JP2008072167A - Method and system of switching communication terminal, information processing device used therefor, communication terminal and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To improve user's convenience by switching a terminal connected. <P>SOLUTION: In a method in which a computer for controlling communications between terminals switches communication of each of the terminals, identification information of a first terminal connected with an opposite terminal and identification information of another second terminal are stored and held in association with each other, and the terminal connected to the opposite terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal on the basis of the correlated information, and communication is established between the opposite terminal and the second terminal. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2008,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication terminal switching method, and more particularly to a method of switching a communication terminal in communication to another terminal.

  With recent improvements in communication technology, high-quality communication is possible. For example, the quality of voice calls by wireless communication using a mobile phone has been improved, and the capacity and quality of content such as music and video that can be distributed and reproduced have been increased.

  In such a situation, there is a technique for relaying a call using a mobile phone or the like and downloading contents such as music / video using another terminal capable of high-performance communication. One example thereof will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the example illustrated in FIG. 13, the network system 103 and the service using terminal 102 are connected via the network N, and the mobile terminal 101 capable of wireless network connection to the service using terminal 102 is connected to the service using terminal 102. A case where connection to the network system 103 is used will be described.

  First, the wireless card of the portable terminal 101 transmits communication service information and destination telephone number information to the wireless card reader / writer of the service using terminal 102 and transmits a wired communication service request signal. Subsequently, the service using terminal 102 transmits the received wired communication service request signal to the designated network system 103. Then, the network system 103 transmits data corresponding to the service request signal to the wired communication means of the service using terminal 102.

  Subsequently, the wired communication means of the service using terminal 102 displays the data provided from the network system 103 on the display means and transfers it to the wireless card reader / writer. The wireless card reader / writer transmits the data transferred from the wired communication means to the wireless card of the mobile terminal 101. Then, the wireless card of the portable terminal 101 displays the data received from the wireless card reader / writer on the display means and stores it in the memory.

  Thereafter, the communication means of the service using terminal 102 starts communication using the other party telephone number received by the wireless card reader / writer. Thereby, the user can perform communication such as a call using the mobile terminal 101 by using the service use terminal 102 capable of high-performance communication.

JP 2003-242059 A JP 2004-153609 A

  However, the system described above has the following disadvantages. First, since the network system is not equipped with a function for authenticating / registering a service using terminal, there is a problem that it is not possible to switch a terminal to be used while continuing communication, or to make a free outgoing / incoming call using the service using terminal. For example, when performing media communication with another high-performance terminal that is not a mobile terminal, the communication that was started on the mobile terminal cannot be taken over by another terminal as it is. There was a problem that the user had to reconnect, which caused the user trouble. Here, as a related technique, a system for switching an information distribution destination is disclosed in Patent Document 1 described above. However, a terminal that is in communication is only switching an information distribution destination via a predetermined device. There is no disclosure of a technique for switching to another terminal.

  Further, in the above conventional example, the network system is not equipped with a function for managing the association between the service using terminal and the portable terminal, and therefore, when another terminal is used, the same user cannot be charged. there were. For example, a contract with a network service different from the mobile terminal is required, and billing is performed and charged separately from the mobile terminal, which causes problems such as an increase in communication costs and an increase in payments. . Here, as a related technique, Patent Document 2 discloses a technique in which a contracted limited broadcast can be viewed on any of a plurality of terminals owned by a single contractor. This technology is realized by confirming the association of a plurality of terminals held by a single contractor and enabling the exchange of a key code for limited broadcasting between the plurality of terminals. However, with such a method, a key code that allows viewing of a limited broadcast is exchanged and the same user is charged based on the code, and such communication is continued during communication with another system. However, there is a problem that the terminal cannot be switched and is still inconvenient.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to improve the inconvenience of the above-described conventional example, in particular, to enable switching of a terminal during communication and to improve user convenience.

Therefore, a communication terminal switching method according to one aspect of the present invention is
A computer that controls communication between terminals is a method of switching communication between terminals,
The identification information of the first terminal in communication with the communication partner terminal and the identification information of the other second terminal are stored in association with each other,
Based on this associated information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal.
It is characterized by that.

More specifically, a computer that performs communication control between terminals performs a method of switching communication between terminals,
Accepts input of identification information of the first terminal in communication with the communication partner terminal and identification information of the second terminal used by the same user as the first terminal, and associates them and stores them as terminal association information A terminal association step to
A terminal switching request receiving step for receiving a communication switching request from the first terminal;
In response to this switching request, based on the terminal association information, the communication partner step of switching the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the first terminal to the second terminal, establishing communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal,
It is characterized by having.

  According to the above invention, first, identification information of the first terminal that is communicating with the communication partner terminal and the second terminal that is the switching destination is input to the computer that performs communication control, and these are associated and stored. Retained. That is, the identification information of the first terminal and the second terminal is dynamically registered and managed. When receiving a terminal switching request from the first terminal, the communication performed by the first terminal is switched to the second terminal associated with the first terminal based on the stored terminal association information. That is, communication is established between the communication partner terminal that was the communication partner of the first terminal and the second terminal. Thereby, switching during communication from the first terminal to the second terminal can be performed without disconnection, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  In the terminal association step, the computer receives the identification information of the first terminal from the first terminal via the second terminal, and also receives the identification information of the second terminal from the second terminal. It is characterized by associating.

  Further, in the terminal association step, the computer accepts authentication information of the first terminal from the first terminal via the second terminal, and performs authentication based on the authentication information and information stored in the computer in advance. It is characterized in that the association is performed when the authentication is successful.

  As a result, the computer is accessed from the first terminal that is the switching source via the second terminal that is the switching destination, and the associated identification information is registered, so that the first user and the second terminal are operated by the same user. Can be confirmed, and security can be ensured.

  Further, the terminal association step is characterized in that it operates when the computer receives a registration request from the first terminal via the second terminal. Thereby, since the association between the first terminal and the second terminal is performed by the computer only when there is a registration request, communication switching can be limited only when necessary.

  In the terminal association step, the computer receives information transmitted from the first terminal through the second terminal in a state where the first terminal and the second terminal are directly connected by the short-range communication means. It is characterized by operating. Thereby, since the association is performed only when the first terminal and the second terminal exist in the same location, it can be confirmed that the terminal is used by the same user, and security is improved. Can be secured.

  Further, after the communication switching step, when the computer receives a notification from the first terminal or the second terminal that the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal by the short-range communication means has been disconnected, It has a communication re-switching step of switching the partner from the second terminal to the first terminal and establishing communication between the communication partner terminal and the first terminal. At this time, the communication re-switching step is characterized in that the computer deletes the terminal association information indicating the association between the switched first terminal and second terminal. Thereby, when the short-distance communication connection between the first terminal and the second terminal is disconnected, it is determined that the same user is not already used, and re-switching is performed to restore the communication already performed, Since the terminal association information is deleted, security can be improved.

  In addition, after the communication switching step, the computer has a billing step of monitoring a communication status by the second terminal and charging a user of the first terminal associated with the second terminal for a communication fee based on the communication status. It is characterized by. Thereby, even if the terminal which performs communication is switched, the same user can be charged, and convenience can be improved.

An information processing apparatus according to another aspect of the present invention
An information processing apparatus that is connected via a network to a second terminal that can be operated by a user of the first terminal that is communicating with a communication partner terminal, and that performs communication control between the terminals,
Terminal associating means for receiving input of identification information of the first terminal and identification information of the second terminal, associating them and storing them as terminal association information;
Terminal switching request receiving means for receiving a communication switching request from the first terminal;
In response to this switching request, based on the terminal association information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal,
It is characterized by having.

  The terminal association means accepts the identification information of the first terminal from the first terminal via the second terminal, accepts the identification information of the second terminal from the second terminal, and associates each identification information. In particular, the authentication information of the first terminal is received from the first terminal via the second terminal, and authentication is performed based on the authentication information and information stored in the computer in advance. It is characterized by making an association when it succeeds. Furthermore, the terminal association means operates when a registration request is received from the first terminal via the second terminal.

In addition, a communication terminal according to another embodiment of the present invention,
A communication terminal that is a first terminal that is communication-controlled by the information processing apparatus described above,
Association request means for transmitting identification information of the communication terminal to the information processing device via the second terminal, and requesting the information processing device to associate with the second terminal;
A communication switching request means for requesting the information processing apparatus to switch the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the first terminal that is the self to the second terminal;
It is characterized by having.

And in response to the authentication request of the first terminal from the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprises authentication information transmitting means for transmitting authentication information via the second terminal,
It is characterized by that.

  In addition, the association request unit and / or the authentication information transmission unit transmits information to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus to the second terminal using the short-range communication unit. Then, the information processing apparatus monitors the connection with the second terminal using the short-range communication means, and switches the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the second terminal to the self first terminal when the connection is disconnected. The apparatus includes a communication re-switching request unit that performs a re-switching request to the apparatus.

Furthermore, a communication terminal according to another aspect of the present invention is
A communication terminal which is a second terminal connected to the information processing apparatus via a network,
A relay unit that receives a registration request including identification information transmitted from the first terminal, transmits the information including the identification information to the information processing apparatus, and requests to associate each identification information;
It is characterized by that.

  The present invention also provides a program for realizing the above-described information processing apparatus and communication terminal.

  Thus, even the information processing apparatus, communication terminal, and program configured as described above operate in the same manner as the communication terminal switching method, and therefore, the object of the present invention described above can be achieved.

  Since the present invention is configured and functions as described above, according to this, communication switching from the first terminal communicating with the communication partner terminal to the second terminal operated by the same user is performed on the computer that performs communication control. Therefore, it is possible to improve the convenience for the user.

  The present invention is characterized by associating identification information of two communication terminals that can be operated by the same user, and switching one terminal in communication to the other terminal based on this. Hereinafter, a specific configuration and operation will be described in Examples.

  A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the entire communication terminal switching system. 2 to 3 are block diagrams showing configurations of a mobile terminal and a service terminal whose communication is switched, and FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a mobile network management server that performs communication control between terminals. 5 to 7 are diagrams illustrating an example of data stored in each terminal and server. 8 to 9 are sequence diagrams showing the operation of the entire system, and FIGS. 10 to 12 are explanatory diagrams showing the operation.

[Constitution]
The communication terminal switching system shown in FIG. 1 includes a mobile terminal (A) 1 (first terminal) operated by a user A (not shown) and a mobile terminal (B) 2 (communication partner) operated by a user B different from the user A. Terminal) and a service using terminal 3 (second terminal) that can be operated by the user A. In addition, the mobile terminal 1 and 2 are provided with a mobile network management server 4 (information processing apparatus) that controls communication such as a call through the mobile phone network of the mobile terminals 1 and 2 and is connected to the service use terminal 3 via the Internet N1. Yes. Further, the mobile network management server 4 is also connected to the fixed telephone 5 and other service terminals 6 via the fixed telephone network N2. Hereinafter, each configuration will be described in detail.

<Mobile device>
First, the portable terminal (A) 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. Note that the portable terminal (B) 2 has substantially the same configuration as that of the portable terminal (A) 1, and therefore the description thereof is omitted.

  The mobile terminal 1 is a general mobile phone, and is a terminal that can communicate with and communicate with other mobile terminals 2 by being controlled by the mobile network management server 4. The portable terminal 1 includes a short-range communication unit 1A that performs short-range communication and a wireless communication unit 1B that performs long-distance wireless communication for calls and the like. The short-range communication unit 1A is, for example, an interface used to communicate with a service using terminal 3 to be described later, and is a short-range wireless communication means such as a wireless LAN, Bluetooth, Felica, or other wired interface. It may be an interface that realizes near field communication by any method. Further, the communication status by the short-range communication unit 1A is in a state monitored by a predetermined processing unit built in the arithmetic device of the portable terminal 1 described later.

  A registration request processing unit 11, an authentication processing unit 12, and a switching request processing unit 13 are constructed by incorporating a predetermined program in the arithmetic device such as the CPU of the mobile terminal 1. The storage device such as a flash memory includes a body information storage unit 14, an authentication information storage unit 15, and a session information storage unit 16. These will be described in detail.

  The registration request processing unit 11 (association requesting unit) is connected to the service using terminal 3 using the interface of the short-range communication unit 1A, and is a terminal that is a pre-process for switching the terminal to the service using terminal 3 It has a function of transmitting a request for registering information. Specifically, this request includes a terminal unique identifier included in the machine information storage unit 14 as shown in FIG. 5, and is relayed by the service using terminal 3 as will be described later, and finally the mobile network. Received by the management server 4. At this time, the service use terminal 3 includes the address information of the service use terminal 3 and transmits it to the mobile network management server 4. Accordingly, the registration request processing unit 11 causes the mobile terminal 1 to request the mobile network management server 4 to associate the terminal unique identifier with the address information of the service using terminal 3 via the service using terminal 3. .

  As will be described later, the authentication processing unit 12 (authentication information transmitting means) generates authentication information and uses the service in response to an authentication request transmitted from the mobile network management server 4 and relayed by the service using terminal 3. It has a function to pass to the terminal 3. Thereby, the authentication information is transferred to the mobile network management server 4 as an authentication response message via the service using terminal 3. The mobile network management server 4 has a function of accepting an authentication result and passing the result to the switching request processing unit 13. As the authentication information, as shown in FIG. 5, information such as mobile terminal telephone numbers, mobile terminal unique identifiers, authentication passwords, communication partner numbers, communication media types and attributes, etc., included in each storage unit 14, 15, 16 Is sent.

  The switching request processing unit 13 (communication switching requesting unit) functions to transmit a communication switching request to the mobile network management server 4 using the packet communication network interface of the wireless communication unit 1B when the authentication is successful. Have Specifically, when the mobile terminal (A) 1 is communicating with the mobile terminal (B) 2 that is the communication partner, the communication terminal of the mobile terminal (B) 2 is designated as the mobile terminal (A) 1 that is the mobile terminal (A) 1. Transmits information requesting to switch to the service using terminal 3 in near field communication. At this time, as shown in FIG. 5, (1) the communication partner number and (2) the communication media type and attribute stored in the session information 16 are notified to the mobile network management server 4. Here, (2) “communication media type and attribute” is information indicating the media type and attribute that the mobile terminal 1 is currently communicating with.

  In addition, the switching request processing unit 13 constantly monitors short-range communication with the service using terminal 3, and when detecting that the connection with the service using terminal 3 is disconnected, the switching request processing unit 13 switches the communication as described above. It has a function (communication re-switching request means) for requesting the mobile network management server 4 to return to the terminal 1 from the service use terminal 3 that has been requested and actually switched. Thereby, as described above, after the communication with the portable terminal (B) 2 is switched from the portable terminal (A) 1 to the service using terminal 3, it is returned to the portable terminal (A) 1 again.

<Service usage terminal>
Next, the service using terminal 3 will be described with reference to FIG. 3 and FIG. The service using terminal 3 is a high function terminal (PC, PDA, etc.) capable of realizing various multimedia communications. For example, it is a terminal that can be used by the user A who operates the mobile terminal (A) 1 and is installed in a house, company, Internet cafe, or the like. And this service utilization terminal 3 has the function to take over communication from a portable terminal (A) and to continue a data communication and a telephone call so that it may mention later. Note that the call function is not necessarily provided.

  Similarly to the mobile terminal (A) 1, the service using terminal 3 is connected to the short-range communication unit 3A, which is an interface for performing short-range communication with the mobile terminal 1, and the mobile network management connected to the Internet N1. A wired communication unit 3B, which is an interface for communicating with the server 4, is provided. The wired communication unit 3B is a communication device that realizes broadband communication such as ADSL and optical communication capable of realizing high-speed communication.

  In addition, a connection detection processing unit 31 and a registration authentication relay processing unit 32 are constructed by incorporating a predetermined program in an arithmetic device such as the CPU of the service use terminal 3. In addition, a terminal information storage unit 33 is formed in the storage device. Details will be described below.

  In the terminal information storage unit 33, as shown in FIG. 6, (1) a service use terminal address, which is information representing the network address of the service use terminal itself, and a communication media type usable in the service use terminal are shown. (2) A service using terminal usable communication media type is stored.

  In addition, the connection detection processing unit 31 detects when the mobile terminal (A) 1 is connected to the service using terminal 3 via the short-range communication unit 3A, and detects the mobile terminal (A) 1 It has a function to notify the effect. And it has a function which monitors the connection state by this near field communication part 3A, and also has a function which notifies to the mobile network management server 4 as needed, when cut | disconnected.

  Further, the registration authentication relay processing unit 32 (relay means) has a function of transmitting a terminal registration request to the mobile network management server 4 in accordance with the registration processing instruction from the mobile terminal 1 described above, and an authentication request from the mobile network management server 4. And a function of transferring an authentication response from the portable terminal 1 to the mobile network management server 4.

<Mobile network management server>
Next, the mobile network management server 4 will be described with reference to FIGS. The mobile network management server 4 is a server computer that performs communication control between the mobile terminals (A) and (B) and between the mobile terminals (A) and (B).

  Then, the mapping data management processing unit 41, the communication switching processing unit 42, and the charging processing unit 43 are constructed by incorporating a predetermined program into the arithmetic device such as the CPU of the mobile network management server 4. Yes. Further, a portable terminal information storage unit 44, a mapping data storage unit 45, a session information storage unit 46, and a billing information storage unit 47 are formed in a storage device such as a hard disk drive. Details will be described below.

  First, the mapping data management processing unit 41 (terminal association means) functions to send an authentication request to the service using terminal 3 when receiving a registration request from the registration authentication relay processing unit 32 on the service using terminal 3. Have At this time, the authentication request is for requesting authentication data to the portable terminal (A) 1 and for checking whether the user of the service using terminal 3 and the user of the portable terminal 1 are the same. It is. Specifically, in response to the above request, an identifier, an authentication password, or the like transmitted from the mobile terminal 1 via the service use terminal 3 is received and stored in the mobile terminal information storage unit 44 in advance (1) mobile terminal Authentication is performed based on the telephone number, (2) the mobile terminal unique identifier, and (3) the authentication password (see FIG. 7). If the authentication is successful, the address that identifies the service utilization terminal 3 transmitted from the service utilization terminal 3 and the portable terminal that identifies the portable terminal 1 transmitted from the portable terminal 1 via the service utilization terminal 3 It has a function of associating and managing the unique identifier in the mapping data storage unit 45. At this time, as shown in FIG. 7, (2) a mobile terminal unique identifier and (3) a service using terminal address are associated and stored in the mapping data. At the time of association, address registration of the associated information is performed. An expiration date is also set (see (5)). For example, when a certain time is set and the expiration date has passed, the mobile terminal 1 is again authenticated as described above.

  The communication switching processing unit 42 (terminal switching request accepting unit, communication switching unit) manages session information under communication control and has a function of switching communication between terminals. Specifically, when a terminal switching request from the mobile phone (A) 1 is received, the mobile terminal unique identifier corresponding to the mobile terminal (A) 1 is referred to by referring to the data in the mapping data storage unit 45, the service using terminal 3 address, service use terminal available communication media type is acquired. Then, it is confirmed whether or not the media type used for communication in the mobile terminal 1 included in the switching instruction of the mobile terminal 1 is included in the service use terminal usable communication media type. Make a decision. And a user's utilization terminal is switched from the portable terminal (A) 1 to the service utilization terminal 3 by the function of a third party call control (3PCC).

  Further, the communication switching processing unit 42 transmits a switchback request from the mobile terminal 1 when the communication between the mobile terminal (A) 1 and the service using terminal 3 is disconnected. Accordingly, communication re-switching to the portable terminal (A) 1 can be similarly performed by the third party call control (3PCC) function. When re-switching is performed, the mapping data management processing unit 41 is instructed to delete the information associated with the address of the service using terminal 3, that is, the unique identifier of the mobile phone 1 from the mapping data storage unit 45. The registration information of the service using terminal 3 is deleted.

  The billing processing unit 43 (billing means) has a function of charging the same user even if the terminal switches the communication as described above using the session information notified from the communication switching processing unit 42. Specifically, since the user A of the mobile terminal (A) 1 can be specified by the mobile phone number, the communication time for the mobile phone (A) 1 and the service use terminal 3 are communicated to the user A of this number. The call time after switching is recorded, and billing processing is performed based on the total call time.

[Operation]
Next, the operation of the communication terminal switching system configured as described above will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 8 to 9 and the explanatory diagrams of FIGS.

  First, here, it is assumed that the user A uses the mobile terminal (A) 1 on the go and communicates with the mobile terminal (B) 2 of the user B (FIG. 8 (S1), FIG. 10 (1). )). Then, while maintaining communication with the user B, the user A enters the Internet cafe and attempts to continue the communication by switching the current call to the service using terminal 3 connected to the broadband line.

  For this reason, the user A brings the mobile terminal (A) 1 close to the short-range communication unit 3A of the service use terminal 3, and the mobile terminal (A) 1 currently in a call is connected to the short-distance wireless or wired such as Felica or Bluetooth. Are connected to the service using terminal 3 (FIGS. 8A and 10B). Then, the service use terminal 3 activates the multimedia communication application when the connection with the mobile terminal (A) 1 is established (FIG. 8B). This multimedia communication application returns a message indicating that the activation is completed or activated in response to the connection from the portable terminal (A) 1 (FIG. 8C). Note that the near field communication always maintains the communication state.

  Subsequently, the portable terminal (A) 1 requests the service utilization terminal 3 to perform registration processing in the mobile network management server 4 (FIG. 8D). This requests to notify the mobile network management server 4 of the mobile terminal unique identifier of the mobile terminal (A) 1 in order to associate the mobile terminal (A) 1 with the service using terminal 3.

  Subsequently, the service using terminal 3 transmits the mobile terminal unique identifier obtained from the mobile terminal 1 to the mobile network management server 4, and at the same time, the service using terminal 3 address, the service using terminal usable communication media type, Is transmitted, and the mobile terminal 1 and the service using terminal 3 are requested to perform association registration (FIGS. 8E and 10C). Including this registration request, the service using terminal 3 and the mobile network management server 4 will subsequently transmit via a communication path secured by encryption or the like.

  Subsequently, the mobile network management server 4 that has received the registration request requests authentication information of the mobile terminal 1 in order to confirm whether the service using terminal 3 can be trusted as an alternative to the mobile terminal 1 (FIG. 8F). FIG. 10 (3)). Receiving this, the service using terminal 3 requests the mobile terminal 1 for authentication information by short-range communication (FIG. 8G, FIG. 10B). In response to this, the portable terminal 1 creates data for authentication, transmits it to the service use terminal 3, and responds (FIG. 8 (H), FIG. 10 (2)). Then, the service use terminal 3 transfers the authentication data of the portable terminal 1 to the mobile network management server 4 (FIG. 8 (I), FIG. 10 (3)). The authentication information from the mobile terminal 1 includes information shared only by the mobile terminal 1 and the mobile network management server 4, that is, the machine information storage unit 15, the authentication information storage unit 15, and the session information storage unit 16 shown in FIG. Information stored in the mobile phone (mobile terminal phone number, mobile terminal unique identifier, authentication password, communication partner number, communication media type and attribute) is included.

  Subsequently, the mobile network management server 4 collates the authentication data received from the mobile terminal 1 via the service use terminal 3 with the authentication data of the mobile terminal (A) 1 stored in the mobile terminal information storage unit 44. Thus, authentication is performed (FIG. 8J). Specifically, the authentication information is decrypted, and the data of the mobile terminal (A) 1 managed by the mobile network management server 4 is identified with a mobile terminal unique identifier, an authentication password, a communication partner number, a communication media type, and an attribute. Browse and compare. If these pieces of information match, authentication is successful. Thereby, since the service use terminal 3 has transmitted the authentication response message including the authentication information created by the mobile terminal 1, the mobile network management server 4 determines that the service use terminal 3 is one of the user use terminals. be able to. If the authentication is successful as described above, the mobile network management server 4 associates the address of the service using terminal 3 with the mobile terminal unique identifier and stores it in the mapping data storage unit 45 (FIG. 8 (J), terminal Association step). At this time, in order to permit communication with the address of the service using terminal 3 with a time limit, the mapping data storage unit 45 stores the mobile terminal telephone number, the mobile terminal unique identifier, the address of the service using terminal 3, the service using terminal In addition to the available communication media type, the address registration expiration date is registered. This time limit is updated by performing periodic authentication as will be described later.

  Since the registration is completed as described above, the mobile network management server 4 notifies the service use terminal 3 of the registration completion (FIG. 8 (K), FIG. 10 (3)). Then, the service using terminal 3 notifies the registration completion to the portable terminal 1 (FIG. 8 (L), FIG. 10 (2)).

  Subsequently, when the mobile terminal 1 receives the registration completion notification, the mobile terminal 1 connects to the mobile network management server 4 via the packet network, that is, by wireless communication, and is currently connected to the mobile terminal (A) 1 -mobile terminal (B ) A switching request for changing the communication between 2 to the communication to the mobile terminal (B) 2-service using terminal 3 is transmitted (FIG. 9 (M), FIG. 11 (4)). This switching request includes information indicating the communication media type to be switched, which is stored in the session information storage unit 16 of the mobile terminal 1. When the mobile network management server 4 receives the switching request (terminal switching request receiving step), the mobile network management server 4 performs communication between the mobile terminal (A) 1 and the mobile terminal (B) 2 (FIG. 11 (1)). (B) 2-Switch to communication to the service using terminal 3 (FIG. 9 (N), FIG. 9 (S2), FIG. 11 (5)). Specifically, the mobile terminal unique identifier corresponding to the mobile terminal (A) 1, the address of the service using terminal 3, and the service using terminal usable communication media type are acquired by referring to the information in the mapping data storage unit 45. . Then, it is checked whether the media type included in the switching request is included in the service using terminal usable communication media type, and it is determined whether switching to the corresponding service using terminal 3 is possible. At this time, the switching process switches the user's usage terminal from the portable terminal (A) 1 to the service usage terminal 3 by a third party call control (3PCC) function (communication switching step).

  Thereafter, the mobile network management server 4 starts managing the expiration timer for each mapping data unit. However, when the mobile network management server 4 detects that the address registration expiration date of the mapping data has been detected, the mobile network management server 4 again sends the portable terminal (A) The authentication data 1 is requested (FIG. 9 (O), FIG. 10 (3)). Then, the service use terminal 3 requests authentication data from the mobile terminal (A) 1 (FIG. 9 (P), FIG. 10 (2)), and the mobile terminal (A) 1 receiving this transmits the authentication data. To respond (FIG. 9 (Q), FIG. 10 (2)). Then, the service using terminal 3 responds by transmitting the authentication data of the mobile terminal (A) 1 to the mobile network management server 4 (FIG. 9 (R), FIG. 10 (3)). Then, the mobile network management server 4 executes the confirmation of the authentication information in the received authentication response message as described above, and if it is confirmed that the information matches, it is registered in the mapping data storage unit 45. The address registration expiration date corresponding to the mobile terminal telephone number, the mobile terminal unique identifier, the address of the service using terminal 3, and the service using terminal usable communication media type is updated (FIG. 9 (S)).

  Thereafter, when the user A performs an action such as moving the mobile terminal (A) 1 away from the service using terminal 3 in order to leave the Internet cafe, the user A performs short-range communication between the mobile terminal (A) 1 and the service using terminal 3. The connection is disconnected (FIG. 9 (S3), FIG. 12 (6)). Then, the mobile terminal (A) 1 communicates with the mobile network management server 4 between the mobile terminal (B) currently connected to the mobile network management server 4 and the service using terminal 3 (FIG. 12 (5)). 1- Send out a switchback request to change to communication with the mobile terminal (B) 2 (FIG. 9 (T), FIG. 12 (7)). Then, the mobile network management server 4 transfers the communication between the portable terminal (B) 2 and the service using terminal 3 to the portable terminal (A) 1 -the portable terminal (B) 2 by the third party call control (3PCC) function. (Fig. 9 (U), Fig. 9 (S4), Fig. 12 (8), communication re-switching step). Thereafter, the correspondence between the address of the service using terminal 3 and the mobile terminal unique identifier of the mobile terminal (A) 1 is deleted from the mapping data storage unit 45 (FIG. 9 (U)).

  Here, as described above, since the mobile network management server 4 can specify the user even when the user A switches to receive the service using the service using terminal 3, the user can specify the mobile terminal (A) 1 As in the case of use, billing can be executed for the same user. For example, even when communication is performed using the address of the service using terminal, the charging processing unit 43 is performing a call based on the information unique to the user by including the mobile terminal telephone number and the mobile terminal unique identifier in the session information. It is possible to record the call time by the mobile phone (A) 1 and the call time after switching the communication to the service using terminal 3 and make settlement by the same user (billing process).

  As described above, in the present invention, since the switching from the portable terminal (A) 1 to the service using terminal 3 is realized while continuing communication, the radio wave condition in the vicinity of the portable terminal (A) 1 is first realized. Even when sufficient communication quality cannot be obtained due to deterioration, switching to the service using terminal 3 can smoothly improve a high-quality communication environment.

  Further, at the same time as switching the communication of the mobile terminal (A) 1, it is possible to automatically switch to the charge system set for each communication terminal, so that the mobile terminal 1 with a high communication cost can be switched to an inexpensive broadband network. By switching to communication with a terminal connected to the terminal, the cost of the user can be reduced.

  In addition, since the communication switching from the portable terminal (A) 1 having limited functions while maintaining the communication to the high-function service using terminal 3 that can be adapted to a wide range of services is realized, the function or processing capability of the portable terminal is realized. Value-added services that were not possible due to shortage (such as videophone services) can be expanded without disconnecting communications.

  Furthermore, even if the terminal that performs communication is switched, the same user can be charged, and convenience can be improved.

Here, in the above, when the wireless communication between the mobile terminal (A) 1 and the service using terminal 3 is disconnected, the communication switched to the service using terminal 3 is automatically switched back to the mobile terminal (A) 1. Although a system configured as described above has been described, it need not necessarily operate in this manner.
For example, from a no-call state, using a registration request and authentication function in the same manner as described above, a call can be made from a service using terminal registered in the mobile network, and the service using terminal during the call can be switched to a portable terminal. Alternatively, the call may be disconnected at the service using terminal as it is.

  Moreover, although the case where it switched from the portable terminal (A) 1 which communicates with another terminal by radio | wireless communication to the service utilization terminal 3 which communicates by wire was illustrated above, on the contrary, the state of no call From the service use terminal registered in the mobile network using the registration request and authentication functions as described above, the service use terminal during the call may be switched to the portable terminal for use.

  The present invention can be used for a communication control server of a communication carrier, a terminal installed in a mobile phone, an Internet cafe, and the like, and has industrial applicability.

It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of a communication terminal switching system. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a portable terminal. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a service utilization terminal. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structure of a mobile network management server. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the portable terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the service utilization terminal. It is a figure which shows an example of the information memorize | stored in the mobile network management server. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of a communication terminal switching system. It is a sequence diagram which shows operation | movement of a communication terminal switching system. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a communication terminal switching system. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a communication terminal switching system. It is explanatory drawing which shows operation | movement of a communication terminal switching system. It is a block diagram which shows the whole structure of the system in a prior art example.

Explanation of symbols

1 Mobile device A
2 Mobile terminal B
3 Service using terminal 4 Mobile network management server 11 Registration request processing unit 12 Authentication processing unit 13 Switching request processing unit 14 Machine information storage unit 15 Authentication information storage unit 16 Session information storage unit 31 Connection detection processing unit 32 Registration authentication relay processing unit 33 Terminal information storage unit 41 Mapping data management processing unit 42 Communication switching processing unit 43 Charging processing unit 44 Mobile terminal information storage unit 45 Mapping data storage unit 46 Session information storage unit 47 Accounting information storage unit

Claims (18)

A computer that controls communication between terminals is a method of switching communication between terminals,
The identification information of the first terminal in communication with the communication partner terminal and the identification information of the other second terminal are stored in association with each other,
Based on the associated information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal.
And a communication terminal switching method. A computer that controls communication between terminals is a method of switching communication between terminals,
Accepts input of identification information of the first terminal in communication with the communication partner terminal and identification information of the second terminal used by the same user as the first terminal, and associates them and stores them as terminal association information A terminal association step to
A terminal switching request receiving step for receiving a communication switching request from the first terminal;
In response to this switching request, based on the terminal association information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal. A communication switching step,
A communication terminal switching method characterized by comprising:   In the terminal association step, the computer receives identification information of the first terminal from the first terminal via the second terminal, and also receives identification information of the second terminal from the second terminal. The communication terminal switching method according to claim 2, wherein the identification information is associated.   In the terminal association step, the computer receives authentication information of the first terminal from the first terminal via the second terminal, and performs authentication based on the authentication information and information stored in the computer in advance. 4. The communication terminal switching method according to claim 3, wherein the association is performed when the authentication is successful.   The communication terminal switching method according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the terminal association step operates when the computer receives a registration request from the first terminal via the second terminal.   In the terminal association step, the computer is transmitted from the first terminal via the second terminal in a state where the first terminal and the second terminal are directly connected by the short-range communication means. 6. The communication terminal switching method according to claim 3, 4 or 5, characterized in that it operates by receiving information. After the communication switching step, when the computer receives a notification from the first terminal or the second terminal that the connection between the first terminal and the second terminal by the short-range communication means has been disconnected, A communication re-switching step of switching the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the second terminal to the first terminal and establishing communication between the communication partner terminal and the first terminal;
The communication terminal switching method according to claim 6.   8. The communication terminal switching method according to claim 7, wherein in the communication re-switching step, the computer deletes the terminal association information indicating the association between the switched first terminal and the second terminal.   After the communication switching step, the computer has a billing step of monitoring a communication status by the second terminal and charging a user of the first terminal associated with the two terminals for a communication fee based on the communication status The communication terminal switching method according to claim 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 or 8. An information processing apparatus that is connected via a network to a second terminal that can be operated by a user of the first terminal that is communicating with a communication partner terminal, and that performs communication control between the terminals,
Terminal associating means for accepting input of identification information of the first terminal and identification information of the second terminal, associating them and storing them as terminal association information;
Terminal switching request accepting means for accepting a communication switching request from the first terminal;
In response to this switching request, based on the terminal association information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal. Communication switching means for
An information processing apparatus comprising: An information processing apparatus that is connected via a network to a second terminal that can be operated by a user of the first terminal that is communicating with a communication partner terminal, and that performs communication control between the terminals.
Terminal associating means for accepting input of identification information of the first terminal and identification information of the second terminal, associating them and storing them as terminal association information;
Terminal switching request accepting means for accepting a communication switching request from the first terminal;
In response to this switching request, based on the terminal association information, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the first terminal to the second terminal to establish communication between the communication partner terminal and the second terminal. Communication switching means for
A program to realize A communication terminal that is the first terminal that is communication-controlled by the information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
Association request means for transmitting identification information of the communication terminal to the information processing apparatus via the second terminal, and requesting the information processing apparatus to associate with the second terminal;
A communication switching request means for requesting the information processing apparatus to switch the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the first terminal that is the self to the second terminal;
A communication terminal comprising: In response to an authentication request for the first terminal from the information processing apparatus, the information processing apparatus comprises authentication information transmitting means for transmitting authentication information via the second terminal.
The communication terminal according to claim 12.   The association request unit according to claim 12 and / or the authentication information transmission unit according to claim 13 transmits information to be transmitted to the information processing apparatus to the second terminal using a short-range communication unit. The communication terminal according to claim 12 or 13, characterized in that:   The connection with the second terminal using the short-range communication means is monitored, and when the connection is disconnected, the communication partner of the communication partner terminal is switched from the second terminal to the first terminal that is self. The communication terminal according to claim 14, further comprising a communication re-switching request unit that makes a re-switching request to the information processing apparatus. A communication terminal that is the first terminal that is communication-controlled by the information processing apparatus according to claim 10,
Association request means for transmitting identification information of the communication terminal to the information processing apparatus via the second terminal, and requesting the information processing apparatus to associate with the second terminal;
A communication switching request means for requesting the information processing apparatus to switch the communication partner of the communication partner terminal from the first terminal that is the self to the second terminal;
A program to realize A communication terminal which is the second terminal connected to the information processing apparatus according to claim 10 via a network,
Receiving a registration request including identification information transmitted from the first terminal, including the identification information of the registration request transmitted to the information processing apparatus, and including a relay unit that requests to associate each identification information;
A communication terminal characterized by that. A communication terminal which is the second terminal connected to the information processing apparatus according to claim 10 via a network,
A relay unit that receives a registration request including identification information transmitted from the first terminal, transmits the information including the identification information to the information processing apparatus, and requests to associate the identification information is realized. Program for.

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