JP2011071868A - Communication system, method and program for connecting communication line - Google Patents

Abstract

An object of the present invention is to reliably connect systems between main devices through an IP network without bothering a user.
A control unit 110 determines whether or not it is connected to another main device through an IP network 5, and if not connected, the control unit 110 stores the other main device in an inter-system information memory 114. Check if the phone number is stored. When it is confirmed that the telephone number is registered, the control unit 110 uses the telephone number in the inter-system information memory 114 to establish a communication line with the other main device through the optical telephone network 4. Connect and acquire the address information of the other main device to connect through the IP network 5 through the communication line.
[Selection] Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a system that performs so-called inter-system communication that connects different main apparatuses through a predetermined communication network such as an IP network, and a method and program used in the system.

  For example, Patent Document 1 described later discloses an invention relating to a button telephone device that realizes a so-called direct-in dial function with a simple operation. This direct-in-dial function allows a user to make a call directly from a key telephone connected to a main apparatus installed in the head office to a predetermined button telephone connected to the main apparatus installed in a certain regional branch office. It is what you want to do.

  The technique described in Patent Document 1, for example, when calling from a head office to a branch office, is easy to say that information is input in the order of the system number of the main apparatus of the branch office, * (asterisk), and the extension number of the target key telephone. With a simple operation, the user can make a call to the target key telephone.

  In this case, the main device at the head office first connects to the main device at the branch office, and then automatically connects to the target key telephone. In other words, the main device at the head office in this example can automatically connect the communication line to the target key telephone without any trouble of the user after receiving the so-called primary response. I am trying to cut it.

  As described above, in the case of the technology described in Patent Document 1, when a call is made from the head office to a specific button telephone at the branch office, or conversely, when a call is made from the branch office to a specific button telephone at the head office, an extremely simple operation is performed. So that you can make phone calls.

  As a result, the telephone number assigned to the target and the main unit is first called, and after confirming the primary response, the user inputs the extension number of the target key telephone. The need to perform the operation can be eliminated. As described above, connecting a communication line between main apparatuses is called intersystem connection in a broad sense.

  In recent years, as one of the services provided by the telephone company, a call charge between main apparatuses having a pre-registered telephone number connected through a predetermined network (for example, an optical telephone network) provided by the telephone company. A free service is also provided.

  As described above, various measures have been taken to make it easy to make a call or to reduce the call charge with a partner who frequently makes calls.

Japanese Patent Application No. 2004-266554

  By the way, in recent years, with the development and popularization of Internet technology, so-called IP telephones have also become popular. This IP phone uses VoIP technology to convert voice into IP (Internet Protocol) packets, and does not pass through the general subscriber telephone network (public network) provided by the telephone company, but through the Internet (IP network). Make a phone call. As described above, since the IP telephone uses the IP network, the communication cost can be reduced.

  Then, when trying to connect a plurality of main devices between systems through the IP network, such as connecting between the main device of the head office and the main device of the branch office through the IP network, all these main devices are connected. On the other hand, information necessary for connection must be registered in advance.

  Specifically, for all the main devices to be connected through the IP network, so-called intersystem information files having system numbers and IP addresses of all the main devices to be connected are installed in the system. It is necessary to register manually at the time.

  However, the IP address is rarely used in a fixed manner. For example, when the main apparatus is restarted due to a power failure, the IP address is often reacquired. For this reason, the IP address registered in the inter-system information file of each main apparatus may differ from the IP address actually assigned to each main apparatus. In such a case, unless a new IP address is registered again, it becomes impossible to connect through the IP network between the main apparatuses that have been connected so far.

  In view of the above, the present invention can reliably perform inter-system connection between main apparatuses through an IP network, for example, which requires manual maintenance of inter-system information by a user, without bothering the user. The purpose is to do so.

In order to solve the above-described problem, a communication system according to a first aspect of the present invention provides:
A communication system formed by two or more main devices connectable by an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a public network other than the IP network,
Each of the main devices
A telephone number memory for storing and holding a telephone number assigned to the other main apparatus for connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the public network;
Connection determining means for determining whether or not connected to another main apparatus through the IP network;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the telephone number memory holds the telephone number of the other main device when it is determined that the connection determination means is not connected;
When it is confirmed by the confirmation means that the telephone number of the other main apparatus is held, a communication line is connected to the other main apparatus through the public network using the telephone number, and Obtaining means for obtaining address information of the other main device for connection through the IP network from another main device;
And connecting means for connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the IP network using the address information acquired through the acquiring means.

  According to the communication system of the first aspect of the present invention, in each of the main devices, it is determined whether or not it is connected to another main device through the IP network by the connection determining means. The confirmation means confirms whether the telephone number of the other main device is held in the telephone number memory.

  When it is confirmed that the telephone number of the other main device is registered in the telephone number memory, the acquisition unit first uses the telephone number in the telephone number memory and transmits the other telephone number through the public network. A communication line is connected to the main apparatus, and the address information of the other main apparatus for connection through the IP network is acquired through the communication line.

  Thereafter, the address information of the other main device acquired by the acquiring unit is used by the connecting unit so that the own device and the other main device are connected through the IP network. That is, the own apparatus (one main apparatus) can be connected to the other main apparatus between the systems through the IP network.

  As described above, when each main apparatus is not connected to another main apparatus through the IP network and stores the telephone number of the other target main apparatus, the user's hand is completely troublesome. It is possible to automatically acquire the address information of the other main device without having to Then, using the acquired address information, inter-system connection can be established with the other main apparatus through the IP network.

  According to the present invention, it is ensured that the inter-system connection between the main devices through the IP network, which conventionally requires manual maintenance of the inter-system information by the user, without any trouble of the user. be able to.

It is a figure for demonstrating the structural example of the communication system to which one Embodiment of the system of this invention was applied. It is a block diagram for demonstrating the structural example of the main apparatus 1 of this embodiment. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the case where both are connected between systems when the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) are not connected between systems. In this case, an inter-system connection has already been established between the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C), and the main device 1 (A) is connected to the main device 1 (B) between the systems. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the case where it connects. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram following FIG. 4. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in the case where the connection between systems is established and the main apparatus establishes the connection between systems. It is a flowchart following FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the address information registered into the intersystem information memory 114 of the main apparatus 1 (A). It is a figure for demonstrating the address information registered into the intersystem information memory 114 of the main apparatus 1 (A). It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process of the main apparatus 1 (B) which provides the address information for the connection between systems. It is a flowchart for demonstrating the process in case main apparatus 1 (B) and 1 (C) establish the connection between systems according to the request | requirement from the main apparatus 1 (A).

  Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, main devices installed at remote locations can be connected through an optical telephone network, which is one of public networks provided by a telephone company, and also connected through an IP network. A case where the present invention is applied to a possible communication system will be described as an example.

[Configuration example of communication system]
FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a communication system to which an embodiment of the system of the present invention is applied. The main apparatus of the communication system of this embodiment is also one to which the method and program of the present invention are applied.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system of this embodiment includes main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) installed at different locations such as Tokyo head office, Tohoku branch office, and Kansai branch office. Are configured to be connectable by both the optical telephone network 4 and the IP network 5. The optical telephone network 4 is one of public networks provided by a telephone company. The IP network 5 widely means the Internet.

  In this example, packet data including telephone numbers from the main apparatuses 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) is transmitted through the optical telephone network 4, and packet data including an IP address is transmitted through the IP network 5. Have been to.

  As shown in FIG. 1, a plurality of optical telephones 2 (A) -1, 2 (A) -2,... Are connected to the main apparatus 1 (A), and the optical telephone 2 (A). PC (Personal Computer) 3 (A) -1, 3 (A) -2,... Are connected through -1, 2 (A) -2, etc. or through a predetermined device such as a modem (not shown). Has been.

  Similarly, a plurality of optical telephones 2 (B) -1, 2 (B) -2,... Are connected to the main apparatus 1 (B), and optical telephones 2 (B) -1, 2 (B PC (Personal Computer) 3 (B) -1, 3 (B) -2,... Are connected through a -2 or the like, or through a predetermined device such as a modem (not shown).

  Similarly, a plurality of optical telephones 2 (C) -1, 2 (C) -2,... Are connected to the main apparatus 1 (C), and optical telephones 2 (C) -1, 2 (C PC (Personal Computer) 3 (C) -1, 3 (C) -2,... Are connected via a -2 or the like, or via a predetermined device such as a modem (not shown).

  In the communication system according to this embodiment, the telephone number partner to which a communication line is connected through the optical telephone network 4 (registered with the telephone company) is provided by a service provided by the telephone company. Call charges are free from the other party.

  That is, in the case of this embodiment, telephone communication performed through the optical telephone network 4 is a call between the head office and each branch office and between each branch office and each branch office by the service provided by the telephone company. The fee is to be free.

  For example, when calling the Tohoku branch from the optical telephone 2 (A) -1 at the Tokyo head office, the optical telephone 2 (A) -1 is off-hooked and assigned to the main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch. Perform a series of call operations to enter the phone number.

  In this case, a communication line is connected between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) through a route of the main apparatus 1 (A) → the optical telephone network 4 → the main apparatus 1 (B). . Then, a telephone call can be made between the optical telephone 2 (A) -1 at the Tokyo head office and the optical telephone 2 (B) -1 connected to the main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office. The call charge in this case is free as described above.

  However, no matter how much the call charge is free, if data communication is performed between personal computers between the head office and the branch office or between the branch office and the branch office, communication is performed via the IP network 5. Sometimes it is better to connect the line. In other words, it is because it may be more advantageous to use the IP network 5 in consideration of the limitation of the number of connection lines, the communication speed, and the like.

  Therefore, in the communication system of this embodiment, as described above, communication is performed by connecting each of the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) via the IP network 5. I can also do that.

  However, when connecting the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) through the IP network 5, each main device has an IP address assigned to each main device connected through the IP network. Must know.

  For this reason, for each of the main apparatuses 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C), the IP address assigned to the main apparatus to which the communication line is connected through the IP network 5 is set. It is necessary to keep.

  In this case, if a fixed IP address is assigned to each main apparatus, the IP address of the connection destination may be manually registered once for each main apparatus first. However, while the connection to the IP network 5 is maintained, the IP address does not change, but when the connection to the IP network 5 is released (disconnected), the IP address is reacquired at the time of a new connection. As a result, the IP address usually changes.

  For example, when the connection of the main device to the IP network 5 is cut off due to a power failure or the like, the IP address is changed by re-acquiring the IP address when connecting again. In some cases, the IP address is periodically changed in consideration of security problems related to communication.

  Therefore, every time the IP address of the connection destination connected through the IP network 5 changes, it is necessary to re-register the IP address of the connection destination in the main apparatus of the connection source. However, it is troublesome for the user to register the IP address one by one, and it is necessary to ensure that the correct IP address assigned to the target main device can be acquired at an appropriate timing. .

  Therefore, each of the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) of the communication system of this embodiment is optical when the own device is not connected to another main device through the IP network 5. Necessary information such as the IP address of the target main apparatus is acquired through the telephone network 4.

  Then, it is possible to access the target main device of the connection destination using the acquired IP address, register its own IP address or the like in the main device of the connection destination, and always connect to each other through the IP network 5. I am doing so.

  In the communication system according to this embodiment, acquisition of information such as the IP address of the target connection-destination main apparatus is acquired at the timing when a call is made to the target connection destination through the optical telephone network 4. I am doing so. Of course, it can also be obtained at a predetermined timing, such as what time of the day.

  When the IP address or the like of the connection destination is acquired at the timing of making a call, information such as the IP address is acquired through the connected communication line. However, in this case, it is necessary not to interfere with a call made through the communication line.

  Therefore, in the communication system of this embodiment, in order to acquire information such as an IP address from the target main device of the connection destination, it is necessary to use out-of-band communication of a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) signal. To send and receive information.

[DTMF out-of-band communication and inter-system connection]
Here, the DTMF signal is formed with signal sounds of two voice frequency bands of low group and high group, with numbers from 0 to 9 and 16 types of codes such as *, #, A, B, C, and D. This signal is called a tone signal.

  Out-band communication refers to communication using outside the audible frequency band (out-band). Information to be transmitted such as a dial signal is encoded (encoded), and transmitted and received via a control signal line in a message format. To do.

  Thus, out-of-band communication of a DTMF signal means that the DTMF signal is encoded and transmitted / received as a signal outside the audible frequency band in a broad sense. More technically speaking, out-of-band communication of DTMF signals (out-band DTMF communication), a communication method of transmitting a DTMF signal (tone signal) as an event signal by RFC (Request For Comment) 2833 via a control signal line. It can be said that.

  RFC2833 is a RTP (Real Time Transport Protocol) packet and defines a method for transmitting DTMF digits (information transmitted by the DTMF method), tone, and telephone event.

  Connecting the communication lines between the main devices through some kind of communication network is widely referred to as inter-system connection. In this embodiment, the constant connection between the main devices through the IP network 5 is referred to as inter-system connection. .

  As described above, in the communication system of this embodiment, the main devices can be connected through the optical telephone network 5 provided by the telephone company, and the inter-system connection, that is, the main devices are connected to the IP network 5. It is also possible to always connect through.

  Of course, optical telephones connected to the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) can be connected to other telephones connected to the optical telephone network 5, the IP network 5 and other public networks. A communication line can also be connected to and communicated with a communication device such as a connected telephone.

[Configuration Example of Main Device 1]
Next, a configuration example of the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) of the communication system according to this embodiment will be described. In this embodiment, each of main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) will be described as having the same configuration. For this reason, in the following, when the main devices 1 (A), 1 (B), and 1 (C) are collectively referred to as the main device 1.

  Further, for the optical telephone connected to the main apparatus 1, the description of (A), (B), (C) corresponding to the installation location is not added, and in the following, the optical telephones 2-1, 2 will be simply described. -2, .... In the following, when the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Are collectively referred to, they may be simply referred to as the optical telephone 2.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of the main apparatus 1 of this embodiment. The main device 1 has a function as a so-called SIP server, and can perform connection control of extension lines and outside lines.

  The main device 1 can also perform line switching management. Here, line switching management can manage the usage status of the telephone line assigned to the device and the usage status of the extension, and can notify each optical telephone of the usage status of the line as necessary. It is.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the main apparatus 1 can be connected to the optical telephone network 4 and the IP telephone network 5. 1 and 2, the main device 1 is connected to each of the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Via, for example, a LAN cable.

  The main device 1 includes a registrar server function and a proxy server function, which are functions realized by a so-called SIP server. That is, the main device 1 can manage address information about a terminal device that may be called through the IP network 5 or the IP network 5 and the LAN by the registrar server function.

  Further, when the main apparatus 1 receives a SIP message from an optical telephone connected to itself by the proxy server function, the main apparatus 1 uses the SIP message based on the address information managed by the registrar server function. It can be transferred to a destination having an appropriate IP address.

  The main apparatus 1 also manages address information about the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Connected to the own apparatus, and the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. Has the function of relaying incoming calls (outgoing calls) and incoming calls (incoming calls) to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. It also realizes the function as a base unit.

  The main apparatus 1 has a telephone number assigned to a telephone connected to the optical telephone network 5 when a call is made from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. In this case, a packet having the telephone number can be formed and transmitted.

  As described above, the main apparatus 1 can also perform so-called call management. In addition, as in the case of the main device of the conventional key telephone system, the main device 1 of this embodiment is also used as a child device connected to the own device by performing line exchange management as described above. Allocation and management of communication information to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2, etc., or fine control over the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. Can also be done.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the main apparatus 1 includes a call control memory 101, a call control packet generation unit 102, a packet processing unit 103, a LAN connection terminal 104, and an extension interface (hereinafter referred to as extension I / F). 105, an external line interface (hereinafter referred to as external line I / F) 106, an external line connection terminal 107, an out-band DTMF processing unit 108, and a line exchange management unit 109.

  Moreover, the main apparatus 1 is provided with the control part 110 which controls each part. The control unit 110 is a microcomputer configured by connecting a CPU 111, a ROM 112, a RAM 113, and an inter-system information memory 114 through a CPU bus 115.

  Here, the CPU 110 reads out and executes a program stored in the ROM 112, which will be described later, forms a control signal to be supplied to each part and supplies it to each part, and processes data supplied from each part. It is something to do.

  As described above, the ROM 112 stores and holds various programs executed by the CPU 111 and various data necessary for processing. The RAM 113 is mainly used as a work area, such as temporarily storing intermediate results of processing.

  The inter-system information memory 114, as will be described in detail later, is address information for inter-system connection through the IP network 5, that is, the telephone number, system number, IP address, etc. of the main device connected between the systems. It stores and holds information between systems.

  The call control memory 101 stores and holds address information about a terminal device that is connected to the IP network 5 or a LAN cable and may be called through the main device 1 in order to realize the above-described registrar server function. To do.

  Specifically, as will be described later, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 transmits registration requests (register requests) from various terminal devices connected to the extension I / F 105 and the external line I / F 106. Is received, the address information such as URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) and IP address included therein is extracted, and the extracted address information is registered in the call control memory 101, or the call control is performed using the extracted address information. The registration information of the memory 101 is updated.

  In this way, the information registered and managed in the call control memory 101 is referred to, and as will be described later, the communication destination requested from the slave unit of the own unit is reliably identified, and the identified partner A function as a proxy server that transfers information (packet data) to be transmitted first is realized. Further, the information registered and managed in the call control memory 101 is also used for discrimination of incoming calls to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,.

  The call control memory 101 manages address information such as an IP address for call control as described above, whereas the intersystem information memory 114 is an intersystem connection (through an IP network). Address information such as a system number and an IP address for continuous connection between main devices).

  Further, as described above, the inter-system information memory 114 functions as a telephone number memory that stores and holds the telephone number of a main apparatus that belongs to the same communication system and can connect a communication line through the optical telephone network 4. Also have.

  The call control packet generation unit 102 responds to a call request from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Connected to the main apparatus 1 via a LAN, for example, based on information in the call control memory 101. A call packet to be transmitted first is generated and transmitted to the other party.

  Further, the call control packet generator 102 sends an incoming call request to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. Accordingly, an incoming call packet to be transmitted to the optical telephone connected to the own apparatus determined based on the information in the call control memory 101 is generated and transmitted to the optical telephone connected to the own apparatus. .

  In addition, the packet processing unit 103 performs decomposition and generation of packet data. Specifically, it is connected to the main apparatus 1 through a packet for calling from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Connected via the LAN, the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5. Control packets such as incoming packets from the terminal device to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Are packet-decomposed here, and control data is extracted and supplied to the control unit 110.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the main apparatus 1 is also connected to a so-called analog public network, and the main apparatus 1 is connected to the optical telephones 2-1 and 2-2 connected via LAN. ,... Are sent to the analog public network after the packet processing unit 103 disassembles the packet.

  Further, the information to the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Received through the analog public network is packetized by the packet processing unit 103 and is connected to the LAN-connected optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. To be sent to.

  In addition, the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 forms a signal to be transmitted by the out-band communication of the DTMF signal or decodes the signal transmitted by the out-of-band communication of the DTMF signal according to the control of the control unit 110. Extract information that has been sent.

  As described above, the main apparatus 1 according to this embodiment calls the target main apparatus through the optical telephone network 4 when the own apparatus does not perform intersystem connection with other main apparatuses. The communication line is connected, and address information for inter-system connection can be acquired from the target main apparatus through the communication line.

  Therefore, in order to obtain address information for inter-system connection through the connected communication line without affecting the telephone call, the out-band communication of the DTMF signal is used by the function of the out-band DTMF processing unit 108. Is made possible.

  Further, the circuit switching management unit 109 is for managing the switching of the above-described circuit, manages the usage status of the telephone line allocated to the own device, the usage status of the extension, etc. Is used to notify each optical telephone of the usage status and the like.

[Operation when calling from optical telephone connected to own device]
The packet data of the call message from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Transmitted through the LAN cable is supplied to the extension I / F 105 through the LAN connection terminal 104. It is converted into packet data in a processable format and supplied to the control unit 110.

  When the packet data from the extension I / F 105 is packet data for a call, the control unit 110 supplies the packet data to the packet processing unit 103 to decompose the packet, and performs necessary control through the packet processing unit 103. Get the data.

  Then, the control unit 110 controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate a call packet to be transmitted to a target call destination. As described above, the call control packet generation unit 102 uses the information in the call control memory 101 to specify a target call destination and transmits the call packet to the target call destination. Is generated.

  In addition, the call control packet generator 102 receives the call message from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... When the packet data includes the telephone number for the communication terminal connected to the optical telephone network 5. Generates a call packet to be transmitted to the target call destination including the telephone number.

  If the call packet is for a telephone terminal connected to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5, the control packet generator 102 sends the call packet to the external line I / F 106. Supply.

  The external line I / F 106 converts the packet data supplied through the CPU bus 314 into a format to be transmitted to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5, and transmits this through the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is sent to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5 through the station side device X. As a result, the outgoing call packet is transmitted to the intended outgoing call destination connected to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5.

  When a response is returned from the call destination, a communication line (communication path) is generated between the call destination and a telephone terminal on the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5 through a LAN cable. A telephone call is made between the telephones 2-2, 2-2,... Connected to the main apparatus.

  In addition, when the call packet from the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,... Connected to the main unit through the LAN cable is for the optical telephone connected to the LAN cable, the control packet The generation unit 102 supplies the outgoing call packet to the extension I / F 105.

  The extension I / F 105 converts the packet supplied through the CPU bus 115 into a format to be sent to the LAN cable, and sends the packet to the LAN cable through the LAN connection terminal 104. Thereby, the call packet is transmitted to the target call destination.

  When a response is returned from the call destination, a communication path is generated with the call destination, and a call is performed on the optical telephone connected to the LAN cable 2.

[Operation when incoming to optical phone connected to own device]
Further, packet data from a telephone terminal connected to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5 transmitted via the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5 is supplied to the external line I / F 106 through the external line connection terminal 107. Here, it is converted into packet data in a format that can be processed by the own device, and supplied to the control unit 110.

  When the packet data from the external line I / F 106 is an incoming call packet of the optical telephone connected to the own device, the control unit 110 supplies the packet data to the packet processing unit 103 to decompose the packet, Necessary control data is acquired through the processing unit 103.

  Then, the control unit 110 controls the call control packet generation unit 102 so as to generate an incoming call packet to be transmitted to a target incoming call destination. As described above, the call control packet generation unit 102 uses the information in the call control memory 101 to identify the target call destination and transmit the call destination packet to the target call destination. Is generated.

  Then, the call control packet generator 102 supplies the incoming packet to the extension I / F 105. The extension I / F 105 converts the packet data supplied through the CPU bus 115 into a format to be sent to the LAN cable, and sends it to the LAN cable through the LAN connection terminal 104. As a result, the incoming packet is transmitted to the intended destination.

  When a response is returned from the call destination, a communication path is generated between the call source and the call source terminal and the destination telephone connected to the LAN cable 2. , The call will be made.

  In the external line communication between the terminal device connected to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5 and the optical telephones 2-1, 2-2,. Packet data is also transmitted and received in extension communication between optical telephones connected to the LAN.

  For this reason, when the communication line is connected and a call is actually made, the packet processing unit 103 does not decompose or generate the packet, and the external line I / F 106 and the internal line I In / F105, the data format is adjusted and the data is sent and received as it is.

  As described above, the main device 1 of the telephone system of this embodiment is also connected to the analog public network, and only between the terminal device connected to the optical telephone network 4 or the IP network 5. In addition, a communication line can be connected to a terminal device connected to an analog public network so that a telephone call can be made.

  In this case, as described above, the data from the analog public network is packetized by the packet processing unit 103 and sent to the LAN cable, and the data sent to the analog public network is packet-decomposed by the packet processing unit 103. To be sent out.

  Thus, the main device 1 of this embodiment can relay messages between terminals connected to various networks to which the main device 13 is connected.

[Operations for connecting systems]
The main device 1 of the communication system of this embodiment is connected to a communication line (call) that is connected through the optical telephone network 4 when no inter-system connection is established with another main device in the same system. Address information for inter-system connection is obtained through a circuit).

  Here, the address information for intersystem connection is information managed in a so-called intersystem information file, and is information managed in the intersystem information memory 114 in the main apparatus 1 of this embodiment.

  Specifically, as described above, the address information for inter-system connection is information including a telephone number, a system number, and an IP address assigned to each main apparatus, and is also called inter-system connection information. .

  In this embodiment, the main apparatus 1 confirms whether or not an intersystem connection has been established at a predetermined timing. If the intersystem connection has not been established, the main apparatus 1 establishes a communication line through the optical telephone network 4. Information necessary for connection between systems can be acquired by connecting.

  Further, when the inter-system connection is not established even when the optical telephone 2 connected to the main apparatus 1 makes a call to the optical telephone 2 connected to another main apparatus in the same communication system. Address information for inter-system connection can be acquired.

  That is, when a communication line is connected by calling from an optical telephone 2 connected to the main apparatus 1 to an optical telephone connected to another main apparatus in the same communication system through the optical telephone network 4, The device 1 checks whether or not an intersystem connection is established with the other main device.

  Then, when an inter-system connection is not established, an address for inter-system connection (inter-system connection information) is acquired from the other main unit through a communication line (call line) connected through the optical telephone network 4 To do.

  In this case, as described above, communication for obtaining address information for inter-system connection is performed between the main apparatuses so as not to affect the original purpose call. This is done by communication.

  Hereinafter, in the communication system of this embodiment, a process for establishing an inter-system connection between main apparatuses for which no inter-system connection has been established will be described in detail.

[When connecting between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (B) where the inter-system connection is not established]
First, in the communication system of this embodiment shown in FIG. 1, when the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office and the main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch are not connected between the systems, A case of connection will be described.

  Here, the system between the unconnected main devices at the timing of making a call from the optical phone connected to the main device 1 (A) of the Tokyo head office to the optical phone connected to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch office. A case where inter-connection is performed will be described.

  In addition, each of the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office and the main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office specifies its own system number, and has already accessed a predetermined server device through the IP network. It is assumed that a valid IP address has been acquired.

  FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram for explaining a case where the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office and the main apparatus 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office are not connected between systems. .

  It is assumed that a telephone number assigned to the main apparatus 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch is inputted through the optical telephone 2 connected to the main apparatus 1 (A) of the Tokyo head office to make a call. In this case, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (A) confirms the connection status of the own device and the registration status of the own system inter-system information memory 114, and whether or not the inter-system connection has already been established. Then, a predetermined condition such as whether or not the input telephone number is a registered telephone number is confirmed.

  Then, based on the confirmed conditions, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (A) has not yet been connected between the systems, and the main device 1 ( Assume that it is determined that the registered telephone number is B).

  In this case, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate a call-out packet including the telephone number of the main apparatus 1 (B). / F106 and the external line connection terminal 107. In this case, the outgoing call packet includes the telephone number for the optical telephone, and is transmitted (transmitted) to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch through the optical telephone network 4.

  The main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office receives the outgoing call packet from the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo headquarters through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106, and the packet processor 103 disassembles it. Necessary control data is extracted and supplied to the control unit 110.

  In addition, the control unit 110 controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate an incoming call packet for the optical telephone 2 connected to the own device, which is transmitted through the extension I / F 105 and the LAN connection terminal 104. To the optical telephone 2 connected to the machine.

  In response to this, when an incoming response from the optical telephone 2 connected to the own device is received through the LAN connection terminal 104 and the extension I / F 105, the incoming response is sent out through the external I / F 106 and the external connection terminal 107, The message is transmitted to the caller main apparatus 1 (A) through the telephone network 4.

  The main apparatus 1 (A) that has received the incoming call response from the main apparatus 1 (B) establishes a communication line (call line) through the optical telephone network 4 with the main apparatus 1 (B) that has returned the incoming call response. A telephone call is made between the optical telephones connected to both main apparatuses.

  In parallel with the call, between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) to which the communication line is connected through the optical telephone network 4, the DTMF out-of-band is transmitted through the connected communication line. Communication for obtaining information necessary for inter-system connection is performed by communication.

  In this case, a signal corresponding to the DTMF out-of-band communication is formed in the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 under the control of the control unit 110 and is transmitted to the optical telephone network 4 through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. Become.

  A signal corresponding to the DTMF out-of-band communication from the optical telephone network 4 is received through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106 and supplied to the out-band DTMF processing unit 108, where necessary data is extracted. Is supplied to the control unit 110.

  In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 3, first, the main device 1 (A) checks whether or not the inter-system connection is possible with respect to the main device 1 (B). If the main apparatus 1 (B) is ready for inter-system connection, such as when the own device has already acquired a valid IP address, the inter-system connection O.D. Send K messages.

  Furthermore, the main apparatus 1 (B) transmits a system number and an IP address to the main apparatus 1 (A) as intersystem connection information that is address information necessary for intersystem connection. Thereby, the main apparatus 1 (A) can acquire the address information necessary for the inter-system connection for the main apparatus B, and can register this in the inter-system information memory 114 of the own apparatus.

  Thereafter, the main device 1 (A) or the main device 1 (B) terminates the call and performs an on-hook operation to release (disconnect) the communication line connected through the optical telephone network 4. In this way, the communication portion indicated by area AR1 in FIG. 3 is processing performed through a communication line (optical telephone line) connected through the optical telephone network 4.

  And the control part 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) confirms whether the system number of the address information for the intersystem connection of the acquired main apparatus 1 (B) does not overlap with the system number of an own machine, and duplication When doing so, a process of changing the system number of the own machine is performed. Details of the system number changing process will be described later.

  Thereafter, the main apparatus 1 (A) accesses the main apparatus 1 (B) through the IP network 5 using the acquired IP address of the main apparatus 1 (B), and the main apparatus 1 (B) Address information for intersystem connection of (main apparatus 1 (A)) is registered.

  In this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the packet processing unit 103 to generate a transmission packet for the main apparatus 1 (B) including the address information of the own apparatus, and outputs the transmission packet to the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. Send through. The transmitted packet is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (B) through the IP network 5.

  The main apparatus 1 (B) receives the packet from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. The received packet is subjected to packet decomposition in the packet processing unit 103, and necessary data, that is, address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A) is supplied to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) registers address information for intersystem connection from the main apparatus 1 (A) in the intersystem information memory 114 of the own apparatus. Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) controls the packet processing unit 103 to indicate that the main registration O.D. A K message packet is formed and transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is also transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  As a result, the main device 1 (A) is provided with address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (B), and the main device 1 (B) is provided for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A). Address information is arranged. That is, an environment for intersystem connection is prepared for both the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B).

  Then, the main apparatus 1 (A) forms an inter-system connection request for the main apparatus 1 (B) by the packet processing unit 103, sends it through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmits through the IP network 5 to the main apparatus 1 (B).

  The main apparatus 1 (B) receives the inter-system connection request from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. Then, the main apparatus 1 (B) is connected to the main apparatus 1 (A) by the packet processing unit 103. A K message is formed, transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  Thus, after performing a series of communication processing for inter-system connection through the IP network 5 between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (B), the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (B) is always connected through the IP network 5. That is, the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) are connected between systems.

  As described above, the part indicated by the area AR2 in FIG. 3 is processing performed via the IP network 5. That is, the main apparatus 1 (A) of this embodiment uses the optical telephone network 4 and the IP network 5 separately, and acquires necessary information through the optical telephone network 4 when the inter-system connection is not established. To be able to establish a connection between systems.

  In this way, high-speed data communication can be performed through the IP network 5 between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) where the inter-system connection is established.

  In addition, since the connection is always made through the IP network 5, the data communication can be performed satisfactorily without causing inconveniences such as affecting the telephone communication through the optical telephone network 4.

  As described above, in the communication system of this embodiment, an environment in which inter-system communication can be performed can be prepared without bothering the user. In addition, address information for intersystem connection can be acquired during a call through the optical telephone network 4. For this reason, there is no communication cost for acquiring address information for inter-system connection.

[When main device 1 (A) performs inter-system connection to main device 1 (B) that is inter-system connected to main device 1 (C)]
Next, in the communication system shown in FIG. 1, an inter-system connection has already been established between the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch and the main device 1 (C) of the Kansai branch, The case where the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office makes an inter-system connection to the main apparatus 1 (B) will be described.

  In this case, the information in the inter-system information memory 114 is reset by the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office due to some cause such as a power failure, and the main device 1 (B) in the Tohoku system or the main device 1 at the Kansai branch office. Assume that the inter-system connection with (C) is disconnected.

  Here again, the system between the unconnected main devices at the timing of making a call from the optical phone connected to the main device 1 (A) of the Tokyo head office to the optical phone connected to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch office. A case where inter-connection is performed will be described.

  In addition, the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office has acquired a valid IP address by specifying its own system number and accessing a predetermined server device through the IP network. .

  4 and 5 show a case where an inter-system connection has already been established between the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch office and the main device 1 (C) of the Kansai branch office. It is a sequence diagram for demonstrating the case where 1 (A) performs intersystem connection with respect to the main apparatus 1 (B).

  That is, as shown in FIG. 4, the main device 1 (A) is not connected between systems (inter-system connection is not established), but between the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C). Is already connected between systems (inter-system connection established).

  In the case of this example, as in the case described with reference to FIG. 3, it is assigned to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch through the optical telephone connected to the main device 1 (A) of the Tokyo head office. Suppose you enter a phone number and make a call.

  In this case, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (A) confirms the connection status of the own device and the registration status of the own system inter-system information memory 114, and whether or not the inter-system connection has already been established. Then, a predetermined condition such as whether or not the input telephone number is a registered telephone number is confirmed.

  Then, based on the confirmed conditions, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) determines that the main apparatus 1 (B) is the main apparatus in the same system whose own phone is not yet connected between the systems and whose telephone number is the same. Suppose that the phone number is registered.

  In this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) acquires address information for intersystem connection from the main apparatus 1 (B) in the same manner as the processing performed in the area AR1 of FIG. A) acquires not only the main device 1 (B) but also the address information of the main device 1 (C).

  That is, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate a call-out packet including the telephone number of the main apparatus 1 (B), and converts this to the outside line I / The data is sent through F106 and the external connection terminal 107. In this case, the outgoing call packet includes the telephone number for the optical telephone, and is transmitted (transmitted) to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch through the optical telephone network 4.

  The main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office receives the outgoing call packet from the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo headquarters through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106, and the packet processor 103 disassembles it. Necessary control data is extracted and supplied to the control unit 110.

  Further, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate an incoming call packet for the optical telephone connected to the own device, which is converted into the extension I / F 105, the LAN The data is transmitted to the optical telephone connected to the own device through the connection terminal 104.

  When the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) receives an incoming response from the optical telephone connected to its own device through the LAN connection terminal 104 and the extension I / F 105, the incoming response is received as an external line I / F 106 and an external connection terminal. 107, and is transmitted to the caller main apparatus 1 (A) through the optical telephone network 4.

  The main apparatus 1 (A) that has received the incoming call response from the main apparatus 1 (B) communicates with the main apparatus 1 (B) that has returned the incoming call response via the optical telephone network 4 (call line). ) To make a call between optical telephones connected to both main devices.

  In parallel with the call, between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) to which the communication line is connected through the optical telephone network 4, the DTMF out-of-band is transmitted through the connected communication line. Communication for obtaining information necessary for inter-system connection is performed by communication.

  In this case, a signal corresponding to the DTMF out-of-band message is formed in the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 under the control of the control unit 110 and sent to the optical telephone network 4 through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. become.

  A signal corresponding to the DTMF out-of-band message from the optical telephone network 4 is received through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106 and supplied to the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 where necessary data is extracted. And supplied to the control unit 110.

  In the case of this example, as shown in FIG. 4, first, the main apparatus 1 (A) confirms whether or not the inter-system connection is possible with respect to the main apparatus 1 (B). If the main apparatus 1 (B) is ready for inter-system connection, such as when the own device has already acquired a valid IP address, the inter-system connection O.D. Send K messages.

  Since the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) are already connected between the systems, the main device 1 (B) has the main device 1 in addition to the address information for the inter-system connection of its own device. Address information for inter-system connection (C) is also stored and held in the inter-system information memory 114 of the own device.

  For this reason, the main device 1 (B) has the system number and IP address of its own device (main device 1 (B)) as the address information (inter-system connection information) for inter-system connection, and the main device already connected. The system number and IP address of the device 1 (C) are transmitted to the main device 1 (A).

  As a result, the main device 1 (A) acquires the address information for inter-system connection of the main device 1 (B) and the address information for inter-system connection of the main device 1 (C). It can be registered in the inter-system information memory 114 of the machine.

  Thereafter, the main device 1 (A) or the main device 1 (B) terminates the telephone call and disconnects (releases) the communication line connected through the optical telephone network 4 by performing an on-hook operation. As described above, the part indicated by the area AR1 in FIG. 4 is processing performed through a communication line (optical telephone line) connected through the optical telephone network 4.

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (A) obtains the system number of the acquired address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (B) or for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (C). Confirm that the system number in the address information does not overlap with your own system number. Here, in the case of duplication, processing for changing the system number of the own device is performed. Details of the system number changing process will be described later.

  Thereafter, the processing proceeds to the processing shown in FIG. 5, and the main device 1 (A) accesses the main device 1 (B) through the IP network 5 using the acquired IP address of the main device 1 (B). Address information for inter-system connection of the own device (main device 1 (A)) is provisionally registered with respect to (B).

  In this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the packet processing unit 103 to generate a transmission packet (temporary registration request) for the main apparatus 1 (B) including the address information of the own apparatus, and uses this as the outside line I / F 106. , And sent through the external line connection terminal 107. The transmitted packet is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (B) through the IP network 5.

  The main apparatus 1 (B) receives the packet from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. The received packet is subjected to packet decomposition in the packet processing unit 103, and necessary data, that is, address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A) is supplied to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) temporarily registers address information for intersystem connection from the main apparatus 1 (A) in the intersystem information memory 114 of the own apparatus. Thereby, address information for inter-system connection of the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office is temporarily registered in the main apparatus 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office.

  Similarly, the main apparatus 1 (A) uses the acquired IP address of the main apparatus 1 (C) to access the main apparatus 1 (C) through the IP network 5 and to the main apparatus 1 (C). Address information for intersystem connection of (main apparatus 1 (A)) is temporarily registered.

  That is, the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the packet processing unit 103 to generate a transmission packet (temporary registration request) for the main apparatus 1 (C) including the address information of the own apparatus. The data is transmitted through the external line connection terminal 107. The sent packet is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (C) through the IP network 5.

  The main apparatus 1 (C) receives the packet from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. The received packet is subjected to packet decomposition in the packet processing unit 103, and necessary data, that is, address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A) is supplied to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (C) temporarily registers address information for intersystem connection from the main apparatus 1 (A) in the intersystem information memory 114 of the own apparatus. Thereby, address information for inter-system connection of the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office is provisionally registered in the main apparatus 1 (C) at the Kansai branch office.

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) controls the packet processing unit 103 to indicate that the temporary registration O.D. A K message packet is formed and transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is also transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  Similarly, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (C) controls the packet processing unit 103 to indicate that the temporary registration O.D. A K message packet is formed and transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is also transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  In this way, temporary registration is performed in each of the main devices 1 (B) and 1 (C), so that address information for inter-system connection of the main device 1 (A) can be normally registered. This is to confirm whether or not.

  If the main device 1 (A) fails during the temporary registration process, the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) cancel the temporary registration after waiting for a certain time. In this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) performs temporary registration processing again on the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) after the failure recovery.

  In addition, when the main device 1 (B) or the main device 1 (C) fails during registration or fails during the temporary registration, the main device 1 (A) is connected to the main device 1 (B), the main device 1 ( A temporary registration cancellation request is transmitted to C), and error processing is performed. Even in this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) performs the temporary registration process again with respect to the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) at a predetermined timing such as after a predetermined time has elapsed. .

  Thereafter, the main apparatus 1 (A) accesses the main apparatus 1 (B) through the IP network 5 using the acquired IP address of the main apparatus 1 (B), and the main apparatus 1 (B) The main registration of address information for intersystem connection of (main apparatus 1 (A)) is requested.

  In this case, the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the packet processing unit 103 to generate a transmission packet (main registration request) for the main apparatus 1 (B) including the address information of the own apparatus, and uses this as the outside line I / F 106. , And sent through the external line connection terminal 107. The transmitted packet is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (B) through the IP network 5.

  The main apparatus 1 (B) receives the packet from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. The received packet is subjected to packet decomposition in the packet processing unit 103, and necessary data, that is, address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A) is supplied to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) performs main registration of address information for inter-system connection from the main apparatus 1 (A) in the inter-system information memory 114 of the own apparatus. As a result, the address information for inter-system connection of the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office is fully registered in the main apparatus 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office.

  Similarly, the main apparatus 1 (A) uses the acquired IP address of the main apparatus 1 (C) to access the main apparatus 1 (C) through the IP network 5 and to the main apparatus 1 (C). The main registration of address information for intersystem connection of (main apparatus 1 (A)) is requested.

  That is, the main apparatus 1 (A) controls the packet processing unit 103 to generate a transmission packet (main registration request) for the main apparatus 1 (C) including the address information of the own apparatus. The data is transmitted through the external line connection terminal 107. The sent packet is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (C) through the IP network 5.

  The main apparatus 1 (C) receives the packet from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. The received packet is subjected to packet decomposition in the packet processing unit 103, and necessary data, that is, address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A) is supplied to the control unit 110.

  The control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (C) performs main registration of address information for intersystem connection from the main apparatus 1 (A) in the intersystem information memory 114 of the own apparatus. As a result, the address information for intersystem connection of the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office is fully registered in the main apparatus 1 (C) at the Kansai branch office.

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) controls the packet processing unit 103 to indicate that the main registration O.D. A K message packet is formed and transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is also transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  Similarly, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (C) controls the packet processing unit 103 to indicate that the main registration O.D. A K message packet is formed and transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. The packet is also transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  As a result, the address information for intersystem connection between the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) is arranged in the main device 1 (A). On the other hand, the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) are arranged with address information for intersystem connection of the main device 1 (A). In other words, the main device 1 (A), the main device 1 (B), and the main device 1 (C) are provided with an environment for mutual system connection.

  Then, the main apparatus 1 (A) forms an inter-system connection request for the main apparatus 1 (B) by the packet processing unit 103, sends it through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmits through the IP network 5 to the main apparatus 1 (B).

  Similarly, the main apparatus 1 (A) forms an inter-system connection request to the main apparatus 1 (C) by the packet processing unit 103, sends it through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmits through the IP network 5. The data is transmitted to the device 1 (C).

  The main apparatus 1 (B) receives the inter-system connection request from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. Then, the main apparatus 1 (B) is connected to the main apparatus 1 (A) by the packet processing unit 103. A K message is formed, transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  Similarly, the main apparatus 1 (C) receives the inter-system connection request from the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. Then, the main apparatus 1 (C) uses the packet processing unit 103 to connect the intersystem connection O.D. A K message is formed, transmitted through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107, and transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the IP network 5.

  In this way, a series of connections for inter-system connection through the IP network 5 between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (B) and between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1C. Perform communication processing. As a result, the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (C) are connected to each other through the IP network 5.

  That is, in addition to between the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C), between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus 1 (B), and between the main apparatus 1 (A) and the main apparatus. 1 (C) is connected between the systems, and these main devices are always connected through the IP network 5.

  As described above, the part indicated by the area AR2 in FIG. 5 is processing performed through the IP network 5. That is, the main apparatus 1 (A) of this embodiment uses the optical telephone network 4 and the IP network 5 separately, and when the inter-system connection is not established, acquires necessary information through the optical telephone network 4 to Connection is established.

  Thereafter, data communication or the like is always performed through the IP network 5 between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (B) and between the main device 1 (A) and the main device 1 (C). To be able to do.

  In addition, since the connection is always made through the IP network 5, the data communication can be performed satisfactorily without causing inconveniences such as affecting the telephone communication through the optical telephone network 4.

  As described above, in the communication system of this embodiment, an environment in which inter-system communication can be performed can be prepared without bothering the user. In addition, address information for intersystem connection can be acquired during a call through the optical telephone network 4. For this reason, there is no communication cost for acquiring address information for inter-system connection.

[Details of main device processing to connect between systems]
Next, in this embodiment, since the inter-system connection is not established, the processing performed in the main device (main device 1 (A) in the above-described embodiment) that establishes the inter-system connection is established. Details will be described.

  6 and 7 are diagrams for explaining processing in a case where a main device (main device 1 (A) in the above-described embodiment) that has not established inter-system connection establishes inter-system connection. It is a flowchart.

  Here, the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 is described as processing performed in the main apparatus 1 (A) in which a telephone number is input and telephone communication is performed, as in the case of the above-described embodiment. To do. In this case, the processes of FIGS. 6 and 7 are processes performed mainly in the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A).

  When receiving the input of the telephone number through the optical telephone connected to the own device, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (A) executes the process shown in FIG. 6 to confirm the state of the connection between the systems of the own device, It is determined whether the own device is not connected between systems (step S101).

  That is, the main apparatus 1 (A), for example, manages the use status of external lines and extensions and the connection status between systems in the circuit switching management unit 109, and is connected between systems by the function of the circuit switching management unit 109. It is possible to grasp whether or not.

  If it is determined in step S101 that the own device has already been connected between the systems, the control unit 110 performs communication with the main device connected between the systems, Processing such as making a call is performed (step S102).

  If it is determined in step S101 that the own device is not connected between the systems, the control unit 110 determines whether the input telephone number is for a predetermined main device registered in the inter-system information memory 114. It is determined whether or not (step S103).

  In the determination process of step S103, when it is determined that the input telephone number is for a predetermined main apparatus registered, the control unit 110 confirms the registration information in the inter-system information memory 114 and determines other main information. It is determined whether or not address information for inter-system connection of the device is held (step S104).

  If it is determined in step S104 that the address information for intersystem connection of another main apparatus is held, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) performs the process in step S105 of FIG. Do.

  That is, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) uses the address information for intersystem connection registered in the intersystem information memory 114 to connect to the target main apparatus through the IP network 5. (Step S105).

  And the control part 110 judges whether it was able to connect normally (step S106). When it is determined in the determination process of step S106 that the connection has been made normally, the control unit 110 establishes inter-system connection of its own apparatus to all main devices belonging to the same communication system, as described with reference to FIG. Address information to be registered is registered (step S107).

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 controls each unit to always connect a communication line to each main apparatus belonging to the same communication system through the IP network 5 (step S108). The process of the flowchart shown in FIG.

  If it is determined in step S106 in FIG. 7 that the communication line cannot be normally connected through the IP network 5, the process from step S109 in FIG. 6 is performed. Further, when it is determined in step S104 in FIG. 6 that the address information for inter-system connection of another main apparatus is not held, the processing from step S109 in FIG. 6 is performed. The reason why the processing from step S109 is performed in these cases is because it is clear that the inter-system connection cannot be normally performed at this stage.

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (A) performs an outside line call to the optical telephone network 4 using the telephone number for the other main apparatus received through the optical telephone connected to the own apparatus (step S109). That is, telephone communication through the optical telephone network 4 is performed.

  In this case, the control unit 110 controls the call control packet generation unit 102 to generate a call packet including the telephone number of the other main device, and sends it through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107. . In response to this, when an incoming call response is returned from the destination, the control unit 110 connects the communication line through the optical telephone network 4 so that a call can be made.

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 controls the out-band DTMF processing unit 108, and uses an out-of-band communication of DTMF via a communication line connected through the optical telephone network 4 for a call, so that an address for intersystem connection is obtained. Information is acquired (step S110).

  That is, in step S110, the control unit 110 controls the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 to form a request signal that requests to provide address information for inter-system connection if inter-system connection is possible. Then, the control unit 110 transmits the formed request signal to the main apparatus that is a communication partner through the external line I / F 106, the external line connection terminal 107, and the connected communication line.

  In response to this, address information for inter-system connection is transmitted from the main apparatus of the communication partner by DTMF out-of-band communication, so that the main apparatus 1 transmits the external line connection terminal 107 and the external line I / F 106. Is supplied to the out-band DTMF processing unit 108.

  The out-band DTMF processing unit 108 extracts address information for intersystem connection from the signal supplied thereto, and supplies this to the control unit 110. Then, the control unit 110 registers the acquired address information for intersystem connection in the intersystem information memory 114.

  As described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, when the partner main apparatus to which the communication line is connected through the optical telephone network 4 has already established an inter-system connection with another main apparatus. In step S110, address information for intersystem connection of both the main device and the main device connected between the main device and the system is acquired.

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 initializes the variable cnt used for the count process by setting a value “0 (zero)” (step S111). Then, the control unit 110 overlaps the system number included in the address information for inter-system connection acquired in step S110 with its own system number, and the variable cnt used for the count process has the value “ It is determined whether or not “99” or less (step S112).

  In the determination process in step S112, when it is determined that the system number is duplicated and the variable cnt is equal to or smaller than the value “99”, the control unit 110 determines the current system with respect to the system number (new system number). A value obtained by adding the value “1” to the number is set (step S113). Specifically, in step S113, when the current system number is “10”, for example, “11” obtained by adding “1” to this is set as a new system number.

  Thereafter, the control unit 110 adds the value “1” to the variable cnt (step S114), and repeats the processing from step S112. As described above, in FIG. 7, when the loop processing from step S112 to step S114 is repeated when the own system number and the system number included in the acquired address information for inter-system connection overlap. This is a process of rewriting (changing) the system number.

  In the determination process of step S112, when it is determined that the own system number and the system number included in the acquired address information for inter-system connection do not overlap or the variable cnt is not less than the value “99” Advances to the determination process of step S115 of FIG.

  In this case, the control unit 110 determines whether or not the variable cnt is equal to or less than the value “99” (step S115). In this way, whether or not the variable cnt is less than or equal to the value “99” is determined by restricting the inter-system connection between up to 99 main devices according to the specifications of the communication system of this embodiment. Because it is. The value to be compared with the variable cnt varies depending on the number of main devices that can be connected between systems.

  If it is determined in step S115 that the variable cnt is equal to or less than the value “99”, the system number obtained in step S113 is set as the new system number of the own device, and the processing from step S105 is performed.

  In this case, the address information for inter-system connection acquired in step S110 is used to connect to the target main apparatus through the IP network 5 (step S105). Then, it is determined whether or not connection has been established (step S106).

  When it is determined in step S106 that the connection has been established, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 registers the address information for inter-system connection of the own device in the other main device of the connection destination (step S107). ), An inter-system connection is established (step S108).

  If it is determined in step S106 that connection could not be established, the acquired address information for intersystem connection may not be correct. Therefore, the processing from step S109 shown in FIG. 6 is repeated. Become.

  In the determination process in step S115, if the variable cnt exceeds the value “99” and cannot be supported by the communication system, the connection between systems is abandoned (step S116), and FIG. Then, the process shown in FIG.

  Similarly, if it is determined in step S103 shown in FIG. 6 that the call destination telephone number received through the optical telephone connected to the own apparatus is not an unregistered telephone number, inter-system connection is established. It can be determined that this is not possible. Also in this case, the process proceeds to step S116 in FIG. 7, abandoning establishment of the inter-system connection (step S116), and the processes shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 are ended.

  In the process of step S116, the main device 1 notifies the maintenance company or the like that the inter-system connection is not possible, and takes appropriate measures such as performing maintenance so that the inter-system connection is possible. Will do so.

[Registration information in the inter-system information memory 114]
FIGS. 8 and 9 show the case where the main apparatus 1 (A) of the communication system of this embodiment performs the processing shown in FIGS. 6 and 7 on the main apparatus 1 (B). It is a figure for demonstrating the address information registered into the intersystem information memory 114 of the main apparatus 1 (A).

  Here, as described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, in the communication system of this embodiment, the main apparatus 1 (A) is not connected (not established) between the systems. For example, the apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) are already connected to each other.

  In the inter-system information memory 114 of the main apparatus 1 (A) where the inter-system connection is not established, as shown in FIG. 8 (A), the telephone number (03XXXX0001) assigned to the own device and the system number (10) And the IP address (10.10.10.10) is registered.

  Further, in the inter-system information memory 114 of the main device 1 (A), the telephone number (022XXX0002) assigned to the main device 1 (B) of the Tohoku branch office and the main device 1 (C) of the Kansai branch office are assigned. The telephone number (06XXXX0003) is registered.

  As described with reference to FIG. 1, the main apparatus 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office, the main apparatus 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch, and the main apparatus 1 (C) at the Kansai branch are provided in the same communication system. It is the main device made to be able to.

  When the telephone call is made from the main apparatus 1 (A) to the main apparatus 1 (B) as described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 4 and 5 and the flowcharts shown in FIGS. The main apparatus 1 (A) acquires address information for intersystem connection of the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) by DTMF out-of-band communication.

  Thereby, in the inter-system information memory 114 of the main apparatus 1 (A), as shown in FIG. 8B, in addition to the address information for inter-system connection of the own apparatus, the main apparatus 1 (B) and Address information for inter-system connection of the main device 1 (C) is registered.

  In FIG. 8B, the main device 1 (B) is registered as having a telephone number “022XXXX0002”, a system number “20”, and an IP address “10.10.10.20”. Has been.

  In FIG. 8B, the main apparatus 1 (C) has a telephone number “06XXXX0002”, a system number “30”, and an IP address “10.10.10.30”. It is registered as.

  As described above, in the address information for inter-system connection between the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) acquired by the main device 1 (A) from the main device 1 (B), It is assumed that the system number of the main device 1 (A) and the system number of another main device overlap.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 9A, the system number of the main apparatus 1 (A) that acquired the address information for inter-system connection is “20”, and the system of the main apparatus 1 (B) The number is also “20”, and it is assumed that the system number is duplicated.

  In this case, the main device 1 (A) can change the system number of its own device to “21” as shown in FIG. 9B by performing the processing from step S112 to step S114 in FIG. it can.

  As a result, in the communication system having the main device 1 (A), the main device 1 (B), and the main device 1 (C), duplication of system numbers can be prevented and a connection between systems can be normally established. The

  Here, the information registered in the inter-system information memory 114 of the main device 1 (A) has been described, but the same applies to the inter-system information memory 114 of the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C). Will be registered. In the inter-system information memory 114 of each main device, information on the own device and information on other main devices are clearly distinguished.

[Processing of main device of connection request destination]
Next, the processing of the main device of the counterpart of the main device that performs the processing described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7 will be described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. Here, as described above, the main device 1 (A) at the Tokyo head office acquires address information for inter-system connection, and the main device 1 (B) at the Tohoku branch office acquires the address for inter-system connection. It will be described as providing information.

  Also in this case, description will be made assuming that an inter-system connection has already been established between the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C).

  FIG. 10 is a flowchart for explaining processing of the main apparatus 1 (B) that provides address information for inter-system connection. In the case of this example, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) that provides address information for inter-system connection monitors whether there is an incoming call through the optical telephone network 4 (step S201). ), The machine is waiting for an incoming call.

  When it is determined in the determination process in step S201 that there is an incoming call to the own device, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) responds to the incoming call and connects the communication line (step S202). As a result, a call can be made with the other party through the connected communication line (the call line connected through the optical telephone network 4).

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) determines whether or not a confirmation request as to whether or not inter-system connection is possible has been transmitted by DTMF out-of-band communication (step S203).

  Assume that it is determined in the determination process in step S203 that a confirmation request as to whether inter-system connection is possible by DTMF out-of-band communication has been transmitted. In this case, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (B) uses the DTMF out-of-band communication to connect the caller to the caller main device 1 (A) if it can be connected to the caller main device 1 (A). Address information for inter-system connection is transmitted to the main apparatus 1 (A) (step S204).

  Although not shown in FIG. 10, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B), for example, does not have address information for intersystem connection, and the main apparatus 1 (A ) And the system 1 (A) is notified to that effect.

  In this case, since the main device 1 (A) cannot acquire address information for intersystem connection, the intersystem connection is not performed through the IP network 5 when the call is finished. .

  The controller 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) controls the out-band DTMF processing unit 108 to transmit DTMF for transmission of address information for inter-system connection and for notification that inter-system connection is not possible. A signal to be transmitted is formed by out-of-band communication. Then, the main apparatus 1 (B) transmits the formed signal to the main apparatus 1 (A) through the external line I / F 106 and the external line connection terminal 107.

  Then, the control unit 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) determines whether or not an event for releasing the communication line connected through the optical telephone network 4 has occurred (step S205). In the determination processing in step S205, when a signal for releasing the line is transmitted from the main apparatus 1 (A) side, or an operation for on-hooking the optical telephone on the main apparatus 1 (B) side is performed. Then, this is determined as a communication line release event.

  If it is determined in step S205 that a communication line release event has not occurred, the processing from step S205 is repeated to continue the call-enabled state.

  Further, when it is determined in step S205 that a communication line release event has occurred, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (B) controls each unit to communicate with the main device 1 (A). The connected communication line is released (disconnected) (step S206), and the processing shown in FIG.

  By the processing of the flowchart shown in FIG. 10, the main device 1 (B) performs DTMF out-of-band communication through a communication line connected through the optical telephone network 4 in response to a request from the main device 1 (A). Address information for inter-system connection can be applied.

  Thereafter, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) establish an inter-system connection in response to a request from the main apparatus 1 (A). Perform the process.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart for explaining processing when the main apparatuses 1 (B) and 1 (C) establish an inter-system connection in response to a request from the main apparatus 1 (A).

  As shown in FIG. 11, the control unit 110 of the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) monitors the arrival of a connection request from another main device (step S301). When it is determined in the determination process in step S301 that a connection request via the IP network 5 has arrived for the own device, the control unit 110 connects to the requesting main apparatus (step S302).

  And the control part 110 of the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) performs the process according to the request | requirement from the main apparatus 1 (A) of a connection origin (step S303). Specifically, as described with reference to FIGS. 3 and 5, address information provisional registration and main registration processing for inter-system connection of the main apparatus 1 (A) are performed.

  Then, it is assumed that address information for intersystem connection of each main apparatus connected between systems is appropriately registered in each of the main apparatus 1 (A), main apparatus 1 (B), and main apparatus (C). After that, in response to a request from the main device 1 (A), each control unit 110 of the main device 1 (B) and the main device 1 (C) communicates with the main device 1 (A) between the systems. Connection is established (step S304), and the process shown in FIG. 11 is terminated.

  As described above, each main device 1 of the communication system of this embodiment is used for inter-system connection through the optical telephone network 4 without bothering the user when the own device is not yet inter-system connected. Address information can be acquired.

  Each main apparatus 1 automatically establishes an inter-system connection with a target main apparatus belonging to the same communication system using the address information for inter-system connection acquired in this way. To be able to.

[Method and program of the present invention]
The communication line connection method performed in the communication system according to the embodiment described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 3 and 4 to 5 is described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 7, 10, and 11. The communication line connection method performed in the main apparatus of the embodiment is the one to which the method according to the present invention is applied.

  Further, the processing performed in the main apparatus 1 described with reference to the flowcharts of FIGS. 6 to 7, 10, and 11 is obtained by applying the program according to the present invention.

[Association with claim means]
In the embodiment described above, the inter-system information memory 114 realizes the function of the telephone number memory, the control unit 110 realizes the function of the connection determination unit and the confirmation unit, and the call functions under the control of the control unit 110. The control packet generation unit 102, the out-band DTMF processing unit 108, the external line I / F 106, and the like cooperate to realize the function of an acquisition unit. Further, the call control packet generation unit 102, the inter-system information memory 114, the external line I / F 106, and the like that function under the control of the control unit 110 cooperate to realize the function of the connection means.

  In addition, the packet processing unit 103, the inter-system information memory 114, the external line I / F 106, and the like that function under the control of the control unit 110 cooperate to realize the function of the registration unit. Moreover, the control part 110 implement | achieves the function as a change means.

[Others]
In the embodiment described above, the main apparatuses are described as being connectable by the optical telephone network 4 and the IP network 5, but the present invention is not limited to this. Instead of the optical telephone network 4, it is also possible to connect through an analog or digital public communication network such as a conventional analog telephone line or ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network).

  In the above-described embodiment, the process of acquiring address information for inter-system connection has been described as being performed by out-of-band communication of a DTMF signal. However, the present invention is not limited to this.

  For example, address information acquisition processing for intersystem connection may be performed by transmission / reception of a digital signal, or address information acquisition processing for intersystem connection may be performed by in-band communication of a DTMF signal. It may be.

  For example, when address information acquisition processing for inter-system connection is performed at a fixed timing every day, there is no need to make a call, so the acquisition is performed by sending and receiving digital signals and in-band communication of DTMF signals. There is no problem even if the processing is performed.

  However, when out-of-band communication of DTMF signals is used, this is not disturbed even during a call. Therefore, the acquisition processing of address information for inter-system connection at the time of a call is performed using out-of-band communication of DTMF signals. It is desirable to use it.

  In addition, the main apparatus used in the communication system according to the above-described embodiment has been described as having the configuration illustrated in FIG. 2, but is not limited thereto, and a communication system is constructed using a so-called SIP server or the like. The present invention can also be applied to cases.

  That is, the present invention can be applied to a communication system configured using a device having a main device function that can be connected to both an analog or digital public network and an IP network.

  In the above-described embodiment, the case where a call is made from the main apparatus 1 (A) has been described as an example. However, the main apparatus 1 (B) and the main apparatus 1 (C) belong to the same communication system. The same processing can be performed when a call is made from the main apparatus.

  DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1, 1 (A), 1 (B), 1 (C) ... Main apparatus, 2 ... Optical telephone, 3 ... Personal computer, 4 ... Optical telephone network, 5 ... IP network, 101 ... Memory for call control, 102 ... Call control packet generation unit, 103 ... Packet processing unit, 104 ... LAN connection terminal, 105 ... Extension I / F, 106 ... Outer line I / F, 107 ... IP network connection terminal, 108 ... Outband DTMF processing unit, 109 ... Circuit switching management unit, 110 ... control unit, 111 ... CPU, 112 ... ROM, 113 ... RAM, 114 ... inter-system information memory, 115 ... CPU bus

Claims (9)

A communication system formed by two or more main devices connectable by an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a public network other than the IP network,
Each of the main devices
A telephone number memory for storing and holding a telephone number assigned to the other main apparatus for connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the public network;
Connection determining means for determining whether or not connected to another main apparatus through the IP network;
Confirmation means for confirming whether or not the telephone number memory holds the telephone number of the other main device when it is determined that the connection determination means is not connected;
When it is confirmed by the confirmation means that the telephone number of the other main apparatus is held, a communication line is connected to the other main apparatus through the public network using the telephone number, and Obtaining means for obtaining address information of the other main device for connection through the IP network from another main device;
A communication system comprising: connection means for connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the IP network using the address information acquired through the acquisition means. The communication system according to claim 1,
In each of the main devices,
The said acquisition means requests | requires provision of the said address information by the out-band communication of a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) signal, and receives and receives the provision of the said address information, The communication system characterized by the above-mentioned. A communication system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein
In each of the main devices,
The acquisition unit acquires all the address information of the other main device when the other main device holds address information for connecting to the main device other than the own device through the IP network. Is what
The communication means is characterized in that, using the address information acquired through the acquisition means, a communication line is connected through the IP network to each main device specified by the address information. A communication system according to claim 1, claim 2 or claim 3, wherein
In each of the main devices,
A communication system, comprising: changing means for changing the system number of the own machine when the system number included in the address information obtained through the obtaining means is the same as the system number of the own machine. A communication system according to claim 1, claim 2, claim 3 or claim 4, wherein
In each of the main devices,
Before connecting the communication line with the other main apparatus through the IP network by the connection means, the address information acquired through the acquisition means is used to identify the main information specified by the intersystem connection address information. A communication system comprising registration means for registering address information of its own device to an apparatus. A communication line connection method performed in the main device of a communication system formed by two or more main devices connectable by an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a public network other than the IP network,
In each of the main devices,
A connection determining step in which the connection determining means determines whether or not the main apparatus is connected to the other main device through the IP network;
When it is determined that the connection is not established in the connection determination step, the telephone number assigned to the other main device for connecting a communication line to the other main device through the public network is stored and retained. A confirmation step in which confirmation means confirms whether the telephone number of the other main device is held in the telephone number memory
In the confirmation step, when it is confirmed that the telephone number of the other main device is held, the acquisition means establishes a communication line with the other main device through the public network using the telephone number. Obtaining and acquiring address information of the other main device for connecting and connecting from the other main device through the IP network;
A communication line connection method comprising: a connection step of connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the IP network using the address information acquired in the acquisition step. The communication line connection method according to claim 6,
In each of the main devices,
In the acquisition step, a communication line connection method is characterized in that the provision of the address information is requested by receiving out-of-band communication of a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) signal, and the address information is provided for acquisition. A program executed by a computer installed in the main device of a communication system formed by two or more main devices connectable by an IP (Internet Protocol) network and a public network other than the IP network,
A connection determination step of determining whether or not the main apparatus is connected to the other main unit through the IP network;
If it is determined that the connection is not established in the connection determination step, the telephone number assigned to the other main apparatus for connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the public network is stored and retained. A confirmation step for confirming whether the telephone number of the other main device is held in the telephone number memory
In the confirmation step, when it is confirmed that the telephone number of the other main apparatus is held, a communication line is connected to the other main apparatus through the public network using the telephone number, An obtaining step of obtaining address information of the other main device for connection through the IP network from another main device;
A communication line connection program for executing a connection step of connecting a communication line to the other main apparatus through the IP network using the address information acquired in the acquisition step. A communication line connection program according to claim 8,
In the acquisition step, a communication line connection program that requests provision of address information through out-of-band communication of a DTMF (Dial Tone Multi Frequency) signal and obtains the address information from the provision.

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