WO2001058099A1 - Communication route control device - Google Patents

Abstract

A communication route control device (1) comprising line wire input/output ports (27, 28) for external communication networks (2 to 4), a plurality of extension input/output ports (26) for internal telephones (5), a plurality of network input/output ports (24) for a local area network, and a circuit-switched line (43) capable of switching connection routes between the respective input/output ports (24, 26, 27, 28). An extension telephone exchange (PBX) function and a dial-up router function concurrently provided by one communication route control device can construct an extension telephone facility and a network environment at low costs. In addition, a line wire such as an ISDN circuit can be shared by a telephone system and a data communication system to thereby reduce line wire installation costs and communication costs.

Description

 Detail

Communication path control device

Technical field

 The present invention relates to a communication path control device, and particularly relates to a local area network (LAN) to which a plurality of computers are connected, a private telephone network to which a plurality of extension telephones are connected, an external analog public line network, The present invention relates to a communication path control device for connecting to a digital public line network (ISDN), a dedicated line, or the like. Background art

 Conventionally, telephones and faxes have been used as a means of communicating with the outside of a company. In particular, since telephones are frequently used, a private branch exchange (PBX) was often installed to build an extension telephone network.

 In recent years, in addition to telephone calls, the provision and acquisition of information via the Internet, as well as e-mail via the Internet, have become increasingly popular. Since such information is usually performed by using a computer, a personal computer network (LAN) to which a plurality of computers are connected and an external network are connected to a public line network such as ISDN. In some cases, a connection via a line was used.

Such an information system using both a telephone and a computer is also required in a company called S0H (small office 'home office), which has a small company size. However, since the PBX is configured to be able to connect about 10 to several hundred extension telephones, there was a question II that the cost was high. In particular, There was a problem that it would not be possible to pay for S◦ H◦ if it was enough to install about 10 or less extension telephones.

 An object of the present invention is to provide a communication path control device that can construct an extension telephone facility and a network environment at a low cost even in a company at the S0H0 level. Disclosure of the invention

 The communication path control device according to the present invention includes an external input / output port for an external communication network, a plurality of extension river input ports for an internal telephone, and a plurality of network for an oral car network. And a network switch capable of switching the connection line between the external line input / output port, the internal line input / output port, and each network / Πinput / output port. It is characterized by having i, l roads.

According to the present invention, when an external line input / output port to which an external communication network such as an ISDN or an analog public tul line is connected is input from outside, the internal line input / output port is connected via an internal line switching circuit. The extension connected to the power port. In this case, the circuit-switched circuit, Ρ in Β Χ and ^ like, extension talk or transfer, has ¾ the function, that the person who took the outside line presses and coercive S button,,:!. ¹ 1 ^ can be switched by notifying the extension. In addition, [[1-line exchange M route] can handle the extension 同 士 talk between talks and the connection from the extension to the outside line in the same way.

Also, if the human power from the ISDN or analog public line is data communication such as an Internet packet bucket (IP bucket), the [line switching circuit is connected to the outside river input / output port and the network. / i] Connects to the input / output port for data communication. At this time, as in the case of circuit switching ["I route," as in general routers, the I-address, etc., that specifies each computer is used to identify the contact. The ^ computer ^ communication and combination Communication from outside the network to the external network can be processed in the same way.

 In this way, a single communication path control device can be used for both the function of an extension telephone exchange (PBX) and the function of a dial-up apple, so that the extension telephone equipment and the network environment can be constructed at low cost. In addition, external lines such as ISDN lines can be shared for telephone calls and data communication, and costs such as installation of external lines and communication costs can be reduced. At this time, the input / output port for external line with respect to the external communication network includes a digital input / output port for digital line and an analog input / output port for analog line. It is preferable to have a conversion circuit that can convert between analog signals. As long as the I / O ports for digital and analog lines are provided, not only analog lines but also ISDN lines can be connected. This makes it possible to reduce the cost of setting up and using a plurality of lines, and to effectively use an ISDN line having a high communication speed. In addition, since it has a conversion circuit that can convert digital signals and analog signals, any line can be an extension? Input and output can be started from episode 1.

 Further, a computer is connected to the network input / output port, and a control unit for controlling the circuit switching circuit in response to a signal from the external line communication network or a signal from an extension telephone is provided. Is preferred.

 At this time, the control unit includes a processing circuit that detects and processes the caller number and the called number when the external line input / output port is activated from the outside, and It is preferable to control a computer connected to the circuit-switched circuit / network input / output port based on the obtained information.

If such a control unit is provided, it is possible to obtain the caller's ^ sign that can be obtained with the "caller ID" notification service, etc., or the dial-in service etc. Depending on the called number, it calls only a specified extension phone, displays a customer's information based on the number, a specified message on a computer connected to a specified network port, or a program The CTI (combination overnight telephony integration) can be easily realized.

In addition, the above-mentioned computer has a built-in browser for analyzing a markup language file such as an HTML file, and has a display device for displaying the browser. A markup language file describing the phone number is displayed. When you select a phone number on the screen, the phone calls the phone number using either the external I / O port or the internal I / O port. It is desirable to have a line calling function.

 If you have such a telephone line calling function, you can select ^ talk number on the screen when trying to talk n rare to the rare phone number described in the markup language file. Often, it is not necessary to enter the telephone number into a nearby ii phone and make a call while sibling the displayed ^ speak, so that it is possible to easily call the user's telephone line ii. Become. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

 FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a configuration of a communication path control device [S] according to the present invention.

 FIG. 2 is a meta diagram showing the communication route control device of the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a meta diagram showing the communication route control device E of the first embodiment.

 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a hard-air configuration of the communication path control device according to the first embodiment.

FIG. 5 is a meta diagram showing the communication route control device of the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a meta diagram showing the communication route control device of the second embodiment. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a connection state between an extension telephone and a personal computer in the communication path control device of the second embodiment.

 FIG. 8 is a diagram illustrating a communication path control device according to a third embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating an example of a connection state in the communication path control device according to the third embodiment.

 FIG. 10 is a front view showing a communication path control device according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention.

 FIG. 11 is a rear view showing the communication path control device of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 14 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 15 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 16 is a diagram showing an example of the connection state of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 17 (A) is a front view showing an extension unit of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 17 (B) is a rear view showing the expansion unit of the fourth embodiment. FIG. 18 is a meta diagram showing the configurations of the communication path control device and the extension unit of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 19 is a rear view showing a connection state of the communication path control device and the extension unit of the fourth embodiment.

 FIG. 20 is a diagram showing a communication path control device according to a modification of the present invention.

 FIG. 21 is a diagram showing a communication path control device according to another modification of the present invention. BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

 Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

(First Embodiment) FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a system using a communication path control device 1 as a first embodiment of the present invention.

 The communication path control device 1 is capable of communicating with external communication networks such as the analog public network 2, digital public network (ISDN) 3, and digital leased line 4, as well as with the extension telephones 5 and convenience computers 7 on the premises. It controls the route of data communication and voice communication transmitted and received by the.

 The communication path control device 1 is formed in a substantially box shape, and its meta-panel is provided with various interfaces as shown in FIG. 2, and the meta-panel is provided with A connection port for each pole is provided.

 That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a front panel of the communication path control device 1 has a PWR (power) lamp 11 indicating a power supply status, a LAN lamp 12 indicating a LAN status, and connection of an extension telephone line. There are extension line lamps 13 to 16 that indicate the status, and a liquid product display 17 that can display the ecology of each region. Further, beside the liquid crystal display 17, there are provided force sol keys 18 to 21 for operating the force sol displayed on the liquid product display 17 and performing an input such as an ultimate measurement. ing.

The ΙίιΙί panel has a power connector 22, a Vli source switch 23, and a 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX Ethernet port (LA I / O port) 24), a serial port 25 for connecting to a computer, etc. using a serial cable, an internal circuit port 26 for connecting an internal line, and an external line for an analog port. LINE input port 27, ISDN line or digital connection ^ ISDN U port 28 to which the river line is connected, digital;! ISDN equipment such as talk and digital line river fax and や Α (terminal adapter) ) Is connected to S / T port 29 of ISDN, USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 30 to which a keyboard, mouse, display, PC body, etc. can be connected, and mobile phones such as mobile phones and PHS It has a mobile terminal port 31 to which a terminal can be connected, and an I / O port 32 to which a board to be attached to an expansion unit to be described later or an expansion slot of the personal computer 7 is connected.

 In this embodiment, four Ethernet ports 24 and four extension circuit ports 26 are provided, but three or less or five or more ports may be provided. Also, the number of LINE input ports 27, U ports 28, and S / T ports 29 may be set as appropriate.

 The U port 28 of the ISDN line is used to connect an ISDN line or the like when a digital service unit (DSU) built in the communication path control device 1 is used.

 A switch 33 for inverting the polarity of the ISDN line and a switch 34 for separating the built-in DSU are provided beside the switch.

 The internal configuration of the communication path control device 1 is as shown in FIG. That is, the U port 28 is provided in the DSU unit 40. The S / T port 29 is connected to the terminal adapter section 41. Therefore, when using the DSU built in the communication path control device 1, the ISDN line is connected to the terminal adapter unit 41 from the U port 28 via the DSU unit 40.

 When the DSU is disconnected, the ISDN line from the external DSU is connected to the terminal adapter section 41 via the S / T port 29.

 The evening-minal adapter unit 41 performs appropriate processing such as analog-to-digital conversion so that analog equipment can be connected to the digital line ISDN.

The evening terminal adapter section 41 further discriminates between an audio signal and a data signal (internal network protocol packet). 2 and the audio signal to circuit switching circuit 43.

 On the other hand, the LINE input port 27 is connected to an analog / digital line control unit 44, and a voice signal or the like input to the analog / digital line control unit 44 flows to the circuit switching circuit 43. The mobile terminal port 31 is also connected to the analog / digital communication line controller 44.

 The circuit switching circuit 43 functions as a switch (PBX) for controlling a connection path between an external communication network such as an ISDN line, an analog line, and a mobile phone, and the extension circuit port 26.

 That is, the circuit switching circuit 43 controls each connection path in order to realize a connection with an outside line, an extension telephone function, a transfer function and the like. The line switching circuit 43 and each extension circuit port 26 are connected via a local bus 45.

 In the router section 42, data is transmitted to the Ethernet port 24 via the local bus 45 or the like based on the IP address or the like stored in the bucket. Conversely, data from a computer connected to the Ethernet port 24 is also sent to the external communication network via the local bus 45, the router 42, the terminal adapter 41, and the like.

 The operations of the router section 42 and the circuit switching circuit 43 are controlled by a central control section 50 as a control section. The central control unit 50 includes an MPU (microprocessor) 51, a memory area 52 connected to the MPU 51 via a memory bus, and a system BIOS 53 connected to the MPU 51 via a system bus. And a bus connected via the De-Isana bus and the controller section 5 4

The I / O port 32 is connected to the multi I / O section 56 via the I / 0 bus 46. Also, the serial port 25 and the US port 30 are connected to the bridging control unit 50 via the oral bus 45 and the I / O bus 46. I have.

 The I / O ports 32 include SC bus, MV IP (multi-vendor integration protocol) bus, which is adopted as an industry standard by CTI board manufacturers, and ECTF (Enterprise Computer Telephony). Forum) Standard high-speed buses such as H.100 and H.110 can be used.

 As the power supply 47 of the communication path control device 1, a dry battery (DC), an uninterruptible power supply (UPS), or the like is used in addition to the commercial current (AC) from the power supply connector 22.

 The central control unit 50 is configured to realize various communication functions in the communication path control device 1 in addition to the control of each circuit. That is, a modem function (for example, a 56 Kbps modem function of the V.90 standard) and a fax transmission function (14400 bps) are realized by software or hardware. In addition, by providing a WAV recording and playback circuit, voice can be stored as data, and by storing it in the hard disk unit 55 or memory area 52, an answering machine function that responds to the answering message when answering It can be realized.

 Further, the central control unit 50 is programmed so as to realize a simple CTI function. For example, a predetermined voice response is provided in response to the caller ID and the called number of a call received from an outside line, and information input by touch phone operation, etc., a transfer function to each extension phone, In addition, it is possible to realize a scheduling function that switches response processing and transfer processing according to time and day of the week.

Also, if the phonebook data is provided and the number can be obtained by caller ID notification, the number is retrieved from the phonebook directory and various information of the corresponding number, for example, a call was made Communication path control for the name of the other party, telephone number, etc. It is also configured to be able to output to the liquid crystal display 17 of the control device 1 and the bass computer 7 connected to the Ethernet port 24.

 These program data (such as telephone directory data) are recorded in the memory area 52 and the hard disk unit 55. The installation of programs and data, and the setting of maintenance, etc., can be performed from the personal computer 7 or telephone 5 via the serial port 25, the Ethernet port 24, and the extension circuit port 26. It is like that.

 In addition, a remote setting function is provided so that it can be set by remote control via an ISDN line or an analog line.

 In this embodiment, an analog line and an ISDN line are connected to the LINE human port 27 and the U port 28, an extension telephone 5 is connected to the extension line port 26, and an Ethernet port 2 is connected. Connect PC 7 to 4.

 As the extension phone 5, a business phone provided with a line disconnection f 切 button or the like may be used, or a general ',' may be used.

(m 1 ¾ of the form!)

 Here, when a call is made from each of the network networks 2 to 4, the ΐΠβ report is sent to the terminal adapter unit 41 and the analog / digital converter [circuit switching via the r'l line control unit 44]. Input to circuit 43. Circuit switching [1] In the case of the circuit 43, the ringing of the Wakashin of each extension 5 normally connected to the extension circuit port 26 is sounded.

 Then, give priority to ringing incoming calls. ¾ If ¾ 1 ¾ 5 is pressed, control to ring only that phone 5. In addition, if it is set to ring 01 episode 5 when the speaker φ ¾ or> i 'is acquired, only ¾ β π of the corresponding telephone 5 is ringed.

Furthermore, the block fire control unit 50 not only controls the above connection path, but also When the function is set, for example, a caller ID and telephone directory data based on the caller ID are displayed on the corresponding personal computer 7, or a message to be answered is displayed.

 If the answering service is set, a response message is sent and the message is recorded.

 By operating the extension button ゃ external line switching button of the extension telephone 5, the extension telephones 5 are appropriately connected to each other by the circuit switching circuit 43 or the extension and the extension telephone 5 are appropriately connected, so that the extension telephone and the transfer telephone operation can be performed. (Effects of the first embodiment)

 According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained.

 1) The communication path control device 1 has the function of dialing Apple Ichigo and the exchange function of the extension telephone 5, so the extension telephone 5 can be installed and used without the need for a separate exchange (PBX). can do. As a result, even a company with a small number of people, such as S0H0, can realize both the extension phone 5 and the network function (data communication function) with a single communication path control device 1, greatly reducing costs. Can be reduced.

 In particular, the communication path control device 1 has four extension circuit ports 26 and four Ethernet ports 24, so in a company with a small number of people of about four, one communication path control device 1 is installed. By itself, the extension 5 and the network functions such as the Internet can be realized, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

 2) Since the communication path control unit E1 has a CTI function, it can realize a service that combines the telephone 5 and the computer 7, and can provide various services (such as call centers) using telephone lines at low cost. Can be realized.

3) Connect the LINE input port 27 and ISDN port as external line connection. Since the port 28 is provided, normal analog lines and ISDN lines can be used effectively, and cost performance can be improved. In addition, external lines such as ISDN lines can be shared for telephone and data communication, and costs such as installation of external lines and communication costs can be reduced.

(Second embodiment)

 Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

 The second embodiment is a system in which an additional unit 10 is connected to a communication path control device 1.

 As shown in Figs. 5 and 6, the extension unit 10 has PWR (power) lamps 11, LAN lamps 12, extension line lamps 13 to 16, four extension circuit ports 26, and U port 28 of ISD Nffl, two S / T ports 29, I / O port 32 connected to I / 〇 port 32 of communication path controller 1, power switch 23, The source connector 22 is provided.

 In this embodiment, the extension unit 10 is connected to the communication path control device 1 via the I / 0 port 32. The U port 28 (ISDN line) and the extension circuit port 26 of the extension unit 10 are connected to the U port of the communication path control device 1 by the line switching circuit 43 of the communication path control device 1. The route is controlled in the same way as the port 28 and the extension circuit port 26.

 The expansion unit 10 does not have an Ethernet port 24, but if more than 5 PCs are required, a hub is connected to the Ethernet port 24 as shown in Fig. 7. Just connect 8 and add 7 computers.

 According to this embodiment, the effects of 1) to 3) of the first embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained.

4) Connecting the extension unit 10 to the communication 1 DN line input: Tif can be easily done, and 2 ISDN lines can be connected together with the communication path controller 1. For this reason, the number of external lines that can be used simultaneously increases, and convenience can be improved.

 5) The number of extension circuit ports 2 6 can be increased by 4 lines to a total of 8 lines, so that 8 extension telephones 5 can be connected.For companies with about 10 or less employees, sufficient number of extensions can be secured. Convenience can be improved.

 6) By connecting the hub 8 to the Ethernet port 24, the number of connected personal computers 7 can be increased and the convenience can be improved. (Third embodiment)

 Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, an expansion board 60 incorporated in the personal computer 7 is connected to the I / O port 32.

 Various types of extension boards 60 can be set. In the present embodiment, an IVR (Interactive Voice Response) card having a FAX function and a VoIP (Voice over IP: A function that realizes Internet-to-net talks) Cards, as well as power that combines IVR and VoIP functions can be used.

 If you use an IVR (Fax) card, you can implement advanced voice response such as fax delivery services and a fax reception function that stores the fax data that has been sent.

 Also, if a card that has the right to the VoIP (Voice over IP) function is used, for example, as shown in FIG. 9, each communication path control device ^ 1 at a remote position is connected by a digital dedicated line 4. In this way, it is possible to easily establish an Internet connection via the Internet.

In the connection mode using the VoIP function, communication methods (communication protocols) are currently used. It is standard to use the H323 protocol for By using such a standard protocol, it is possible to use a computer-to-PC internet phone, a PC-to-phone internet phone, and a phone-to-phone internet phone. Etc. can be easily realized.

 By the way, if Vo IP technology is used for personal computer-to-telephone or telephone-to-telephone, it is not possible to connect directly to the telephone, so a device called a gateway once converts the IP bucketed voice signal to a telephone river voice signal. (Including signals from analog lines and digital (such as ISDN) lines), and then transmitted to ordinary telephones. Such a gateway way device is very unfriendly and is not intended to be introduced by small businesses or individuals. After connecting to a provider (a provider called a provider), you must connect to the Internet network overnight, which reduces real-time performance and costs.

 On the other hand, since a Vo IP extension board 60 is available for this device 1, the Vo IP phone can be easily connected to the extension board 60 that supports the standard protocol such as H323 and the software guide. It is possible to use as a terminal equipment; If the main body 1 is connected to the Internet by the ^ 4, the connection is also made in real time with the reception. In this case, if a specific IP address is assigned to the port of extension number 5, the calling party can call the specific extension number 5 only by setting the IP address, and usually, It will be possible to exchange functions more than ^^.

 According to such a protruding embodiment, the effects 1) to 3) of the ΰ ^ ΰ first ^ embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects * can be obtained.

7) By tying up various types of expansion boards 60, it is possible to provide mail-order sales, support calls, and other calls, and provide advanced CTI services. In addition, a fax reception function and Internet telephone can be realized at low cost.

(Fourth embodiment)

 Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described.

 As shown in FIG. 10, the communication route control device 100 of the present embodiment has different specifications from the communication route control device 1 of the first to third embodiments.

 For details, the front panel of the communication path controller 100 has a PWR (power) lamp 11 that indicates the power supply status, a RAN lamp 12 A to 12 D that indicates the status of the LAN, and an ISDN ISDN lamps 10 1 to 10 3 indicating the status of a digital extension line, digital extension line lamps 10 4 to 11 1 indicating the connection status of a digital extension telephone line, It is equipped with an extension line lamps 112, 113 and a liquid crystal display 114, which is capable of displaying various information and has a 24-digit, 2-stage display.

 In the communication path control device 100 of the present embodiment, a cursor and the like displayed on the liquid crystal display 114 are operated to perform various setting inputs and the like, and therefore, a force key is omitted. Further, if a personal computer or the like is connected to the communication path control device 100 and various setting inputs can be performed on the personal computer or the like, the liquid crystal display 114 may be omitted.

As shown in Fig. 11, the rear panel has an Ethernet port (10BASE-T, 100BA SE-TX, etc.) for connecting to the power connector 22, power switch 23, and bass computer hub. I / O port for LAN) 24, Serial port 25 for connecting to a personal computer with a serial cable, Extension circuit port 26 A, 26 B for connecting to an extension phone, ISDN Line and digital Φ river line are connected to ISDN U port 28, ISDN S / T port 29 to which ISDN devices such as fax for digital lines and TA (terminal adapter) are connected, USB (Universal Seria 1 Bus) to which a keyboard, mouse, display, personal computer, etc. can be connected Port 30, expansion unit (to be described later), I / O port 32 to which a board to be attached to the expansion slot of personal computer 7 is connected, control I / O section for controlling external devices 1 15 A voice input / output unit 118 is provided.

 Three U ports 28 of ISDN are provided. By providing three U-ports in the communication circuit controller 100 in this way, for example, it becomes possible to connect a digital line to one and an ISDN line to the other two. ing. Therefore, it is possible to handle the digital line and the ISDN line at the same time, so that it is possible to achieve both the Sensen line connection and the dial-up connection.

 As described above, the communication path control device 100 can achieve both the ¾c river line connection and the dial-up connection, and has a control unit, so that it can be used as an Internet server. I have. Here, as the Internet server function, a browser, FTP (File Transfer Protocol), Telnet (Telecommunication network) ^ child memory, DHCP (Dynamic Host Configuration Protocol), DNS (Doma in Name System), etc. Can be provided.

The LINE input port to which an analog external line is connected is omitted. The communication path controller E100 has eight digital extension circuit ports 26 A to which a 4- or 2-core cable for digital business phones can be connected, and--a 2-core cable for general analog ft talk. Can connect to two analog extensions Circuit port 26B is provided. As a result, up to eight digital business phones and up to two general analog telephones can be connected at the same time as extension telephones.

 Further, the communication path control device 100 includes; IVR (Interactive Voice Response, voice response function) having a fax function, VoIP (Voice over IP: function for realizing Internet telephone), and the like. CTI function is built in as standard (not shown).

 In particular, since the communication path controller 100 has a VoIP function as a standard, as shown in FIG. 12, the communication path controller 100 A, via the Internet or a digital leased line, If 100 B are connected to each other, the communication path controller 100 A is used in addition to the access to the communication path controllers 100 B and 100 A installed at other bases from the extension telephone 5. Calls can be made to the telephones 122 connected to the Public Switched Telephone Network (PSTN) 121 through the Internet B, 100B.

 By providing such CTI functions such as IVR and VoIP,? It is possible to provide various services using one-story lines.

For example, a voice-to-mail function that attaches a voice file recorded by the CTI function to an e-mail and sends it to the other party, a fax to mail function that attaches fax information received by the CTI function to an e-mail and sends it to the other party, Conversely, the e-mail received by the CTI function is converted to a fax and sent to the recipient.The e-mail to FAX function, the e-mail received by the CTI function can be read out from an external telephone or extension ¾ by speech synthesis using voice synthesis Various services such as speech functions can be provided. Returning to Fig. 11, the mobile terminal port to which the mobile phone is connected is omitted, and the I / O port 32 may be an industry standard one or a proprietary one. Good. Further, the power supply of the communication path control device 100 is configured to receive a commercial current (AC) via a power supply connector 22 and include a power supply device provided therein (not shown). This power supply device may be built in the communication path control device 100 or may be installed outside.

 The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is installed outside (not shown), and is connected to the serial port 25 via a serial cable to provide a communication path control device 100. Can be controlled from Furthermore, the control I / O section 115 consists of a control signal input terminal 116 that receives control signals from external devices and a terminal that outputs control signals to other external devices. It is configured with control signal output terminals 1 17.

 For example, when the control signal input terminal 116 is used as a sensor terminal to which the signal of the fire alarm ^ is input, and when the signal is input to the control ίί input terminal 116, V is excited to the security company ^. Set it as if hanging. In addition, a fire alarm is connected to the control signal output terminal 117, and a fire is reported dynamically, and from the control signal output terminal 117, U power {,-';'} Camera monitor and fire extinguisher! Make settings so that external devices such as can be controlled.

By doing this, even if there is no one in the fire place, ; In addition to being able to contact the company, the situation on the camera monitor ¹ , periodical extinguishing with the visual fire extinguishing device, etc. can be performed, and security performance can be improved.

Here, by setting the fire alarm etc. so that it can be controlled by IVR and data communication, it is possible to report the fire situation in detail by sound,! Ί response, etc. I have. The audio input / output unit 118 is provided with an audio input terminal 119 for inputting audio from outside, and an audio output terminal 120 for outputting audio to the outside.

 As the sound input to the audio input terminal 119, an analog sound such as a sound from a microphone connected to the audio input terminal 119 or a sound from another audio device is employed. The analog sound input to the audio input terminal 1 19 is converted to digital sound by an A / D converter provided inside, and then sent to an external telephone or internal telephone via a line switching circuit. I have. Specifically, the sound from audio equipment is used as a hold tone for external or internal telephone calls, or used for various voice responses to external or internal telephones that receive voice messages input through a microphone. It has become possible.

 A sound recorder, a speaker, and the like can be connected to the audio output terminal 120. In other words, by connecting a recording device to the audio output terminal 120, it is possible to record a conversation about the telephone connected via the communication path control device 100. In addition, by connecting a speaker or the like to the audio output terminal 120, for example, it is possible to output the voice of an extension telephone as a private broadcast. In the communication path control device 100, 0 S (Operating System) is entangled with general-purpose 0 S such as LIX ^ 1 of UNIX or UNIX compatible. As a result, it becomes possible to provide the communication path control device fi 100 of the open architecture specification to the market, so that the user using the communication path control device 100 can use the communication path control device 100. Creation and improvement of software that controls 0 can be easily performed.

Here, the control unit that controls the communication path control device 100 is IBMPC It is configured to include a general-purpose motherboard and CPU with / AT compatible specifications. Note that the configuration of the control unit is not limited to a general-purpose IBM PC / AT compatible machine specification, but may be a proprietary specification, and may be determined as appropriate upon implementation.

 Further, the communication path control device 100 has a data converter for processing data handled by the circuit switching circuit 43 so that the data can be handled by an expansion bus such as an ISA bus and a PCI bus provided on the motherboard. A circuit is provided (not shown). In other words, the circuit switching circuit 43 and the extension bus are connected by a data conversion circuit. Note that data communication between the expansion buses is performed using the PCI bus. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, an ISDN line or a digital leased line is connected to the U port 28, and the extension telephone 5 is connected to the digital extension circuit port 26A. It can be used as a private branch exchange (PBX).

 When a call is made from the public telephone network 3, the voice information is input to the circuit switching!: Π] route. In the circuit switching circuit, the ring tone of each extension telephone 5 normally connected to the digital extension circuit river port 26A is sounded.

 However, for example, is the extension number of the specific extension phone 5 added to the called telephone number, or does the communication path control device 100 preferentially ring? 0: If talk 5 is set, it can be controlled so that only extension 5 is ringing. Also, if the setting is made to ring the corresponding phone 5 when the caller ID or the called number is picked up, only the ring tone of the corresponding phone 5 sounds (routing restriction function).

Here, such a routing restriction function is implemented in such a manner that an administrator dials a specific telephone number set in the communication channel control device 1 • 0 from the outside, and receives the communication request. The setting can be changed by selecting a desired setting according to the IVR issued from the route control device 100.

 In this way, it is possible to easily open and close the routing so that the administrator can enter the normally closed routing for maintenance or the like. In addition, it is possible to restrict the access of users who make calls to each user.

 Specifically, when a call is made to a specific telephone number set in the communication path control device 100 from outside, a voice response to the effect that the setting of the routing restriction function is changed flows. Follow the voice response and press the phone's push button to change settings and open any closed routing. Then, after the maintenance is completed, call the specific phone Φ once again, press the push button according to the voice response, and close the routing.

 Also, in the same way as described above, it is possible to change the setting by pressing the talk push button according to the voice response when restricting the access of the user who makes a call to the user. I have. In addition, as shown in Fig. 14, by connecting a personal computer 7 to the Ethernet port 24, it can be used not only as a private branch exchange (Ρ Β Χ) but also as a hub and router. . The personal computer 7 includes a main unit 7 having a built-in browser for analyzing at least an HTML file which is a markup language file, and a monitor 7B which is a display device for displaying the browser. It has.

When a call is made from the public line network 3, the communication path control device 100 first determines whether the content of the talk is voice information or data information such as electronic mail. Then, when the voice information is determined, the voice information is input to the circuit switching circuit, and the port for the digital extension circuit is input to the circuit switching circuit. 2 Ring the ring tone of each extension phone 5 connected to 6A.

 On the other hand, if it is determined that the information is data information, the communication path control device 100

-Search for the PC 7 corresponding to the address from the address described in the evening information. After the search, the data information is input to the circuit switching circuit, and transmitted to the personal computer 7 corresponding to the address among the personal computers 7 connected to the Ethernet port 24 by the circuit switching circuit.

 As described above, it is also possible for the personal computer 7 connected to the communication path control device 100 to change the above-described routing restriction function and the setting of the routing restriction function. I have. On the other hand, by connecting a set of personal computer 7 and extension ^^ 5 to phase 5 and encouraging them, it is possible to use the speech line calling function provided in the communication route control device 100. It has become.

If the desired speech is displayed on the monitor 7B in the HTML file searched by the browser, the The extension 5 that was moved to 7 is enabled, the relevant ¾talk¾ is energized manually to the extension ^ talk 5, and either the U port 28 or the digital extension river circuit port 26A is used. This is a so-called Phone To Tag function that automatically connects to the ^ speaker's talk, which is a so-called Phone To Tag function.This function can be used by installing Sensenkawa's Braggin on the browser. This route control device 100 has various functions using a telephone line, and also uses an SNMP (Simple Network Management Protocol) or the like to access the external network 1 from a network. Communication path control device を Monitor the status of 100 Remote monitoring functions that can be controlled, external databases connected to LANs and other communication circuits, etc., provide information on incoming calls, call times, caller ID, etc. It has an external data base connection function to output information.

 Furthermore, since the communication path control device 100 has the network section 42, the communication of signals between LANs can be performed by an external LAN connection function capable of connecting a network extending over two or more areas. It is possible to control (regulate). At this time, if a firewall is provided in advance in the communication path control device 100, the security performance between networks can be maintained even if multiple networks are constructed by the external LAN connection function. Is possible.

 In addition, the communication path control device 100 has a bulk transmission function that bundles a plurality of B channels to increase the communication speed between the personal computer 7 and an external personal computer.

 Specifically, when downloading or uploading data using a PC using the digital public telephone network 3, if there is an unused ISDN line, it is bundled with the line that uses that line for communication. It increases speed. This makes it possible to use the digital public network 3 efficiently.

 In addition, this function may be set to automatically switch the communication speed according to the communication or connection destination of the PC 7, or the data may be manually down-loaded every time the data is uploaded / downloaded. You may set to switch.

In addition, an external general exchange (PBX) 80 may be connected to the S / T port 29 of ISDN as shown in FIG. 15 or as shown in FIG. Connect the extension phone to analog extension circuit port 26B May be provided. That is, the communication path controller 100 is set so that the exchange 80 can be connected to either the S / T port 29 or the analog extension circuit port 26B. As a result, an extension call and an outside call can be made between the extension telephone 5 connected to the communication path controller 100 and the extension telephone 9 connected to the exchange 80. As shown in Fig. 17 (A) and (B), the extension unit 150 has a PWR (power) lamp 11, an ISDN lamp 101, 102, and a digital extension line lamp 1. 0 4 to 11 1, 8 digital extension circuit ports 26 A, 2 ISDN U ports 28, I / O port 3 2 of communication path control device 100 and other expansion It has an I / O port 32 connected to the unit 150, a power switch 23, and a power connector 22. Such an extension unit 150 is connected to the communication path control device 100 via the I / 0 port 32 as shown in FIGS. The U-port 28 (ISD line) of the extension unit 150 and the port 26 A for the digital extension circuit are controlled by the line switching circuit 43 of the communication path controller 100. The route is controlled in the same way as the U port 28 of the device 100 or the digital extension [ul route port 26 A].

 Therefore, for example, by connecting two expansion units 150 to the route control device 100, the input of the ISD line can be increased by four, and the communication route control device 10 Together with 0, 7 ISDN lines can be connected. For this reason, the number of external lines that can be used simultaneously increases, and convenience can be improved by f5.

In addition, since the digital extension circuit port 26A can be reduced to 16 lines for a total of 24 lines, 24 extension lines 5 can be connected and 30 people or less can be connected. A company can secure a sufficient number of extensions and improve convenience. It's swelling. According to this embodiment, the effects 1), 2), 4) to 6) of the first to third embodiments can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained.

 8) Since it has a telephone line calling function, you can select a phone number on the screen when trying to make a call to the phone number described in the HTML file. There is no need to make a call by entering the relevant phone number Φ into a nearby phone while looking at the number. This makes it easy for the user to make a telephone line call.

 9) The communication path control device 100 is configured as an all-in-one device that has both an exclusive server connection and a dial-up connection and has an Internet server function, so there is no need to perform settings and connections for each device. However, even a small company or a company without an administrator can easily perform device management and setting changes. Also, since the function corresponding to the line infrastructure and the function corresponding to the network system are combined into one communication path control device 100, this makes it possible for one communication path control device 100 Can be managed.

(Deformation)

 It should be noted that the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and modifications and the like within a range that can achieve the object of the present invention are included in the present invention.

 For example, the external line connection is not limited to the digital public line network (ISDN) 3 analog public line network 2 but a digital telephone line 4 or the like may be connected to the U port 28 for use.

Further, as shown in FIG. 20, a mobile phone 70 or a PHS may be connected to the mobile terminal port 31 to be used for external line connection. In this case, a call can be made from the mobile phone 70 from the extension phone 5 via the mobile terminal port 31 or from an outside line. The call can be received via the mobile phone 70 and the call can be made on the extension phone 5. By this means, in particular, since the external mobile phone and the extension phone 5 can be connected via the mobile phone communication network, there is also an effect that the communication cost can be reduced.

 Further, in the above embodiment, the analog public line network 2 and the digital public line network (ISDN) 3 are connected to the communication path control device 1, but only the analog public line network 2 may be connected. Only the digital public switched telephone network (ISDN) 3 may be connected, and these may be appropriately set for implementation.

 In addition, as shown in Fig. 21, an input from a general exchange (PBX) 80 is connected to the LINE input port 27, and the extension it talk 9 connected to the exchange 80 and an extension call Or transfer may be performed.

 Further, since the CTI function can be realized by using the extension board 60, various services using a talk line may be added.

For example, a personal computer 7 connected with an expansion board 60 may be equipped with a database server that stores various data, homepage information on the Internet, and mail data of the Internet. By providing a WEB-mail server or a file server, and using a dial-in service, etc., you can make voice calls to various communication networks 2 to 4 as described above. PBX function, voice mail function (messages by voice are saved in a file and saved in a file. Output as voice information), 咅 卢 answer function, fax function (save received fax data as a file, or output pre-stored data to an external fax), and pager Call function, Yaruatsupu function (to connect to an external personal computer or et al various servers) wide range of services such as, ^ can be 捉供 with automatic identification, such as by being assigned ¾ individually telephone bridge to function Note that dial-up and fax transmission / reception services can also be received from each personal computer 7 installed on the premises.

 Furthermore, if the setting is made so that the mail of the specific address is read out by voice synthesis in the device 1, the contents of the mail can be confirmed by telephone from a remote place. In addition, pagers and mobile phones can be called when receiving e-mail.

 Further, by connecting the communication path control device 1 to an ATM network, voice conversation, overnight communication, and FAX / voice / image data communication through the ATM network may be realized.

 Furthermore, the personal computer 7 may not be connected to the communication path control device 1, but only the extension telephone 5 may be connected to be used only as the exchange (PBX).

 Further, the communication path control device 1 is not limited to the shape, design, and structure described in the above-described embodiment, and may be appropriately set in implementation. In particular, the serial port 25, the USB port 30, the mobile terminal port 31, the I / ◦port 32, and the like are not necessarily provided, and may be provided as needed.

Further, the communication path control device 1 is not limited to the device to which the extension 5 and the personal computer 7 are connected. For example, if a USB port is installed in a home electric appliance (video deck, air conditioner, 'washing machine', rice cooker, etc.), the corresponding software (driver software) should be installed in the device 1, and By connecting each home appliance to the USB port 30, it is also possible to control the home appliance from a remote location (reservations and various settings). At this time, it is also possible to make a call to the device 1 and check the control status by voice response from the device S1. In addition, the equipment is connected to this equipment 1 by overnight communication using the network 4 and the function of RAS (remote access service), and the equipment connected to this equipment 1 is monitored from a remote computer. And control. These operations are not limited to USB port 30, but can also be applied to devices connected to various connectors (serial 'extension I / II, etc.).

 Further, in the fourth embodiment, the communication path control device 100 has a telephone line calling function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If you enter the telephone number into a nearby telephone and make a call, there is no need to do so. Industrial applicability

 According to the present invention, the communication path control device can be applied to the function of an extension telephone exchange (PBX) and the function of a dial-up call, and the extension telephone equipment and the network environment are constructed at low cost. Available when In addition, external lines such as an ISDN line can be shared for telephone and data communication purposes, and Ishikawa can be used to reduce the cost of external line installation and communication.

Claims

m Range of request 1. It has an external line I / O port for an external communication network, a plurality of extension I / O ports for an internal telephone, and a plurality of network I / O ports for a local area network.  A communication path control device comprising a circuit switching circuit capable of switching a connection path between the external line input / output port, each extension line input / output port, and each network input / output port. 2. The communication path control device according to claim 1,  The external line input / output port includes a digital line digital input / output port and an analog port analog input / output port,  The communication path control device, comprising: a conversion circuit capable of converting a digital signal and an analog signal.  3. The communication path control device according to claim 1 or 2, wherein a computer is connected to the network input / output port to handle signals from the external line communication network and signals from an extension telephone. And a control unit for controlling the circuit switching circuit.  4. The communication path control device according to claim 3,  The control unit includes a processing circuit that detects and processes a caller's number and a called number when a call is made from outside to the external line input / output port, and information detected by the processing circuit. A communication path control device for controlling a computer connected to the circuit switching circuit and the network input / output port based on the communication path. 5. The communication path control device according to claim 3 or 4, wherein the compilation is a block for analyzing a markup language file. A browser, and a display device for displaying the browser.  The display device displays a markup language file describing a telephone number, When the telephone number is selected on the screen, a telephone line for calling the telephone number using one of the external line input / output port and the telephone line input / output port has a call function. Characteristic communication path control device.