JP2000295645A - Communication path control device - Google Patents

Abstract

(57) [Summary] (with correction) [PROBLEMS] To provide a communication path control device capable of constructing an extension telephone facility and a network environment at low cost. SOLUTION: A communication path control device 1 includes external communication networks 2 to 2.
4, a plurality of extension input / output ports 26 for the internal telephone 5, a plurality of network input / output ports 24 for the local area network, and the input / output ports 24, 26,.
A circuit switching circuit 43 capable of switching a connection path between the circuits 27 and 28; With one communication path control device 1,
Since the function of the exchange (PBX) for the extension telephone and the function of the dial-up router can be shared, the extension telephone equipment and the network environment can be constructed at low cost. In addition, an external line such as an ISDN line can be shared for telephone and data communication, and costs such as installation of external lines and communication costs can be reduced.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a communication path control device, and more particularly 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, and an external analog network. The present invention relates to a communication path control device for connecting a public line network, a digital public line network (ISDN), a dedicated line, and the like.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, telephones and faxes have been used as means for communicating with the outside in a company. In particular, since telephones are frequently used, a private branch exchange (PBX) is often installed to construct an extension telephone network.

[0003] In recent years, in addition to telephone and the like, provision and acquisition of information via the Internet, and mail via the Internet have been used. Since such information is generally performed using a computer, a local area network (LAN) to which a plurality of computers are connected and an external network are connected via a public line network such as ISDN or a dedicated line. In some cases, a router (dial-up router) is used.

[0004] Such an information system using both a telephone and a computer is also required in a company called a small office home office (SOHO) having a small company size.

[0005]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION However, PBX
However, there is a problem that the cost is high because about 10 to several hundreds of extension telephones can be connected. In particular, there is a problem that the cost cannot be justified with SOHO, which is sufficient if about 10 or less extension telephones are installed.

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

[0007]

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION A communication path control device according to the present invention comprises an external line I / O port for an external communication network, a plurality of internal line I / O ports for an internal telephone, and a plurality of network lines for a local area network. And an input / output port, and a line 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.

According to the present invention, when an external telephone is connected to an external line input / output port to which an external communication network such as an ISDN or an analog public line is connected, an external line is switched to an internal line input / output port via a circuit switching circuit. Connect to a connected extension. At this time, the circuit switching circuit has the function of an extension telephone or a transfer telephone, similar to the PBX, and the person who took the outside line presses a hold button or the like to notify the person in charge of the extension with the extension and switch. Can be. In addition, the line switching circuit can similarly process the connection between extension telephones and the connection from an extension to an external line.

When the input from the ISDN or the analog public line is data communication such as an Internet protocol packet (IP packet), the circuit switching circuit connects the external line input / output port and the network input / output port. Connect and perform data communication. At this time, the circuit switching circuit specifies a connection destination using an IP address or the like that specifies each computer, similarly to a general router. In addition,
The circuit switching circuit can similarly process communication between computers and communication from a computer to an external network.
As described above, since the function of the extension telephone exchange (PBX) and the function of the dial-up router can be shared by one communication path control device, the extension telephone equipment and the network environment can be constructed at low cost. it can. Moreover,
External lines such as an ISDN line can be shared for telephone use and data communication, and costs such as installation of external lines and communication costs can be reduced.

At this time, the external line input / output port for the external communication network includes a digital input / output port for a digital line and an analog input / output port for an analog line.
It is preferable to include a conversion circuit that can convert a digital signal and an analog signal. As long as the input and output ports for the digital line and the analog line are provided, not only the analog line but also the ISDN line can be connected. As a result, the cost of installing and using a plurality of lines can be reduced, and an ISDN line having a high communication speed can be effectively used. In addition, since a conversion circuit capable of converting a digital signal and an analog signal is provided, it is possible to input and output any line from an extension telephone.

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

At this time, the control unit has a processing circuit for detecting and processing a caller number and a called number when a call is made from the outside to the external line input / output port. It is preferable to control a computer connected to the circuit switching circuit or the network input / output port based on the detected information.

If such a control unit is provided, only a predetermined extension telephone is called in accordance with the telephone number of the caller obtained by the caller ID notification service or the called number obtained by the dial-in service or the like. Or a computer connected to a predetermined network port can display customer information based on the corresponding number, a predetermined message, or execute a certain program, and perform CTI (computer telephony integration). It can be easily realized.

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, and the display device has a telephone number. Is displayed in the markup language file with
When a telephone number is selected on the screen, it is desirable to have a telephone line calling function for making a call to the telephone number using either the external input / output port or the internal input / output port.

If such a telephone line calling function is provided, a telephone number may be selected on the screen when making a call to a telephone number described in the markup language file. There is no need to make a call by inputting the telephone number to a nearby telephone while making a call while viewing the telephone number being set, so that the user can easily make a telephone line call.

[0016]

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS One embodiment of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 shows an overall configuration of a system using a communication path control device 1 of the present embodiment. The communication path control device 1 is transmitted and received between an external communication network such as an analog public network 2, a digital public network (ISDN) 3, and a digital private line 4, and an extension telephone 5 and a computer (personal computer) 7 on the premises. It performs route control for data communication and voice communication.

The communication path control device 1 is formed in a substantially box shape, and various interfaces are provided on its front panel as shown in FIG.
As shown in the figure, various connection ports are provided.

That is, as shown in FIG. 2, a PWR (power) lamp 11 indicating a power supply state and a LAN lamp 1 indicating a LAN state are provided on a front panel of the communication path control device 1.
2. Extension line lamp 13 indicating the connection state of the extension telephone line
To 16 and a liquid crystal display 1 capable of displaying various information
7 are provided. Furthermore, the liquid crystal display 17
There are provided cursor keys 18 to 21 for inputting various settings by operating a cursor or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display 17.

A power connector 2 is provided on the back panel.
2. Power switch 23, Ethernet port such as 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX (LA
N input / output port) 24, a serial port 25 for connecting to a personal computer or the like with a serial cable, an extension circuit port 26 for connecting to an extension telephone, a LINE input port 27 to which an analog external line is connected, an ISDN line or digital ISDN U port 28 to which a dedicated line is connected, ISDN such as digital telephone and digital line fax
ISD to which equipment and TA (terminal adapter) are connected
USB (Universa) to which S / T port 29 of N, keyboard, mouse, display, PC body, etc. can be connected
l Serial Bus) port 30, a portable terminal port 31 to which a portable terminal such as a portable telephone or a PHS can be connected, and an I / O port 32 to which an extension unit to be described later and a board to be attached to an expansion slot of the personal computer 7 are connected. ing.

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

The U port 28 of the ISDN line is connected to a DSU (Digital Service Un
When it) is used, an ISDN line or the like is connected. A switch 33 for inverting the polarity of the ISDN line and a switch 34 for disconnecting 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. Also, S / T port 2
9 is connected to the terminal adapter unit 41. Therefore, when using the DSU built in the communication path control device 1, the ISDN line is connected from the U port 28 to the DSU unit 40.
Is connected to the terminal adapter unit 41 via the.
If the DSU is disconnected, the external DSU
Is connected to the terminal adapter unit 41 via the S / T port 29.

The terminal adapter section 41 appropriately performs processing such as analog-digital conversion so that analog equipment can be connected to ISDN which is a digital line. The terminal adapter 41 further includes a voice signal and a data signal (Internet protocol packet).
The packet is sent to the router unit 42, and the voice signal is sent to the circuit switching circuit 43.

On the other hand, the LINE input port 27 is connected to an analog / digital line control unit 44, and audio signals and the like input to the analog / digital line control unit 44 are sent to a line switching circuit 43. The mobile terminal port 31 is also connected to the analog / digital line control unit 44.

The line switching circuit 43 is a switching device (PB) that controls a connection path between the extension line port 26 and an external communication network such as an ISDN line, an analog line, or a portable telephone.
X). That is, the circuit switching circuit 43
Each connection path is controlled 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 to the local bus 4.
5 are connected.

The router section 42 sends data to the Ethernet port 24 via the local bus 45 or the like based on the IP address or the like stored in the packet. Conversely, data from a personal 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 router section 42 and the circuit switching circuit 4
The operation of 3 is controlled by a central control unit 50 which is a control unit. The central control unit 50 includes an MPU (microprocessor) 51, a memory area 52 connected to the MPU 51 via a memory bus, a system BIOS 53 connected via a system bus, and a bus connected via a data bus. A controller unit 54; a hard disk unit 55 connected to the bus controller unit 54 via a data bus; and a multi I / O unit 56.

The I / O port 32 is connected to a multi I / O unit 56 via an I / O bus 46. The serial port 25 and the USB port 30 are also connected to the local bus 4.
5 and a central control unit 50 via an I / O bus 46. As the I / O port 32, an SC bus adopted as an industry standard by a CTI board maker,
MVIP (Multi Vendor Integration Protocol) bus and ECTF (Enterprise Computer Te
lephony Forum) Standard H.100 and H.110 high-speed buses can also be used.

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

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 and hardware. Also, by providing a WAV recording / playback circuit, voice can be stored as data, and furthermore, by storing it in the hard disk unit 55 or the memory area 52, it is possible to realize an answering machine function for replying a response message when answering. I have.

Further, the central control unit 50 has a simple CTI
It is programmed to realize the function. For example, a predetermined voice response is performed in response to a caller number or a called number of a call received from an outside line, and information input by a touch-tone operation or the like, a transfer function to each extension phone, and a time It is possible to realize a scheduling function for switching response processing and transfer processing depending on the day of the week and the like. Also, if phonebook data is provided and the number can be obtained by caller ID notification,
The number is searched from the telephone directory data, and various information of the corresponding number, for example, the name of the called party, the telephone number, and the like are displayed on the liquid crystal display 17 of the communication path control device 1.
Also, it is configured to be able to output to the personal computer 7 connected to the Ethernet port 24.

These programs and data (such as telephone directory data) are stored in the memory area 52 and the hard disk unit 55.
It is recorded in. Then, setting processes such as installation and maintenance of programs and data can be performed from the personal computer 7 or the telephone 5 through the serial port 25, the Ethernet port 24, and the extension circuit port 26. In addition, a remote setting function is provided,
It can also 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 input port 27 and the U port 28, the extension telephone 5 is connected to the extension circuit port 26, and the personal computer 7 is connected to the Ethernet port 24. I do.
As the extension telephone 5, a business phone provided with a line switching button or the like may be used, or a general telephone may be used.

Here, when a telephone call is made from each of the line networks 2 to 4, the voice information is input to the line switching circuit 43 via the terminal adapter unit 41 and the analog / digital line control unit 44. The circuit switching circuit 43 normally sounds a ring tone of each extension telephone 5 connected to the extension circuit port 26. However, if a telephone 5 that gives a ringtone preferentially is set, control is performed so that only that telephone 5 rings. Also, if the phone number corresponding to the caller ID or the called number is set to ring,
Only the ring tone of the corresponding telephone 5 is sounded.

Further, when the CTI function is set in addition to the control of the connection path, the central control unit 50 transmits, for example, a caller number and telephone directory data based on the number to the corresponding personal computer 7. Display and respond to messages. When the answering service is set, a response message is transmitted and the message is recorded.

When the extension button or the outside line switching button of the extension telephone 5 is operated, the extension telephone 5
The extension line and the extension telephone 5 are appropriately connected to each other, and an extension call and a transfer telephone operation can be performed.

According to the present embodiment, the following effects can be obtained. 1) Since the communication path control device 1 has the function of the dial-up router and the function of the exchange of the extension telephone 5, the extension telephone 5 is installed and used without preparing a separate exchange (PBX). be able to. For this reason, even a company with a small number of people, such as SOHO, can realize both the extension telephone 5 and the network function (data communication function) with one communication path control device 1, and can greatly reduce the cost. In particular, since the communication path control device 1 is provided with four extension circuit ports 26 and four Ethernet ports 24, the communication path control device
Even if only one is installed, the extension telephone 5 and a network function such as the Internet can be realized, and the cost can be greatly reduced.

2) Since the communication path control device 1 has the CTI function, a service in which the telephone 5 and the personal computer 7 are integrated can be realized, and various services (such as a call center) using a telephone line can be provided at low cost. Can be realized.

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

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described. The second embodiment is a system in which an extension unit 10 is connected to the communication path control device 1. Extension unit 10
Is a PWR (power) lamp 1 as shown in FIGS.
1, LAN lamp 12, extension line lamps 13 to 16, 4
Extension circuit ports 26, ISDN U port 2
8, two S / T ports 29, I of communication path control device 1
An I / O port 32 connected to the I / O port 32, a power switch 23, and a power connector 22 are provided.

In this embodiment, the extension unit 10 communicates with the communication path control device 1 via the I / O port 32.
Connected to. And, the U port 2 of the extension unit 10
8 (ISDN line) and the extension circuit port 26 are controlled by the line switching circuit 43 of the communication path control device 1 in the same manner as the U port 28 and the extension circuit port 26 of the communication path control device 1.

Although the expansion unit 10 is not provided with the Ethernet port 24, when the number of personal computers is increased to five or more, the hub 8 is connected to the Ethernet port 24 as shown in FIG. May be added.

According to the present embodiment, the first
The effects of 1) to 3) of the embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained. 4) By connecting the extension unit 10 to the communication path control device 1, the input of the ISDN line can be increased by one,
Two ISDN lines can be connected together with the communication path control device 1. For this reason, the number of external lines that can be used simultaneously increases, and convenience can be improved.

5) Since the number of extension circuit ports 26 can be increased by 4 lines to a total of 8 lines, eight extension telephones 5 can be connected, and a company with about 10 or less employees can secure a sufficient number of extensions. 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 convenience can be improved.

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 can be set as the extension board 60. In the present embodiment, an IVR (Interactive Voice Response, voice response function) card having a FAX function and a VoIP (Voice over IP: function for realizing an Internet telephone) card are used in the present embodiment. And IVR function and VoI
You can use cards that combine the P function.

If an IVR (FAX) card is used, F
An advanced voice response such as an AX distribution service, a FAX reception function for storing transmitted FAX data, and the like can be realized.

When a card having a 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 addition, an Internet telephone via the Internet can be easily constructed. In the connection mode using the VoIP function, it is now standard to use a protocol called H323 as a communication procedure (communication protocol). By using such a standard protocol, it is possible to easily realize a personal computer-to-personal Internet telephone, a personal computer-to-telephone Internet telephone, a telephone-to-telephone Internet telephone, and the like.

By the way, PC to telephone or telephone to telephone
When using VoIP technology, it is not possible to connect directly to telephones, so once a device called a gateway converts IP packetized audio signals to telephone audio signals (such as analog lines and digital (ISDN etc.) lines). ) And sent to a regular telephone. Since such gateway devices are very expensive and are not intended to be purchased by small businesses or individuals, individuals typically connect to carriers (connectors called providers) that have dedicated equipment. After that, connection to the Internet network must be made, so that the real-time property is reduced and the cost is increased. On the other hand, since the present apparatus 1 is provided with the VoIP extension board 60, the VoIP extension board 60 supporting the standard protocol such as H323 and the software can be easily installed.
It can be used as a telephone termination device. If the device 1 is connected to the Internet via the dedicated line 4, both transmission and reception are connected in real time. In this case, if a specific IP address is assigned to the port of the extension telephone 5, the calling side can call the specific extension telephone 5 only by specifying the IP address, and the telephone having a higher function than a normal telephone can be called. Exchange becomes possible.

According to the present embodiment, the first
The effects of 1) to 3) of the embodiment can be obtained, and the following effects can be obtained. 7) By incorporating various extension boards 60, a call center such as a mail order or a support center can be realized, and an advanced CTI service can be provided. FAX
The reception function and the Internet telephone can be realized at low cost.

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described. The communication path control device 100 according to the present embodiment is configured as shown in FIG.
As shown in (1), the communication path control device 1 of the first to third embodiments has different specifications.

More specifically, a PWR (power) lamp 1 indicating a power state is provided on a front panel of the communication path control device 100.
1 and LAN lamps 12A to 12D indicating the status of the LAN
And ISDN lamps 101 to 10 indicating the state of ISDN
3, digital extension line lamps 104 to 111 indicating the connection state of the digital extension telephone line, and analog extension line lamps 112, 1 and 1 indicating the connection state of the analog extension telephone line.
13 and a liquid crystal display 114 of a 24-digit 2-stage display capable of displaying various information. In the communication path control device 100 of the present embodiment, cursor keys are omitted because various settings are input by operating a cursor or the like displayed on the liquid crystal display 114. In addition, if a personal computer or the like is connected to the communication path control device 100 and various settings can be input on the personal computer or the like, the liquid crystal display 114 may be omitted.

As shown in FIG. 11, the rear panel has a power connector 22, a power switch 23, and an Ethernet port (LAN input / output) such as 10BASE-T or 100BASE-TX for connecting to a personal computer or hub. Port) 24, a serial port 25 for connecting to a personal computer with a serial cable, ports 26A and 26B for extension circuits for connecting to extension telephones, an ISDN U port 28 to which an ISDN line or a digital private line is connected, ISDN equipment such as telephone and digital line fax, ISDN S / T port 29 to which a TA (terminal adapter) is connected, USB (Universal Serial Bus) port 30 to which a keyboard, mouse, display, personal computer, etc. can be connected. Expansion unit, or a board attached to the expansion slot of the PC 7 I / O port 32 to which is connected, control I / O unit 1 for controlling external equipment
15, an audio input / output unit 118 is provided.

Three ISDN U ports 28 are provided. In this way, three U
By providing the ports, for example, it is possible to connect one digital leased line and the other two to an ISDN line. Accordingly, since it is possible to simultaneously handle the digital leased line and the ISDN line, it is possible to achieve both the dedicated line connection and the dial-up connection.
As described above, the communication path control device 100 can achieve both the dedicated line connection and the dial-up connection, and includes the control unit, so that it can be used as an Internet server. Here, as the Internet server function, a browser, an FTP (Fi
le Transfer Protocol), Telnet (Telecommunic
ation network), e-mail, DHCP (Dynamic Hos
t Configuration Protocol), DNS (Domain Name Sy)
stem) can be provided. Note that a LINE input port to which an analog external line is connected is omitted.

The communication path control device 100 can connect eight digital extension circuit ports 26A to which a 4-core or 2-core cable for a digital business phone can be connected, and a 2-core cable for a general analog telephone. And two analog extension circuit ports 26B. As a result, a maximum of 8 digital business phones can be used as extension phones.
A total of 10 telephones and a maximum of two analog general telephones can be connected simultaneously.

Further, an IVR (In
teractive VoiceResponse (voice response function), VoIP (V
CTI functions such as oice over IP: a function for realizing an Internet telephone call) are built in the communication path control device 100 as a standard (not shown). In particular, the communication path control device 10
0 has a VoIP function as standard, so that if the communication path control devices 100A and 100B are connected to each other via the Internet or a digital private line as shown in FIG. In addition to accessing the communication path control devices 100B and 100A installed at the bases,
A public switched telephone network (PSTN) via the communication path control devices 100A and 100B.
(ork) 121.

By providing such a CTI function such as IVR and VoIP, it is possible to provide various services using a telephone line. For example, a voice-to-mail function that attaches an audio file recorded by the CTI function to an e-mail and sends it to the other party, or a facsimile that attaches FAX information received by the CTI function to an e-mail and sends it to the other party
e-mail function, conversely, e-mail received by the CTI function is converted to FAX and sent to the other party.
A variety of services such as an e-mail text-speech function can be provided so that an e-mail received by the CTI function can be heard by voice synthesis from an external telephone or an internal telephone.

Returning to FIG. 11, the portable terminal port to which the portable telephone is connected is omitted, and the I / O port 32 may be an industry standard one or a unique one.

Further, the power supply of the communication path control device 100 is configured to receive a commercial current (AC) through the power supply connector 22 and include a power supply device provided inside (not shown). This power supply device may be installed outside the communication path control device 100 in addition to being built in the communication path control device 100. The uninterruptible power supply (UPS) is installed outside (not shown), and can be controlled from the communication path control device 100 by connecting to the serial port 25 via a serial cable. ing.

Further, the control I / O section 115 has a control signal input terminal 116 composed of four terminals to which a control signal from an external device is input, and a control signal input terminal 116 for outputting a control signal to another external device.
And a control signal output terminal 117 composed of a terminal. Therefore, for example, the control signal input terminal 116
Is used as a sensor terminal to which a signal of a fire alarm or the like is input, and when a signal is input to the control signal input terminal 116, a setting is made so that a telephone call is automatically made to a security company. In addition, a fire alarm or the like is connected to the control signal output terminal 117 so that a fire is automatically reported, and an external device such as a camera monitor or a fire extinguisher can be controlled by a signal output from the control signal output terminal 117. Set it. By doing so, even if no one is in the place where the fire occurred, it is possible to contact the security company, etc., to monitor the situation with a camera monitor and to quickly extinguish with a fire extinguisher, etc. Can be improved. Here, the fire alarm etc.
By setting to control using VR or data communication, it is possible to report the fire situation in detail by voice response or the like.

The audio input / output unit 118 includes an audio input terminal 119 for inputting audio from the 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 adopted.
The analog sound input to the voice input terminal 119 is converted into a digital sound by an A / D converter provided inside, and is sent to an external telephone or an internal telephone via a circuit switching circuit. Specifically, the sound from audio equipment can be used as a hold tone for external or internal calls,
It can be used for various voice responses to external and internal telephone calls that have received voice messages input through a microphone.

A sound recorder, a speaker and the like can be connected to the audio output terminal 120. That is, the audio output terminal 1
20 by connecting a recording device to the communication path control device 10.
0, it is possible to record a conversation between telephones connected thereto. Further, by connecting a speaker or the like to the audio output terminal 120, for example, the voice of an extension telephone can be transmitted as a private broadcast.

The OS (Operating System) of the communication path control device 100
ating System) is the LI of UNIX and UNIX compatible OS.
A general-purpose OS such as NUX is installed. This allows
Communication path control device 100 of open architecture specification
Can be provided to the market, so that a user who uses the communication path control device 100 can easily create and improve software for controlling the communication path control device 100.

Here, the control unit for controlling the communication path control device 100 includes a general-purpose motherboard and a CPU of IBM PC / 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 unique specification, and may be appropriately determined upon implementation.

Further, the communication path control device 100 is provided with a data conversion circuit for enabling data handled by the circuit switching circuit 43 to be handled by an expansion bus such as an ISA bus and a PCI bus provided on the motherboard. (Not shown). In other words, the circuit switching circuit 43 and the extension bus are connected by a data conversion circuit. The data communication between the expansion buses is performed by a PCI bus.

In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, by connecting an ISDN line or a digital leased line to the U port 28 and connecting the extension telephone 5 to the digital extension circuit port 26A, the premises It can be used as a telephone exchange (PBX). When a call is made from the public line network 3, the voice information is input to the circuit switching circuit. In a circuit switching circuit, usually, a digital extension circuit port 26A
Ring tone of each extension telephone 5 connected to the telephone. However, for example, if the extension number of a specific extension telephone 5 is added to the called telephone number, or if the telephone 5 that gives priority to the communication path control device 100 is set, only the extension telephone 5 is used. It can be controlled to sound. Also, if the phone number corresponding to the caller ID or the called number is set to ring,
Only the ring tone of the corresponding telephone 5 is sounded (routing restriction function).

Here, such a routing restriction function is such that the administrator dials a specific telephone number set in the communication path control apparatus 100 from the outside, and performs a desired setting according to the IVR issued from the communication path control apparatus 100. By selecting, the settings can be changed. In this way, it is possible to easily open and close the normally closed routing so that the administrator can enter the routing for maintenance or the like.
In addition, it is possible to restrict access of a user who makes a call for 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 the settings and open the closed routing. Then, after the maintenance is over, call the specific telephone number again, press the push button according to the voice response, and close the routing. Also, in the case where the access of a user who makes a call is restricted for each user, the setting can be changed by pressing the push button of the telephone according to the voice response as described above.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, by connecting the personal computer 7 as a computer to the Ethernet port 24, it can be used not only as a private branch exchange (PBX) but also as a hub and a router. This personal computer 7
It comprises a main body 7A in which a browser for analyzing at least an HTML file which is a markup language file is incorporated, and a monitor 7B which is a display device for displaying the browser. When a call is made from the public line network 3, the communication path control device 100 first determines whether the content of the call is voice information or data information such as electronic mail. Then, if it is determined that the audio information,
The voice information is input to the circuit switching circuit, and the circuit switching circuit sounds a ring tone of each extension telephone 5 connected to the digital extension circuit port 26A. On the other hand, if it is determined that the information is data information, the communication path control device 100 searches the personal computer 7 corresponding to the address from the address described in the data 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, the personal computer 7 connected to the communication path control device 100 can also change the above-described routing restriction function and change the setting of the routing restriction function.

On the other hand, one set of personal computer 7 and extension telephone 5
Are interconnected and linked to each other, so that the telephone line calling function provided in the communication path control device 100 can be used. When the desired telephone number is displayed on the monitor 7B in the HTML file searched by the browser, the telephone line calling function is used to select the extension number 5 linked to the personal computer 7 when the telephone number is selected on the screen. In the outgoing call state, the telephone number is automatically input to the extension telephone 5, and the telephone number is automatically dialed and connected using either the U port 28 or the digital extension circuit port 26A. Things, so-called Phone
This is the To Tag function. This function can be used by installing a special plug-in on the browser.

The communication path control device 100 includes various functions using a telephone line and an SNMP (Simple Net).
work management protocol) to grasp the state of the communication path control device 100 from an external network.
A remote monitoring function that can be controlled, an external database connected to a LAN and other communication circuits, and the like, an incoming time of a telephone call made from the public line network 3,
It has an external database connection function that outputs information such as call time and caller ID.

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

The communication path control device 100 has a bulk transmission function for bundling a plurality of B channels to increase the communication speed between the personal computer 7 and an external personal computer. Specifically, when data is downloaded or uploaded between personal computers using the digital public network 3,
If there is an unused ISDN line, the line is bundled with the line using the line to increase the communication speed. Thereby, it is possible to use the digital public network 3 efficiently. In addition, this function may be set so that the communication speed is automatically switched according to the communication amount and the connection destination of the personal computer 7, or set such that the communication speed is manually switched every time data is downloaded or uploaded. You may keep it.

An external general exchange (PBX) 8
0 may be connected to the S / T port 29 of the ISDN as shown in FIG. 15, or as shown in FIG.
An extension telephone may be added by connecting to the analog extension circuit port 26B. That is, the communication path control device 100
The exchange 80 is set so that it can be connected to either the S / T port 29 or the analog extension circuit port 26B. As a result, the extension telephone 5 connected to the communication path control device 100 and the extension telephone 9 connected to the exchange 80 can make an internal or external call.

As shown in FIGS. 17A and 17B, the extension unit 150 includes a PWR (power) lamp 11, ISDN lamps 101 and 102, digital extension line lamps 104 to 111, and eight digital extensions. The circuit port 26A, the two U ports 28 for ISDN, the I / O port 32 of the communication path control device 100 and the I / O port 32 connected to another extension unit 150, the power switch 23, and the power connector 22 It is provided with.

Such an extension unit 150 has the structure shown in FIG.
19, as shown in FIG. 19, the communication path control device 100 is connected via the I / O port 32. The U port 28 (ISDN line) and the digital extension circuit port 26A of the extension unit 150 are connected to the communication path control device 1.
00 by the circuit switching circuit 43
The path is controlled similarly to the U port 28 of 0 and the port 26A for digital extension circuit.

Therefore, for example, two extension units 15
0 to the communication path control device 100, the ISD
The input of N lines can be increased by four, and seven ISDN lines can be connected together with the communication path control device 100. For this reason, the number of external lines that can be used simultaneously increases, and convenience can be improved.

Further, since the number of the digital extension circuit port 26A can be increased to 16 lines to make a total of 24 lines, 24 extension telephones 5 can be connected, and in the case of a company of about 30 or less, a sufficient number of extensions is secured. It is possible to improve convenience.

According to the present embodiment, the first
In addition to the effects of 1), 2), 4) to 6) of the third to third embodiments, the following effects can be obtained. 8) Since a telephone line calling function is provided, when calling a telephone number described in the HTML file, the telephone number may be selected on the screen, and the displayed telephone number is displayed. There is no need to enter the telephone number into a nearby telephone and make a call while watching. This makes it possible to easily make a telephone line call for the user.

9) Since the communication path control device 100 is configured as an all-in-one device having an Internet server function by establishing a dedicated line connection and a dial-up connection, there is no need to perform setting and connection for each device. Even a company with a small scale or a company without an administrator can easily perform device management and change settings. In addition, since the function corresponding to the line infrastructure and the function corresponding to the network system are combined in one communication path control device 100, the management can be performed by one communication path control device 100.

Note 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 or the analog public line network 2, but a digital private line 4 or the like may be connected to the U port 28 for use. Further, as shown in FIG. 20, the mobile terminal port 31 may be connected to a mobile phone 70 or a PHS to be used for external line connection. In this case, a call can be made from the extension phone 5 via the portable terminal 70 via the portable terminal port 31 or received from an outside line via the portable phone 70 to make a call with the extension phone 5. Thereby, in particular, since the external mobile phone and the extension phone 5 can be connected via the mobile phone communication network, there is 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. , Digital Public Network (IS
DN) 3 may be connected, and these may be appropriately set in implementation. Furthermore, LINE input port 2
7, a general exchange (PB) as shown in FIG.
X) The input from the switch 80 may be connected to allow the extension telephone 9 connected to the exchange 80 to make an extension call or transfer.

Further, since the CTI function can be realized by using the extension board 60, various services using a telephone line may be added. For example, the extension board 60
A database server in which various databases are stored in the personal computer 7 connected by a computer, a WEB / mail server in which homepage information on the Internet and various mail data are stored, and a file server in advance. Further, by using a dial-in service or the like, the PBX function for making a voice call and the voice mail function (to convert a voice message into a data file and save it in a file, The voice information is output to the telephone 5 instructed to call or the telephone 5 specified in advance), a voice response function,
FAX function (to store received FAX data as a file, or to save pre-stored data to an external FAX
A variety of services, such as a pager calling function and a dial-up function (connecting to various servers from an external PC), are automatically identified by individually assigning telephone numbers to each function. Can be provided.

Note that dial-up and fax transmission / reception services can also be received from each of the personal computers 7 provided on the premises. Further, if the mail of a specific address is set to be read out by voice synthesis in the present apparatus 1, the contents of the mail can be confirmed by telephone from a remote place. Also, a pager or a mobile phone can be called when receiving an e-mail.

Further, by connecting the communication path control device 1 to an ATM network, voice conversation, data communication, and fax / voice / image data communication through the ATM network may be realized. Further, 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 an exchange (PBX).

The communication path control device 1 is not limited to the shape, design, and structure described in the above embodiment, but may be set as appropriate for implementation. In particular, serial port 25, USB port 30, mobile terminal port 3
1. The I / O 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 one to which the extension telephone 5 or the personal computer 7 is connected. For example, when a USB port is incorporated in a home electric appliance (video deck, air conditioner, washing machine, rice cooker, etc.), corresponding software (driver software) is incorporated in the device 1 and each electric home appliance is installed. USB port 3
By connecting to 0, home electric appliances can be controlled (timer reservation and various settings) from a remote place.
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 1. Also, by connecting to the apparatus 1 by data communication by the function of the leased line network 4 or RAS (remote access service),
A device connected to the apparatus 1 can be monitored and controlled from a remote PC. These operations are
Not only the SB port 30 but also devices connected to various connectors (serial, expansion I / O, etc.) can be supported.

Further, in the fourth embodiment, the communication path control device 100 is provided with a telephone line calling function. However, the present invention is not limited to this. If the telephone number is input to a nearby telephone to make a telephone call, there is no need for this.

[0089]

As described above, according to the communication path control device 1 of the present invention, there is an effect that an extension telephone facility and a network environment can be constructed at a low cost in a SOHO level company.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a front view showing a communication path control device according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is a rear view illustrating the communication path control device according to the first embodiment.

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

FIG. 5 is a front view showing a communication path control device according to a second embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a rear view illustrating a communication path control device according to a second embodiment.

FIG. 7 is a diagram illustrating a connection state between an extension telephone and a personal computer in the communication path control device according to 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 illustrating 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 in the embodiment.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing an example of a connection state in the embodiment.

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

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

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

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

17A is a front view and FIG. 17B is a rear view showing the extension unit in the embodiment.

FIG. 18 is a front view showing a configuration of a communication path control device and an extension unit in the embodiment.

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

FIG. 20 is a diagram illustrating 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.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Communication path control apparatus 2 Analog public line network 3 Digital public line network 4 Digital leased line 5 Extension telephone 7 Personal computer (computer) 7B Monitor which is a display device 8 Hub 9 Extension telephone 10 Expansion unit 17 Liquid crystal display 18-21 Cursor key 22 Power connector 23 Power switch 24 Ethernet port 25 Serial port 26 Extension circuit port 27 Input port 28 U port 29 S / T port 31 Mobile terminal port 32 I / O port 40 DSU section 41 Terminal adapter section 42 Router section 43 Line switching circuit 44 analog / digital line control unit 45 local bus 46 I / O bus 47 power supply 50 central control unit 52 memory area 54 bus controller unit 55 hard disk unit 56 multi I / O unit 60 expansion board 7 Mobile phone 80 exchange

──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continued on the front page (51) Int.Cl. ⁷ Identification symbol FI Theme coat ゛ (Reference) H04M 3/00 (72) Inventor Takashi Mukai 2-2-13 Shiohama, Koto-ku, Tokyo Synthesize Co., Ltd. Inside

Claims (5)

[Claims] 1. An external line input / output port for an external communication network, a plurality of internal line input / output ports for an internal telephone, and a plurality of network input / output ports for a local area network. A communication path control device comprising a circuit switching circuit capable of switching a connection path between a port, each extension input / output port, and each network input / output port. 2. The communication path control device according to claim 1, wherein the external line input / output port comprises a digital input / output port for a digital line and an analog input / output port for an analog line. A communication path control device, wherein the control device includes a conversion circuit capable of converting a digital signal and an analog signal. 3. The communication path control device according to claim 1, wherein a computer is connected to the network input / output port, and the network input / output port responds to a signal from the external line communication network or a signal from an extension telephone. And a control unit for controlling the circuit switching circuit. 4. The communication path control device according to claim 3, wherein the control unit detects and processes a caller number and a called number when an external telephone call is made to the external line input / output port. A communication path control device, comprising: a processing circuit for controlling a computer connected to the circuit switching circuit or the network input / output port based on information detected by the processing circuit. 5. The communication path control device according to claim 3, wherein the computer has a built-in browser for analyzing a markup language file, and a display for displaying the browser. A markup language file in which a telephone number is described is displayed on the display device, and when the telephone number is selected on a screen, one of the external line input / output port and the internal line input / output port is set. A communication path control device comprising a telephone line calling function for making a call to the telephone number using the telephone line.