JPH11289383A - Server and recording medium thereof - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To connect a normal telephone with the Internet. SOLUTION: A telephone number inputted by operating push keys of a telephone set 1 is transmitted to a server 10 via a connecting device 2, a router 3 and the Internet 4. The transmitted telephone number is received and supplied to a retrieving means 10b and a use condition managing means 10d by a receiving means 10a of the server 10. A Internet Protocol(IP) address corresponding to the telephone number is acquired from a storage means 10c by the retrieving means 10b. In addition, information for indicating the use condition of the telephone set (to indicate whether it is busy or not) is acquired by the use condition managing means 10d. The information supplied form the use condition managing means 10d is referred and when a desired telephone set is not busy, the IP address is transmitted to the connecting device 2 by a transmitting means 10e. As a result, a speech processing is performed between the connecting device 2 and a connecting device being the other party of speech by closing a communication line by the connecting device 2. In addition, a processing to write and update the information is performed with respect to the storage means 10c by a writing means 10f and an information updating means 10g.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a server, and more particularly, to a server for converting a telephone number transmitted from a telephone connected to a network via a connection device into a corresponding IP address, and such processing. And a recording medium storing a program for causing a computer to execute the program.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, with the expansion of services provided by providers for connection to the Internet, information transmission via the Internet has become active.

[0003] There are two types of Internet connection services: a pay-as-you-go system, which is charged according to the amount of use of the Internet (mainly the usage time), and a fixed-charge system, which can be used without limitation only by paying a predetermined fee. Are roughly divided into

[0004] Recently, connection services that adopt the above-mentioned fixed fee system and that are always connected to the Internet have become widespread. By the way, when using such a fixed-rate connection service, a fixed fee is charged regardless of the amount of use of the Internet. Users want to transmit information.

In this direction, not only computer data but also information such as facsimile and voice may be transmitted. As a method of transmitting the latter voice, for example, a system called an Internet telephone has been proposed, in which a microphone and a speaker are connected to a personal computer and “Internet telephone” is used.
By installing the dedicated software, it is possible to make a telephone call using a personal computer in the same manner as a normal telephone.

[0006]

However, in such an Internet telephone, the IP (Intern) of the other party is called.
et Protocol) Since it is necessary to input an address, there is a problem that the operation is complicated for a person who is not used to operating the personal computer.

[0007] The present invention has been made in view of such a point, and by supplying predetermined information to a normal telephone connected to a network via a connection device, it is possible to provide the same information as a conventional telephone. It is an object of the present invention to propose a server capable of providing the above service.

[0008]

According to the present invention, in order to solve the above-mentioned problems, a storage means for storing a telephone number of a telephone connected to a network via a connection device and an IP address corresponding thereto in association with each other. Receiving means for receiving data transmitted from the connection device; and, when the reception device receives a search request for an IP address corresponding to a predetermined telephone number from the connection device, the corresponding IP address Searching means for searching the storage means, and an IP address searched by the searching means,
There is provided a server, comprising: transmission means for transmitting to the connection device.

Here, the storage means stores the telephone number of the telephone connected to the network via the connection device in association with the corresponding IP address. The receiving means receives the data transmitted from the connection device. The searching means searches the storage means for the corresponding IP address when the receiving means receives a search request for the IP address corresponding to the predetermined telephone number from the connection device.
The transmission unit transmits the IP address searched by the search unit to the connection device.

For example, the storage means stores the telephone number of the telephone connected to the network via the connection device in association with the IP address which is a global address assigned to the connection device. The receiving means receives the data transmitted from the connection device. When receiving a telephone number input by operating a push button or the like of the telephone, the search means searches for an IP address corresponding to the telephone number. The transmitting unit transmits the IP address obtained as a result of the search to the connection device that has transmitted the telephone number. As a result, it becomes possible for the connection device to close the line with the desired connection device having the acquired IP address via the Internet and to make a call.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a principle diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, a telephone 1 is a normal telephone, which is a push button or a dial for inputting a telephone number of a call partner, and which is converted from a user's voice into a voice signal and sent from the call partner. It is composed of a handset that converts audio signals into audio.

When a push button or the like of the telephone 1 is operated, the connection device 2 transmits the input telephone number to the server 10 and requests transmission of an IP address corresponding to the telephone number. Then, when the transmitted IP address is received, the line is closed to the communication partner having the IP address according to the TCP / IP protocol. Then, the audio signal (analog signal) input from the telephone 1 is converted into a digital signal,
The data is transmitted to the communication partner in accordance with the IP protocol, and the voice data sent from the communication partner is converted into an analog signal and supplied to the telephone 1.

The router 3 connects the connection device 2 to the Internet 4 so that data can be exchanged between them. Note that the telephone 1, the connection device 2, and the router 3 (or the telephone 8, the connection device 7, and the router 6) constitute client-side devices, and are hereinafter simply referred to as clients.

The Internet 4 is a collection of computer networks that span almost the entire world, and is a huge communication infrastructure next to the telephone network. The server 10 includes a receiving unit 10a, a searching unit 10b, a storing unit 10c, a use state managing unit 10d, a transmitting unit 10e, and a writing unit 10.
f and information changing means 10g.

The receiving means 10a receives data transmitted from a client. The search means 10b searches the storage means 10c for an IP address corresponding to the telephone number transmitted from the client (the telephone number of the communication partner).

The usage status management means 10d transmits the acquired IP
The current use status (whether or not busy) of the telephone having the address is acquired from the storage unit 10c. The transmitting unit 10e requests the IP address acquired by the searching unit 10b only when the telephone of the other party (called side) who is going to make a call is not busy as a result of the search by the use state managing unit 10d. Sent to the client.

When a new client requests registration of a telephone number and an IP address, the writing means 10f writes these data in a predetermined area of the storage means 10c.

When a request to change registered information is made by a client, the information changing means 10g performs processing for changing the corresponding information. In some cases, the registered information is deleted.

The router 6, the connecting device 7, and the telephone 8 have the same configuration as the router 3, the connecting device 2, and the telephone 1, respectively, and thus the description thereof is omitted. The server 10 stores a correspondence table of telephone numbers and IP addresses. For example, when the telephone 1 calls the telephone 8 as a call partner, the server 10 stores the IP address corresponding to the telephone number of the telephone 8 input from the telephone 1. It is configured to search and supply. It also manages information indicating whether each telephone is busy or not, and supplies this information together with the IP address.

Note that the IP address is given to the connection device 2 and is a unique address. next,
The operation of the above principle diagram will be described.

When the handset of the telephone 1 is set to the off-hook state and the telephone number of the other party is input from the push button, the telephone number is supplied to the connection device 2.
The connection device 2 converts the supplied telephone number into a corresponding data string, packetizes the data string, and transmits the packet to the server 10 via the Internet 4.

The receiving means 10a of the server 10 receives the telephone number transmitted from the connection device 2, and
b. The search unit 10b searches the storage unit 10c for an IP address corresponding to the telephone number supplied from the reception unit 10a. At that time, the usage status management means 10
d reads out information indicating the use status of the telephone having the telephone number from the storage means 10c.

The transmission means 10e is used by the usage status management means 10
d. The information about the use situation supplied from d is acquired, and if the telephone set as the called side is not currently in a call, the IP address acquired by the retrieval unit 10b is transmitted to the client that has requested the IP address via the Internet 4. Send to.

The client receiving the IP address
The connection processing is performed on the telephone having the IP address (the telephone on the receiving side), and the calling processing is started. As a result, a ringing tone is generated from the telephone of the called client, so that when the called user sets the handset to the off-hook state, the communication line is closed and the telephone conversation is possible.

Next, an example of the overall configuration of the communication system including the embodiment shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In this figure, personal computers 5a-5
c is connected to the Internet 4 via the router 3. The telephone 1 is connected to the Internet 4 via a connection device 2 and a router 3. The computers 5a to 5c and the telephone 1 are connected to a LAN (Local Area Net).
work).

The router 3 is a personal computer 5a
5c and the telephone 1 and the LAN constituted by the personal computers 9a to 9c and the telephone 8 are connected to each other. In other words, the router 3 uses the ISO (Internatin
al Organization for Standardization: OSI (Open System Interconnection) defined by the International Organization for Standardization
: Open system interconnection), the lower three of the seven layers
Processing corresponding to the layers (physical layer, data link layer, and network layer) is performed.

Note that hubs (concentrators) may be used instead of the routers 3 and 6. Router 6, connection device 7, telephone 8, and personal computer 9a
9c are a router 3, a connection device 2, a telephone 1, and
Since the configurations are the same as those of the personal computers 5a to 5c, the description thereof is omitted.

In the example of this figure, the server 10 is the telephone 1
The telephone number of the telephone 8 and its IP address are stored in association with each other. When the telephone number is transmitted from the connection device 2 or 7, the corresponding IP address is searched and returned. Of course, it is possible to cope with a case where there are three or more telephones. In that case, the telephone number and the IP address of each telephone are stored in association with each other.

Next, an example of the configuration of the connection device shown in FIG. 2 will be described with reference to FIG. In this configuration example, only parts related to the connection device 2 are shown for simplification of the drawing.

In this figure, the control unit 2a is provided with a CPU
(Central Processing Unit) and controls each part of the apparatus. The memory 2b is a RAM
(RandomAccess Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memor)
y) and the like, and stores a program to be executed by the control unit 2a, and also stores data and the like in the middle of calculation that occur when the control unit 2a executes a predetermined calculation process and the like.

The timer 2c receives the P input from the telephone 1
When the control unit 2a processes the B signal and the DP signal, it measures a reference time when determining whether or not the input of the signal is completed.

The telephone control section 2d includes an off-hook detection circuit for detecting that the handset of the telephone 1 has been off-hook, a call signal generation circuit for generating a call signal (± 75 V / 16 Hz signal), a dial tone and a ring tone. A control signal supplied from the telephone 1 is input to execute a predetermined process, and the telephone 1
To supply a control signal to execute a predetermined process.
The telephone control unit 2d detects whether the handset of the telephone 1 is in an on-hook state or an off-hook state and notifies the server 10 of the detection.

The switch 2e is used when the telephone 1 is a push button type (or when the signal output from the telephone 1 is P
The connection is changed to the right side when the signal is a B signal, and the connection is changed to the left side when the telephone 1 is a dial type (or when the signal output from the telephone 1 is a DP signal). . The connection of the switch 2e is changed by the control unit 2a.

The DP signal decoding unit 2f includes a switch 2e
And input the DP signal supplied from the telephone 1 through
Convert to the corresponding code. PB signal decoding unit 2g
Is the PB supplied from the telephone 1 through the switch 2e.
Input a signal and convert it to the corresponding code.

The A / D converter 2h converts the audio signal output from the telephone 1 into a corresponding digital signal and supplies it to the audio signal processor 2j. The D / A conversion unit 2i converts the digital signal (transmitted from the other party) supplied from the audio signal processing unit 2j into an audio signal, and
Output to

The audio signal processing unit 2j includes an A / D conversion unit 2h
For the digitized audio signal supplied from
For example, ADPCM (Adaptive Differential Pulse Co.)
de Modulation) and compress it,
The digital signal (compressed digital signal) supplied from the P / IP interface unit 2k is expanded.

The TCP / IP interface unit 2k converts the digital signal supplied from the audio signal processing unit 2j and the control unit 2a into a data sequence corresponding to TCP / IP, and transmits the data sequence to the Internet 4 via the router 3. At the same time, the data string transmitted through the router 3 is converted into a digital signal and supplied to the audio signal processing unit 2j.

Next, the operation of the above embodiment will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. In addition,
This flowchart is a process executed when a new client registers information or a client who has already registered changes information stored in the storage unit 10c of the server 10. The information from the client is transmitted from, for example, a personal computer connected to the same LAN as the connection device.

When this flowchart is started, the following processing is executed. [S1] The receiving means 10a determines whether or not a request for registration of new information has been made from the client. as a result,
If it is determined that a registration request has been made, the process proceeds to step S2; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S7. [S2] The transmitting unit 10e transmits information prompting the client to input a user name, and
a receives the user name transmitted as a result.

For example, if the user name of the user to be newly registered is "Toshio Nakata", the receiving means 1
0a receives this "Toshio Nakata". [S3] The transmitting means 10e transmits information prompting the client to input a telephone number, and
a receives the telephone number transmitted as a result.

For example, assuming that the telephone number of the user to be newly registered is "03-3333-4444", the receiving means 10a transmits the "03-3333-44"
44 "is received. [S4] The transmitting unit 10e sends an IP
The information for prompting the user to input an address is transmitted, and the receiving unit 10a receives the IP address transmitted as a result.

For example, assuming that the IP address of the user to be newly registered is “23.12.52.1”, the receiving unit 10a transmits the “23.15.32.1”.
2.1 "is received. [S5] The transmitting unit 10e transmits information prompting the client to input an address, and the receiving unit 10a
Receives the address transmitted as a result.

For example, assuming that the address of the user to be newly registered is "1-2-3 Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo", the receiving means 10a transmits the address "1-2, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo".
-3 "is received. [S6] The writing unit 10f executes a process of writing and registering the user name, telephone number, IP address, and address received in the processes of steps S2 to S5 in a predetermined area of the storage unit 10c.

For example, in the above example, the received "Toshio Nakata", "03-3333-4444", and "23.12"
5.32.1 "and" 1-2, Jinnan, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo "
"3" is written in a predetermined area of the storage means 10c in association with each other.

By the above processing, for example, a conversion table of telephone numbers and IP addresses as shown in FIG. 5 is created. [S7] The receiving means 10a determines whether or not a request has been made for a process of changing the information registered by the client in the past. If it is determined that the request has been made, the process proceeds to step S8; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S8. The process ends. [S8] The transmitting unit 10e transmits information prompting the client to input a user name, and
a receives the user name transmitted as a result.

For example, if "Toshio Nakata" is transmitted from the client as the user name, the receiving means 10a
Receives "Toshio Nakata". [S9] The information changing unit 10g stores the registration information corresponding to the user name received in step S8 in the storage unit 1
0c.

For example, information corresponding to "Toshio Nakata" obtained in step S8 is obtained. [S10] The information changing unit 10g receives the new information via the receiving unit 10a, compares the new information with the information obtained in step S9, and updates the changed portion. Do.

For example, the telephone number of the user “Toshio Nakata” is changed from “03-3333-4444” to “03-3333-
In the case of changing to "5555", the item of the telephone number of the information on "Toshio Nakata" stored in the storage means 10c is changed.

According to the above processing, a new client can register its telephone number and the IP address of the telephone, and can change already registered information.

It should be noted that, in addition to the above information, a user's password is registered, and when the information is to be changed, the password is used to authenticate the identity of the user before performing the change process. You may. By doing so, it is possible to prevent information from being illegally changed.

Next, an example of processing when a client makes a call will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in connection device 2 of the embodiment shown in FIG. This process is executed when the handset of the telephone 1 is set to an off-hook state. When this flowchart is started, the following processing is executed. [S21] The telephone controller 2d outputs a dial tone signal to the telephone 1. As a result, a dial tone is output from the speaker of the handset of the telephone 1. [S22] The DP signal decoding unit 2f or the PB signal decoding unit 2g inputs the telephone number (the telephone number of the other party) output from the telephone 1.

The switch 2e has its connection switched in advance by the control unit 2a according to the type of signal output from the telephone 1, so that the telephone number output from the telephone 1 is sent to the corresponding decoding unit. Supplied. [S23] The control unit 2a outputs the DP
The telephone number decoded by the signal decoding unit 2f or the PB signal decoding unit 2g is input, and it is determined whether the input of the telephone number is completed.

The details of this process will be described later with reference to FIG. [S24] The control unit 2a acquires the IP address of the server 10 stored in the memory 2b, and supplies the IP address and the input telephone number to the TCP / IP interface unit 2k. TCP / IP interface 2k
Adds the IP address of the server 10 to the supplied telephone number as an IP header, and transmits the IP number to the server 10 via the router 3 and the Internet 4.

As a result, the server 10 extracts a telephone number from the received data, obtains an IP address corresponding to the telephone number, and returns it to the connection device 2. The details of such processing performed by the server 10 will be described later. [S25] The control unit 2a acquires the IP address of the communication partner returned from the server 10 via the TCP / IP interface unit 2k. [S26] The control unit 2a transmits a ringing tone generation control code to the acquired IP address of the other party.

For example, when the communication partner is the telephone 8 shown in FIG. 2, a ringing tone generation control code is transmitted to the telephone 8. As a result, in the connection device 7 on the telephone 8 side, the TCP / IP interface unit receives this data, and the control unit controls the telephone control unit according to the control code, so that the telephone 8 generates a ringing tone. Will be. [S27] The control unit 2a refers to the signal output from the telephone control unit 2d to determine whether or not the telephone 1 is in an on-hook state (disconnected state). Is completed, and if the connection has not been disconnected, the process proceeds to step S28.

For example, since the other party does not answer the call, if the user of the telephone 1 sets the handset to the on-hook state, the process ends. [S28] The control unit 2a determines whether or not there is a response from the other party. If there is a response, the process proceeds to step S29. Otherwise, the process returns to step S27 to repeat the same process.

In other words, when the user of the telephone set 8 that has been alerted to the ringing tone puts the handset in an off-hook state, the control unit of the telephone set 8 receives the telephone 1 via the TCP / IP interface unit. , And transmits a predetermined control code indicating a response to the IP address. The transmitted control code is received by the connection device 2 of the telephone 1 and the
Is determined to be YES. [S29] The control unit 2a performs communication processing by appropriately controlling each unit of the device.

That is, the audio signal output from the telephone 1 is converted into a digital signal by the A / D converter 2h, then subjected to compression processing by the audio signal processor 2j, and is transmitted through the TCP / IP interface 2k. To the telephone 8 side. The data string transmitted from the telephone 8 is received by the TCP / IP interface unit 2k, and is subjected to decompression processing by the audio signal processing unit 2j. The decompressed digital signal is converted into an analog signal by the D / A converter 2i, and then supplied to the telephone 1 for reproduction. [S30] The control unit 2a refers to the data received by the TCP / IP interface unit 2k and determines whether or not the communication partner has transmitted a disconnection code indicating that the line has been disconnected. As a result, if it is determined that the disconnection code has been received, the process is terminated, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S31.
Proceed to.

That is, when the user of the other party puts the handset on-hook to hang up the telephone, the control unit of the connection device 7 transmits a disconnection code. Is received, and the process ends. [S31] If the handset of the telephone 1 is in the on-hook state, the control unit 2a proceeds to step S32, otherwise returns to step S29 and repeats the same processing as described above.

That is, when the user of the telephone 1 puts the handset of the telephone 1 on-hook to hang up the telephone, the process proceeds to step S32. [S32] The control unit 2a transmits a disconnection code to the telephone 8 via the TCP / IP interface 2k.

Next, with reference to FIG. 7, the details of the "data end determination process" shown in FIG. 6 will be described. When this flowchart is started, the following processing is executed. [S51] The control unit 2a determines whether or not time is over with reference to the timer 2c. If the time is over, the process proceeds to step S56, otherwise, the process proceeds to step S5.
Proceed to 2.

That is, the control unit 2a determines whether or not a predetermined time (for example, 3 seconds) has elapsed since the last operation of the push button or the like of the telephone 1, and when the predetermined time has elapsed, Goes to step S56.

For example, if the input of the telephone number has been completed and three seconds have elapsed, the process proceeds to step S56. [S52] If a telephone number (data) has been input from the telephone 1, the control unit 2a proceeds to step S53, otherwise returns to step S51 and repeats the same processing as described above. [S53] The control unit 2a acquires the telephone number (data) input from the telephone 1 from the DP signal decoding unit 2f or the PB signal decoding unit 2g, determines whether the data is a numeral, and determines whether the data is a numeral. If there is, go to step S54; otherwise, go to step S56.

For example, if a symbol "#" or "*" is input to indicate that the input of the telephone number has been completed, the process proceeds to step S56. [S54] The control unit 2a stores the input data in a buffer secured in a predetermined area of the memory 2b. [S55] The control unit 2a increments the storage position of the buffer by a predetermined value in order to store the next input data, and then returns to step S51 to repeat the same processing as described above. [S56] The control unit 2a determines whether the input telephone number is normal. As a result, when it is determined that it is normal, the process proceeds to step S57, and otherwise, the process ends.

For example, if the number of digits of the input telephone number is 5 digits or less, or 11 digits or more, it is determined to be abnormal and the process is terminated. [S57] The control unit 2a determines the telephone number input from the telephone 1.

That is, the control section 2a supplies the input telephone number to the TCP / IP interface section 2k. [S58] The control unit 2a clears the contents of the buffer secured in a predetermined area of the memory 2b. Then, the process returns to the process of FIG.

According to the above-described processing, the telephone number of the telephone number is input by operating the push button or the like of the telephone 1 and subsequently operating the button "#" or the button "*". The control unit 2a of the connection device 2 can recognize that the input has been completed. A similar result can be obtained by not performing an operation for a predetermined time after inputting a telephone number.

Next, referring to FIG. 8, step S in FIG.
An example of a process executed by the server 10 as a result of receiving the telephone number transmitted from the client in the process 24 will be described. [S71] The receiving means 10a of the server 10 determines whether a telephone number has been received from the client. If the telephone number has been received, the process proceeds to step S72. Otherwise, the process returns to step S71, and the same processing is performed. repeat.

For example, in step S24 of FIG.
The telephone number "0426-20-123" from the client
If "4" is transmitted, the determination is YES and the process proceeds to step S72. [S72] The receiving means 10a determines whether access (batting) to the same telephone number has occurred from another client, and if so, proceeds to step S73. Is Step S74
Proceed to.

For example, if the above-mentioned telephone number “0426-20-1234” is also transmitted from another client, YES is determined and the process proceeds to step S73. [S73] The transmitting unit 10e transmits “BUSY” to a client other than the client that accessed first.

That is, when batting occurs,
"BUSY" indicating busy is transmitted to the clients other than the first access client. [S74] The search means 10b searches the storage means 10c to determine whether or not information corresponding to the received telephone number is registered.
Proceed to 75, otherwise proceed to step S76. [S75] The search unit 10b sends the IP address from the storage unit 10c.
Get the address.

For example, in the present example, the IP address “230.5.23.23.” Which is the second item in FIG. 5 (the item corresponding to the telephone number “0426-20-1234”).
1 "will be obtained. [S76] The transmitting unit 10e sends, for example, voice data "The called telephone number is not registered" to the client side to indicate that the transmitted telephone number has not been registered. Send.

As a result, on the client side telephone,
A voice corresponding to the above-described voice data will be generated from the handset. [S77] The usage status management unit 10d determines whether the telephone having the received telephone number is currently in use or not.
Get the SY flag.

The BUSY flag is generated as follows. That is, the telephone control unit 2 of the connection device 2
d monitors the state of the handset of the telephone 1,
If the handset goes off-hook or goes on-hook, it notifies server 10 of that fact. The server 10 changes the BUSY flag shown in FIG. 5 according to the information transmitted from the connection device 2. For example, if your handset is off-hook,
The BUSY flag is set to “1”, and is set to “0” when on-hook. [S78] The usage management unit 10d determines whether the BUSY flag is set. If the BUSY flag is set, the process proceeds to step S79; otherwise, the process proceeds to step S80.

For example, in the present example, the telephone number “0”
426-20-1234 "is in the on-hook state, it is determined that the flag is not set, and the flow proceeds to step S80. [S79] The usage management unit 10d transmits a control code indicating that the telephone is busy to the client that transmitted the telephone number.

As a result, for example, the telephone control unit 2d of the connection device 2 generates a busy signal indicating that the telephone is busy from the handset of the telephone 1. [S80] The transmitting unit 10e transmits the obtained IP address to the client that made the request.

As a result, in step S25 shown in FIG. 6, the IP address is obtained, so that the call can be made by the subsequent processing. According to the above embodiment,
When the telephone number is transmitted from the client, it is determined whether or not the telephone having the telephone number is currently in a call, and if not, the IP address corresponding to the telephone number is transmitted by the server. It will be searched and sent. Therefore, the client receives the received IP
By performing connection processing for a telephone having an address, it is possible to make a call with a desired user.

Further, since all the clients are managed in an integrated manner by the server 10, it is possible to realize, via the Internet, the same function as a telephone whose entire network is managed by the exchange.
As a result, by inputting the telephone number, it is possible to make a call with a desired partner.

Further, the BUSY flag is used to manage whether each telephone is busy or not, so that voice data is transmitted from another client to a busy client to cause interference. The situation can be avoided.

Further, since the server 10 collectively manages the correspondence table between telephone numbers and IP addresses, it is possible to reduce the burden on the client side. In addition,
In the above embodiment, when the called party is busy, the IP address is not transmitted. However, for example, a control code indicating busy is transmitted together with the IP address. Good. In that case, the calling side may not perform the connection process when receiving the control code indicating that the user is busy.

When a plurality of call requests are made to the same telephone, only the IP address is transmitted to the first client to access, and the IP address is transmitted to the other clients. At the same time, a control code indicating that the user is busy may be transmitted.

Further, in the above-described embodiment, the server 10 stores the I number corresponding to the telephone number inputted from the telephone.
The P address was searched and transmitted. For example,
Information corresponding to the search key transmitted from the personal computer on the client side may be searched and transmitted.

For example, when an information search request is made from the client, the server 10 displays a screen as shown in FIG. 9 on the personal computer 5a of the client, and the search input from this screen is performed. The server 10 may search and transmit information corresponding to the key.

In this example, a search key is entered in the first box. Also, in the second box,
The search results are displayed. In addition, the "Start Search" button
Operated when starting a search.

For example, when the telephone number “303-441-1234” is entered as a search key and the “search start” button is operated, the server 1
On the 0 side, the entered search key (phone number “303-44”)
1-1234 ") is transmitted.

The server 10 receives the search key by the receiving means 10a, and the searching means 10b searches for the corresponding information. The transmitting unit 10e transmits the obtained information to the client that made the request.

As a result, the personal computer 5a
Receives information as a search result and displays it in the second box in FIG. In this example, the telephone number "303-
441-1234 "is displayed in the second box.

According to such processing, the address, telephone number and IP address of the other party can be obtained from the user name, so that the information stored in the server 10 can be effectively used. Become.

The above processing functions can be realized by a computer. In this case, the processing contents of the functions that the server should have are described in a program recorded on a computer-readable recording medium, and the processing is realized by the computer by executing the program on the computer. . Examples of the computer-readable recording medium include a magnetic recording device and a semiconductor memory.

For distribution in the market, a CD-ROM
(Compact Disk Read Only Memory) or a program stored in a portable recording medium such as a floppy disk and distributed, or stored in a storage device of a computer connected via a network and transferred to another computer via the network You can also. When the program is executed by the computer, the program may be stored in a hard disk device or the like in the computer, loaded into the main memory, and executed.

[0092]

As described above, according to the present invention, the telephone number transmitted from the telephone connected to the network via the connection device is received, and the I number corresponding to the telephone number is received.
Since the P address is transmitted, it is possible to close a communication line with a communication partner just by inputting a telephone number, like a normal telephone.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration example of an embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating an overall configuration example of a communication system including the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a connection device illustrated in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process performed in the embodiment shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a conversion table between a telephone number and an IP address.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a process when a call is made from a client.

FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating details of a “data end determination process” illustrated in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating an example of processing executed by a server as a result of receiving a transmitted telephone number.

FIG. 9 shows a case where a search key is transmitted from a personal computer on the client side to search for corresponding information.
6 is a display example of a screen displayed on a display device of a personal computer.

[Explanation of symbols]

1 ... telephone, 2 ... connection device, 3 ... router, 4 ...
Internet, 6 ... Router, 7 ... Connection device, 8 ...
... telephone, 10 ... server, 10a ... receiving means, 10
b search means, 10c storage means, 10d usage management means, 10e transmission means, 10f writing means, 10g information change means

Claims (8)

[Claims] 1. A storage device for storing a telephone number of a telephone connected to a network via a connection device and an IP address corresponding to the telephone number, and a reception device for receiving data transmitted from the connection device. When a search request for an IP address corresponding to a predetermined telephone number is received from the connection device by the receiving means, a search means for searching the storage means for a corresponding IP address; A transmission unit for transmitting the searched IP address to the connection device. 2. A writing unit for recording the telephone number and the IP address in the storage unit when a registration request for a new telephone number and a corresponding IP address is generated from the connection device side. The server according to claim 1, further comprising: 3. When a request for changing information stored in the storage unit is issued from the connection device side,
2. The server according to claim 1, further comprising information changing means for changing information stored in said storage means. 4. The use status of the telephone connected to the connection device is referred to by referring to predetermined information transmitted according to the off-hook or on-hook state of the handset of the telephone connected to the connection device. Further comprising a use status management means for managing, when a search request is made from the connection device,
The server according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits the information on the usage status together with the P address. 5. A use condition of the telephone connected to the connection device is referred to by referring to predetermined information transmitted according to an off-hook or on-hook state of the handset of the telephone connected to the connection device. The apparatus further comprises a use state management unit for managing, and when the search request is made from the connection device and the telephone to be searched is not in a call, the IP
2. The server according to claim 1, wherein the server transmits an address and does not transmit an IP address when a call is in progress. 6. When a search request for the same telephone number is issued from a plurality of connection devices, a telephone having the telephone number is in use for a connection device other than the connection device that first made the search request. The server according to claim 4, wherein the server transmits information to the effect. 7. When a search request for the same telephone number is issued from a plurality of connection devices, only the connection device that first made the search request has the I number corresponding to the telephone number.
The server according to claim 5, wherein the server transmits a P address. 8. A storage device for storing a computer in association with a telephone number of a telephone connected to a network via a connection device and an IP address corresponding to the telephone number, and a reception device for receiving data transmitted from the connection device. Means for receiving, by the receiving means, a search request for an IP address corresponding to a predetermined telephone number from the connection device; searching means for searching the storage means for a corresponding IP address; A computer-readable recording medium that records a program that functions as transmission means for transmitting the searched IP address to the connection device.