means for Solving the Problems] In the present invention, a group identification number (GID) is set for each private communication network. At least some of the personal communication terminals belonging to the private communication network are provided with a memory in the public communication network in which they are registered with a GID determined for each private communication network to which the terminals belong. Then, when a personal communication terminal connected to the public communication network specifies a group identification number and requests connection to the private communication network to which it belongs, connection control of the public communication network refers to the memory. If it is for personal communication registered in that memory, connection to that private communication network is permitted, and the group identification number allows the connection to the private communication network to be charged under conditions different from the conditions within the normal public communication network. It is characterized by being performed every time.

[0012]Furthermore, when the card memory is inserted into a terminal in a public communication network that is equipped with a card memory in which a connection request procedure including the GID is recorded in advance and can read the recorded contents of the card memory, the terminal is regarded as a personal communication terminal connected to the public communication network, and connection is permitted.

[0013] This method can be applied to a method in which a specific group consisting of a plurality of terminals accesses a specific subscriber number known only to that group and obtains information about that group. That is, it can be applied by giving a GID to the group and using a specific subscriber number as the terminal that transmits the information.

[0014]

[Operation] A personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network stores information in the terminal as hardware or card memory so that the operation procedure for a connection request to the private communication network, including the GID, is automatically executed. remembered. When the public communication network to which this personal communication terminal is connected identifies that the connection request is for the private communication network to which the terminal belongs, it accesses the memory installed in the public communication network and connects the terminal to the private communication network. A search is performed using the GID to be sent, and if it is recorded that the terminal belongs to that GID, the connection is allowed.
Subsequently, the transmitted subscriber number and other information is received to establish a connection to the private communication network and further to the specified terminal therein. Billing is then performed for that GID according to the set conditions.

[0015]

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS FIG. 1 is a block diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 1 is a diagram showing hardware within a communication network and its control procedure. The part surrounded by the dashed line in FIG. 1 is a private communication network, and the other parts are public communication networks. Personal communication is being carried out on this private communication network, and terminal 5
Terminal 7 is a personal communication terminal that can be used within this private communication network. Among them, terminal 5 is a device that satisfies the standards for personal communication on public communication networks, and can be connected as a terminal for personal communication on public communication networks when moving outside the range of the private communication network enclosed by the dashed line. is set to .

The private communication network surrounded by a dashed line in FIG. 1 includes a radio base station 11 and a radio line control station 12 that controls the connection.
Although not shown, the wireless base station 11 is configured so that a large number of personal communication terminals belonging to this private communication network can be connected. Furthermore, although not shown, there are a large number of private communication network terminals connected by wires within this private communication network. This private communication network is connected by a telephone line 22 to a relay exchange 17 of the public communication network.

The feature of the present invention is that a group identification number (GID1) is assigned to this private communication network, a memory is provided in the node 1 in the public communication network, and a column for the group identification number GID1 is stored in this memory. , the private communication network Centrex, personal numbers belonging to the private communication network and permitted to access from the public communication network (PTN11, PTN
12) is pre-registered. In addition, the node 1 is provided with a connection control means using a group identification number, and the group identification number (
GID) and personal number (PTN) are registered in the memory in advance, it is determined whether or not to permit communication;
) and conversion query to terminal number (MSN), node 3
It inquires about the conversion of the terminal number (MSN) to the corresponding destination address (RA), calculates the charge based on the charge information, executes charge, and performs other processing.

[0018] The node 2 stores a correspondence table between personal numbers (PTN) and terminal numbers (MSN). The node 3 stores a connection destination address for a terminal number (MSN). Reference numerals 16 and 17 are relay exchanges, and reference numeral 14 is
is a subscriber line exchange, and reference numeral 6 is a general telephone terminal.

Connection control from call origination to communication in this communication network will be explained using an example. Now, let us consider an example in which a personal communication terminal in a private communication network surrounded by a dashed line shown in FIG. explain. (1) to (14) written in FIG. 1 are connection control procedures.

(1) Insert the card memory 8 into the terminal 5 so that it can be used outside the private communication network. This card memory 8 records a group identification number (GID1) and its personal number (PTN11). Dial PTN12 by calling operation. The contents of the card memory 8 are read, and the GID1, PTN11, and PTN12 are assigned to the wireless base station 10, the telephone line 18, the wireless line control station 12,
It is transmitted to the subscriber line exchange 13 via the telephone line 19.

(2) The subscriber line exchange 13 recognizes that the communication request specifies a group identification number. (3) The subscriber line exchange 13 accesses the node 1 and transmits the group identification number GID1, the calling personal number PTN11, and the called personal number PTN12 to the node 1.

(4) Node 1 accesses the memory and confirms that the terminal with personal number PTN11 belongs to group number GID1. (5) When this confirmation is obtained, node 1 accesses node 2 using the common line signal network 4 and personal number P
The mobile terminal number MSN corresponding to TN11 is searched. (6) The node 3 is accessed using this mobile terminal number MSN, and the connection destination address RA within the network for this mobile terminal number MSN is searched. (7) The searched connection destination address RA is transmitted to the node 1 as information.

(8) Node 1 determines whether or not to permit connection in response to the connection request. (9) Node 1 calculates the communication charge index set for each group identification number. (10) Node 1 connects subscriber line exchange 13, trunk exchange 16, trunk exchange 17,
Then, connection permission information is transmitted to the subscriber line exchange 15 using the common line signaling network 4.

(11) If the determination in (8) above is that connection is not possible, the subscriber line exchange 13 notifies the terminal 5 that requested the call by voice that connection by GID is not possible. (12) The subscriber line exchanges 13 and 15 are the trunk exchange 16,
The line connection is executed via 17. Subscriber line exchange 1
5 makes a call to terminal 7 (personal number PTN12).

(13) Depending on the response from the terminal 7, the telephone line 18
27, and when the call ends, the subscriber line exchange 13 notifies the node 1. (14) Node 1 charges the group identification number GID11.

In the above example, the calling and connection request procedures were started by inserting the card memory 8 into the terminal.
Node 1 can also be activated by dialing a special number from a calling terminal to request communication using the GID. In addition, necessary procedures for making calls and requesting connections can be recorded in the memory within the terminal.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram of a second embodiment of the present invention. This example can be applied to a system in which a specific group made up of a plurality of terminals accesses a specific subscriber number known only to those belonging to the group and obtains information about the group. That is, the same call and connection request procedures as in the above example are applied by giving the group a group identification number GID and a specific subscriber number to the terminal transmitting the information. It is used to communicate economic information such as stocks, market conditions, information on internal sales strategies, and other information only within a closed group of members. This type of usage makes it possible to popularize the use of personal communication systems.

A feature of FIG. 2 is that the information providing node 9 is located approximately in the center. This information providing node 9 is connected to the local exchange 14 and automatically responds to incoming calls from the local exchange 14.
It is configured to transmit necessary information in response to a user's request. Those who can use this information providing node 9 are limited to members limited by the group identification number GID.

The connection control shown in FIG. 2 will be explained. The reference numerals in the figures are the same as those in FIG. 1, and the components can be roughly understood in the same manner as in the previous embodiment, so only the main parts will be explained.

(1) Card memory 8 is inserted into terminal 5 and a call operation is performed. (2) The subscriber line exchange 13 identifies group communication from the group identification number. (3) Node 1 is accessed and the availability of communication is queried. (4) The node 1 verifies whether the personal number PTN11 of the originating terminal is registered in the group identification number GID1 in advance. (5) When communication is permitted, the destination address of the information providing node 9 to be connected is notified to each exchange. (6) When communication is not permitted, the caller is notified by voice that connection is not possible. (7) Each exchange is controlled and the terminal 5 and information providing node 9 are connected. From the terminal 5 to the information providing node 9,
In accordance with a preset contract, the information providing node 9 transmits a password, transmits a code indicating the classification of necessary information, and collects the information transmitted by the information providing node 9. (8) Upon completion of communication, node 1 performs billing.

In the above two examples, the card memory 8 is inserted into a mobile terminal, but the card memory 8 is of the same standard as a telephone card, and a telephone that can insert a card memory and is equipped with a microprocessor-based control circuit. By inserting this card memory 8 into a terminal or public telephone terminal, the telephone terminal can be set and used as a terminal for personal communication. That is, the above group identification number GID and personal number PT are stored in the card memory 8.
In addition to N, a call control procedure is recorded, and this call control procedure is loaded into a control circuit by inserting a card memory, and subsequent control of the control circuit requires complicated operations by the user. The call and connection request are executed without any trouble. The only operation required by the user is to insert the card memory and then enter his/her personal identification number. Regarding this technology, the current technology for credit card calls can be applied as is.

Although the above example assumes personal communication by telephone, the present invention can be similarly implemented in personal communication involving image transmission.

[0033]

As explained above, according to the present invention, when a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network moves to a location where it cannot physically connect directly to the private communication network, it can connect to the public communication network. It is possible to configure the system so that it is possible to connect to the private communication network via the public communication network, and to provide a system that can set billing conditions different from those for calls from the public communication network to the private communication network.

[0034] The present invention also generally describes the operating procedure when a personal communication terminal belonging to a private communication network goes outside the private communication network and requests connection to the private communication network via the public communication network. This can be extremely simplified compared to the operation procedure for connection requests in public communication networks.

Furthermore, by using a card memory, the use of personal communications can be expanded.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram of a first embodiment system of the present invention. (1)
-(14) are symbols for explaining the control procedure.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of a second embodiment system of the present invention. (1)
~(8) are symbols for explaining the control procedure.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 Node (This node is equipped with a memory that records the configuration of each group identification number GID, and a control means that controls connections based on group identification numbers) 2 Node (This node is equipped with a memory that records the configuration of each group identification number GID, and a control means that controls connections based on group identification numbers) 2 Node (This node is equipped with a memory that records the configuration of each group identification number GID 3 Node (Record the destination address within the network for connecting a mobile terminal to this node) 4 Common line signal network 5 Terminal (In this example, this is the terminal that makes a call from outside the range of the private communication network) 6 General telephone terminal 7 Terminal (terminal for personal communication within private communication network)
8 Card memory 9 Information providing node 10 Radio base station 11 Radio base station 12 Radio line control station 13-15 Subscriber line exchange 16, 17 Relay exchange 18-27 Call line

Claims (3)

[Claims] Claim 1. A personal communication system in which a private communication network connectable to a public communication network is provided, and the private communication network includes a personal communication terminal through which a call is made or a call connection is made using a personal number. At least some of the terminals for personal communication are provided with a memory registered in the public communication network with a group identification number (GID) determined for each private communication network to which the terminal belongs, and The connection control means refers to the memory and stores data in the memory when a connection request is made from a personal communication terminal connected to the public communication network to the private communication network to which it belongs by specifying a group identification number. If the device is a registered personal communication terminal, there is a means to allow connection to the private communication network, and a group identification number that allows the connection to the private communication network to be charged under conditions different from the conditions within the normal public communication network. 1. A personal communication method characterized by comprising means for performing each communication. 2. The terminal comprises a memory in which a connection request procedure including a group identification number is recorded in advance, and means for transmitting a signal to a connection control means of the public communication network in accordance with the connection request procedure according to an operation. 2. The personal communication system according to claim 1, wherein the personal communication system is set in the. 3. When the card memory is inserted into a terminal in a public communication network that is equipped with a card memory in which a connection request procedure including a group identification number is recorded in advance and can read the recorded contents of the card memory, 2. The personal communication system according to claim 1, wherein the connection control means for the public communication network includes means for regarding the terminal as a personal communication terminal connected to the public communication network and allowing the connection.