JP2011151434A - Communication system and communication method for providing service provider selected service - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable providing service provider selected services in an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone network. <P>SOLUTION: In the IP telephone network, receiving a calling signal, the subscriber server 3 determines whether a contract of service provider selected services is made, based on a calling number contained in the calling signal. When the contract is made, the calling signal is transmitted to an intra network AS 4. If a service provider identification number is not attached to an incoming number of the calling signal, the intra network AS 4 appends a service provider identification number of a service provider registered for each call classification to the calling signal at a priority service provider DB, and transmits it to the subscriber server 3. Moreover, if a service provider identification number of a service provider different from the service provider registered at the priority service provider DB is attached to the incoming number, the intra network AS 4 refers to change permission information for permitting change of a service provider identification number registered at the priority service provider DB, and converts the attached service provider identification number into the service provider identification number registered at the priority service provider DB to transmit it to the subscriber server 3. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2011,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system and a communication method for providing a provider selection service in an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone network.

  In a conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN), a telephone network operator to be used is registered in advance in the network-side equipment, so that a “dial for designating a carrier” (hereinafter referred to as “the operator is designated”). A service (hereinafter referred to as “operator selection service”) capable of selecting a business operator to be used without being assigned “00XY“ business operator identification number ”” is provided (see Non-Patent Document 1). .

  In this carrier selection service, when a call is made by specifying a carrier other than the registered carrier by an application from a user who has a telephone line contract, the carrier identification number is forcibly changed. An additional service that can be designated as a service is also provided (see Non-Patent Document 2).

  In the public switched telephone network (PSTN), when a caller uses an arbitrary carrier line, it is necessary to dial a carrier identification number before a destination telephone number. On the other hand, in this “operator selection service”, the operator identification number for each outgoing call by the user is registered in advance by registering the operator to be used for each call category such as the city, outside the prefecture, outside the prefecture, and international. No need for dialing. In addition, when a user dials the wrong operator identification number, or when someone other than the user with the line contract uses the telephone line, the company that the line contract user does not want to allow Even when dialing by specifying an identification number, it is possible to use a business operator registered by a user with a line contract.

The outline of the service provider selection service in the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be described.
In the public switched telephone network (PSTN) operator selection service, the subscriber line switch (GC: Group unit Center) that accommodates the calling subscriber terminal is used to classify the call ("inside""" outside the prefecture " After determining “outside prefecture” and “international”), the operator registered for each call category is identified, and information on the identification number (operator identification number) indicating the operator is assigned. Person selection service is realized.

  In this operator selection service, (1) call classification determination, (2) operator identification number determination, (3) operator identification number assignment, (4) operator identification number change, (5) operator identification number change notification Each process is executed. This will be specifically described below.

(Call classification judgment)
The subscriber line switch (GC) stores a database (hereinafter referred to as “number section DB”) indicating an installation area for each telephone number band (city code) of the subscriber terminal. When a subscriber exchange (GC) receives a calling signal (calling information) from a subscriber terminal accommodated by itself, a subscriber terminal having a calling number (a number identifying a subscriber line of the calling subscriber terminal) And the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the called number (number for identifying the subscriber line of the destination subscriber terminal as the destination) are identified with reference to the number partition DB, and the identified installation area From these combinations, it is determined whether the call classification of the call is “inside the city”, “outside the prefecture”, “outside the prefecture”, or “international”.

(Business identification number judgment)
The subscriber line exchange (GC) is a database (hereinafter referred to as a “priority provider”) designated in each of the “local”, “prefectural toll”, “prefectural” and “international” for each subscriber line specified by the calling party number “Priority business DB”) is stored. The business operator to be prioritized for each call category is registered based on information previously reported by the user. The calling subscriber line switch (GC) determines whether or not this operator identification number is attached to the dial number (called number) of the call signal received from the subscriber terminal accommodated by itself.

(Providing business operator identification number)
When it is determined that the carrier identification number is not attached to the dial number (called number) in the carrier identification number determination, the subscriber line switch (GC) refers to the priority carrier DB provided by itself, The business operator identification number registered for each call category is assigned to the call signal.

(Change of company identification number)
The subscriber line switch (GC) indicates that the priority carrier DB is a call signal that permits the change of the carrier identification number to the carrier identification number registered in the priority carrier DB among the call signals. The change permission information is further stored. The permission for changing the operator identification number is registered based on information previously reported by the user. When the calling party exchange (GC) determines that the carrier identification number is attached to the dialed number (called number) in the carrier identification number determination, the calling party exchange (GC) determines the priority carrier DB provided by itself. Referring to this, it is determined whether the dialed carrier identification number matches the carrier identification number of the priority carrier registered in the call category of the call. If the business operator identification numbers match, the business operator identification number is not changed. On the other hand, when the carrier identification numbers do not match, the change permission information of the priority carrier DB is referred to, and in the case of a call signal permitting the change, the carrier identification number is registered in the priority carrier DB. Change to the operator identification number of the operator.

(Notification of change of company identification number)
When the operator identification number change processing is performed, the subscriber line switch (GC) adds operator identification number change information indicating that the operator identification number has been changed to the calling signal, and The call signal is routed to the carrier's communication network. This processing can be used as a trigger for providing guidance for notifying the sender that the carrier identification number has been changed in the carrier selection service. For example, each business operator selects whether or not to provide guidance that the business operator has been changed based on the business operator identification number change information.

  Next, processing of the operator selection service in the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) will be specifically described. FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the provider identification number assigning process in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). FIG. 7 shows a case where the user transmits without dialing the carrier identification number, and therefore the carrier identification number is given in the subscriber line switch (GC) 8a.

First, the caller makes a call from the subscriber terminal 1a without a carrier identification number (S11). That is, the operator identification number “00XY” or the like is not added to the dial number “0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ”. Next, the calling subscriber line switch (GC) 8a receives a call signal from the subscriber terminal 1a accommodated therein (S12). Subsequently, the calling party exchange (GC) 8a refers to the number section DB using the dial number (called number) and the calling number of the received call signal, and the call classification of the call is “city” It is determined whether it is “inside”, “outside the prefecture”, “outside the prefecture”, or “international” (call classification determination) (S13).

Next, the originating side subscriber line switch (GC) 8a determines whether or not a carrier identification number is attached to the dialed number (called number) (carrier identification number determination) (S14). Here, it is determined that the operator identification number is not given to the dial number. Then, the calling side subscriber line switch (GC) 8a refers to the priority carrier DB, and calls the carrier identification number of the priority carrier registered by the user for the call category to which the call corresponds. (Provider identification number) (S15). More specifically, given the call classification company identification number "00XY" which is registered in of the call before dialing the number of _{"0A 1 B} 1 ~J 1", the called party number "00XY0A ₁ B ₁ ~ and J ₁ ". Then, the calling side subscriber line switch (GC) 8a identifies the caller signal by the gateway switching center function (hereinafter referred to as "IGS function") for connecting to the communication network of another carrier. Route to the registered operator's communication network specified by the number “00XY”. Thereafter, processing is performed in the same manner as normal transmission, and connection is made to the subscriber terminal 1b on the called side.

  Here, the dial number indicates the number of the callee actually dialed by the user at the subscriber terminal, and the called number indicates the subscription of the called subscriber terminal that is the destination of the call signal in the telephone network. Indicates the number for identifying the subscriber line.

  FIG. 8 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the operator identification number changing process in the public switched telephone network (PSTN). In FIG. 8, a case where the operator identification number of an operator different from the operator registered by the user is dialed and transmitted, and therefore the operator identification number is changed in the subscriber line exchange (GC). Show.

First, the caller dials a carrier identification number that is not registered as a preferred carrier from the subscriber terminal 1a to make a call (S21). In FIG. 8, it is assumed that the dial number “00XY ₁ 0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ” to which the operator identification number “00XY ₁ ” is attached is transmitted. Next, the calling subscriber line exchange (GC) 8a receives the calling signal (S22), refers to the dialing number (destination number) and calling number of the received calling signal, refers to the number section DB, and makes a call. Classification determination is performed (S23).

Next, the originating subscriber line switch (GC) 8a performs the carrier identification number determination (S24), and determines that the carrier identification number “00XY ₁ ” is added to the dial number. Then, the calling subscriber line switch (GC) 8a refers to the priority operator DB, and the business of the priority operator registered in the call category corresponding to the caller identification number dialed and the call is referred to. It is determined whether the person identification number matches. Here, it is assumed that the operator identification number included in the dial number is “00XY ₁ ” and the operator identification number registered in the call category of the call is “00XY”. Subsequently, the originating subscriber line switch (GC) 8a refers to the priority operator DB, confirms that the change permission information is “permitted”, and sets the operator identification number in the priority operator DB. The registered company identification number is changed to “00XY” (changing the company identification number) (S25).

  Next, the originating side subscriber line switch (GC) 8a adds the carrier identification number change information indicating that the carrier identification number has been changed to the calling signal (S26), and sends the calling signal to the calling signal. It routes to the communication network of the business operator to be relayed (business operator identification number change notification) (S27). Thereafter, processing is performed in the same manner as normal transmission, and connection is made to the subscriber terminal 1b on the called side.

“Authorization application for“ telephone company selection service ””, [online], NTT West, [Search January 5, 2010], Internet <https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/news/0004 /000410.html> "Telephone Company Fixed Service", [online], NTT West, [Search January 5, 2010], Internet <https://www.ntt-west.co.jp/news/0004/000410_2.html>

  (1) Call category determination, (2) Operator identification number determination, (3) Operator identification number assignment, (4) Operator identification number change, in the operator selection service on the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) (5) When the processing for changing the operator identification number is realized in the IP telephone network, there are the following problems, and this operator selection service cannot be provided as it is.

  First, in the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN), the line control and the communication path are in the same device (subscriber line switch), but the current IP telephone system architecture performs session control corresponding to line control. The function (subscriber server) and the packet transfer function (IP conversion device) corresponding to the speech path are configured as separate devices. In addition, when the operator selection service is introduced by applying the same method as the conventional method, it is necessary to develop the function of the subscriber server each time the function of the operator selection service is added. Functional verification is required. In addition, when a problem occurs in the new additional service function, the service of the existing function cannot be provided in the subscriber server, which affects the user including the provision of the existing service.

  Further, in the protocol (SIP: Session Initiation Protocol) used in the current IP telephone, there is no parameter (operator identification number change information) for notifying that the change of the carrier identification number has been implemented. For this reason, it is impossible to determine whether or not the provider specified by the provider identification number should provide guidance for notifying the sender that the same provider identification number as the conventional service has been changed.

  Therefore, even if the operator selection service system in the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN) is applied as it is, the above problems exist and the operator selection service cannot be provided in the IP telephone network. . In view of such a background, the present invention has been made, and an object of the present invention is to provide a communication system and a communication method capable of providing an operator selection service in an IP telephone network.

  In order to solve the above-described problem, an invention according to claim 1 is directed to an IP conversion device that converts call information that is called from a subscriber terminal into a protocol used on an IP network, and the IP conversion device. A subscriber server that receives the converted call information and transmits the converted call information to an application server, and determines a network network operator to which the converted call information is to be transmitted And an application server that adds the determined carrier identification number of the determined carrier to the converted call information and sends it back to the subscriber server, and the line network business to which the call information is transmitted A communication system for providing an operator selection service for selecting an operator, wherein the subscriber server concludes a use contract for the operator selection service among calling numbers for specifying subscriber lines of the subscriber terminals. A storage unit for storing the additional service contract information indicating the calling number, and the converted calling information received from the IP conversion device, and using the calling number included in the converted calling information as a key The additional service refers to the additional service contract information, determines whether the usage contract is concluded, and transmits the converted call information to the application server when it is determined that the usage contract is concluded. The converted call information to which the provider identification number is assigned is received from the subscription determination unit and the application server, and the destination business of the converted call information using the provider identification number A connection control unit that determines a communication network of the operator and transmits the converted call information to the communication network of the determined operator, and the application server includes (1) Number section information indicating an installation area for each telephone number band of the subscriber terminal, and (2) installation of the subscriber terminal of the calling number and the destination terminal of the called number that is the destination of the calling information Stores priority operator information indicating the operator identification number of the operator to be routed preferentially over other operators in association with the calling number for each call category specified by a combination with an area A storage unit that receives the converted call information from the subscriber server, and sets the area of the subscriber terminal having the calling number and the called number included in the converted call information, the number partition A call category that is identified with reference to information and determines the call category of the converted call information from a combination of the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the identified calling number and the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the called number A determination unit; An operator identification number determination unit that determines whether or not the operator identification number is attached to the called number included in the exchanged call information, and the operator identification number determination unit includes the operator identification number. When it is determined that the call origination information is not attached, the converted call origination information is converted from the priority carrier information using the calling number included in the converted call information and the call classification determined by the call classification determination unit as keys. The operator identification number for acquiring the operator identification number of the operator of the circuit network to which the call information is transmitted, assigning the acquired operator identification number to the converted call information, and transmitting it to the subscriber server And a numbering unit.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided an IP conversion device for converting call information sent from a subscriber terminal into a protocol used on an IP network, and the converted call from the IP conversion device. A subscriber server that receives information and transmits the converted call information to an application server; and a network network operator to which the converted call information is to be transmitted. And an application server that gives the converted call information to the converted call information and sends it back to the subscriber server, and selects a caller of a network to which the call information is transmitted A communication method used in a communication system for providing a service, wherein the subscriber server has a use contract for the operator selection service among calling numbers for specifying subscriber lines of the subscriber terminals. A storage unit for storing the additional service contract information indicating the calling number; receiving the converted calling information from the IP conversion device; and using the calling number included in the converted calling information as a key , Referring to the additional service contract information, determining whether the usage contract is concluded, and if it is determined that the usage contract is concluded, transmitting the converted call information to the application server; The application server executes (1) number section information indicating an installation area for each telephone number band of the subscriber terminal, and (2) an installation area of the subscriber terminal having the calling number and the calling information. For each call category specified by the combination with the installation area of the destination terminal of the called party number that is the destination, the call is associated with the calling number and is routed with priority over other operators. A storage unit for storing priority operator information indicating the operator identification number of the operator, receiving the converted call information from the subscriber server, and receiving the converted call information included in the converted call information The installation area of the subscriber terminal with the number and the called number is identified by referring to the number section information, and the combination of the installation area of the subscriber terminal with the identified calling number and the installation area of the subscriber terminal with the called number Determining the call classification of the converted call information from, and determining whether the operator identification number is attached to the called number included in the converted call information; When it is determined that the operator identification number is not attached, the conversion from the priority operator information is performed using the calling number included in the converted call information and the determined call classification as a key. Obtaining the carrier identification number of the carrier of the transmission line of the outgoing call information, assigning the obtained carrier identification number to the converted call information, and transmitting to the subscriber server The subscriber server receives from the application server the converted call information to which the operator identification number has been assigned, and uses the operator identification number to convert the converted call origination information. The communication method is characterized in that a communication network of a carrier to which call information is transmitted is determined, and the step of transmitting the converted call information to the communication network of the determined carrier is executed.

  In this way, in the IP telephone network, when the subscriber server receives the call information, the subscriber server determines whether or not a contract for using the operator selection service has been made using the calling number included in the call information. When the usage contract is made, the call information is transmitted to the application server. The application server assigns the carrier identification number indicated for each call category to the calling information in the priority carrier information, unless the carrier identification number is added to the called number of the call information. To the subscriber server.

  Therefore, according to the present invention, in the IP telephone network, even when the caller information is not assigned with the carrier identification number, it is possible to connect the line via the registered carrier's line network. Become. In addition, since the processing related to the service provider selection service as an additional service is processed by the application server, the functions can be distributed with the existing system. It is possible to reduce the work load of function normality verification.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the priority operator information of the application server includes the operator identification number assigned to the called number of the call information in the converted call information. Change permission information indicating the converted call information to be changed to the operator identification number of the call category indicated in the caller information, in association with the calling number of the call information, and further storing, When the carrier identification number determination unit determines that the carrier identification number is attached to the called number, the calling number and the call classification determination unit included in the converted call information are determined. The operator identification number of the network operator of the transmission destination of the converted call information is acquired from the priority operator information using the call category as a key, and the operator identification number attached to the called number And the acquired carrier identification number Is determined, and if the determination does not match, referring to the change permission information with the calling number as a key, the change permission of the operator identification number is indicated, 2. The apparatus according to claim 1, further comprising an operator identification number changing unit that changes an operator identification number assigned to the called number to the acquired operator identification number and transmits the changed identification number to the subscriber server. The communication system described was used.

  Further, in the invention according to claim 5, the priority operator information of the application server includes the operator identification number assigned to the called number of the call information in the converted call information. The change permission information indicating the converted call information to be changed is associated with the call number of the call information and further stored in the caller identification number of the call category indicated in the priority caller information. When it is determined that the carrier identification number is attached to the called number, the priority carrier information is set using the calling number and the determined call classification included in the converted calling information as a key. The operator identification number of the operator of the circuit network to which the converted call information is transmitted is acquired, and the operator identification number assigned to the called number matches the acquired operator identification number. Whether or not If they do not match, the change permission information is referenced using the calling party number as a key, and when the change permission of the carrier identification number is indicated, the carrier identification number attached to the called number is acquired. The communication method according to claim 4, further comprising the step of transmitting to the subscriber server after changing to the business operator identification number.

  In this way, the application server gives priority to the carrier identification number when the carrier identification number of the carrier different from the carrier indicated in the priority carrier information is attached to the called party number. Change to the carrier identification number indicated in the carrier information and transmit to the subscriber server. Therefore, in the IP telephone network, even if a carrier identification number different from the registered business operator is added to the call information, the registered business operator identification number is changed to the registered business operator identification number. It becomes possible to connect the line via the person's line network.

  The invention according to claim 3, when the provider identification number changing unit of the application server changes the provider identification number attached to the called party number to the acquired provider identification number. An operator identification number change notifying unit for assigning, to the converted call information, operator identification number change information indicating that the operator identification number attached to is changed to the acquired operator identification number, The provider identification number change unit further includes the caller information to which the provider identification number change information is added by the provider identification number change notification unit, and transmits the call information to the subscriber server. The communication system according to Item 2 is adopted.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the business operator attached to the called number when the application server changes the business operator identification number attached to the called number to the acquired business operator identification number. Further executing the step of assigning to the converted call information the carrier identification number change information indicating that the identification number has been changed to the acquired carrier identification number, and the carrier identification number change information is The communication method according to claim 5, wherein a step of transmitting the given call information to the subscriber server is executed.

  In this way, as in the case of the service on the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN), whether or not to provide guidance for notifying the caller that the operator identification number has been changed is determined. The operator specified by the number can make a determination using the operator identification number change information attached to the call information.

  ADVANTAGE OF THE INVENTION According to this invention, the communication system and communication method which enable provision of a provider selection service in an IP telephone network can be provided.

It is a figure which shows an example of the communication system which provides the provider selection service which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of the subscriber server which concerns on this embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the structural example of intranet AS (application server) which concerns on this embodiment. It is a figure which shows an example of a data structure of priority provider DB (priority provider information) which concerns on this embodiment. In the communication system which concerns on this embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows a flow which performs a provider identification number provision process and provides a provider selection service. In the communication system which concerns on this embodiment, it is a sequence diagram which shows a flow which performs a provider identification number change process and provides a provider selection service. It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a provider identification number provision process in a public switched telephone network (PSTN). It is a figure for demonstrating the flow of a provider identification number change process in a public switched telephone network (PSTN).

  Next, modes for carrying out the present invention (referred to as “embodiments”) will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate.

  In the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment, an in-network application server (hereinafter referred to as “in-network AS”) 4 for providing a provider selection service is provided, and functions such as routing in the conventional IP telephone network are as follows: When the existing apparatus executes, an operator selection service is realized in the IP telephone network.

  FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication system 100 that provides a provider selection service according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the communication system 100 includes, as an IP telephone network, a subscriber server 3 that accommodates a subscriber terminal 1 via an IP converter 2, a relay server 6 that relays call control signals, In addition to the IP-GW (gateway) 5 connected to the IP telephone carrier network and the PSTN-GW (gateway) 7 connected to the other PSTN telephone network, a network for realizing the operator selection service An internal AS (application server) 4 is provided. Note that the IP conversion device 2 is a device that converts call control signals and voice signals from the subscriber terminal 1 into signals used on the IP telephone network. Also good.

  As a configuration of the communication system 100, a function for providing a provider selection service is not provided in, for example, the subscriber server 3, but is provided in an in-network AS (application server) 4 connected to each subscriber server 3. It was. As a result, the operator selection service as an additional service is processed by the intra-network AS 4, so that the functions can be distributed with the existing system, and functions can be added to the subscriber server 3 etc. of the conventional IP telephone system. It is possible to reduce the workload for verifying the normality of existing functions.

≪Process outline≫
First, the outline | summary of the process which implement | achieves the provider selection service which the communication system 100 which concerns on this embodiment performs is demonstrated using FIG.

  The subscriber server 3 receives a call signal (call information) from the subscriber terminal 1 via the IP conversion device 2. Then, the subscriber server 3 refers to a database (“additional service contract DB 310” in FIG. 2 to be described later) that stores the contract status of the user's operator selection service, and sends a call signal for providing the operator selection service. Is determined to be routed to the intra-network AS4 (additional service subscription determination) (S1). Here, even if an additional service contract for the operator selection service is made, the call signal is not routed to the intra-network AS 4 when the call is made to a specific number. Here, the specific number is a number such as “110”, “118”, “119”, “177”, “0120 (free dial (registered trademark))”, “0990 (dial Q2 (registered trademark))”, or the like.

  Next, when the subscriber server 3 determines in the supplementary service subscription determination (S1) that the call signal is routed to the intra-network AS 4, the call signal is routed by the subscriber server 3 to the intra-network AS 4. . Then, the network AS 4 determines the call classification (S 2), the carrier identification number (S 3), the carrier identification number assignment (S 4), the carrier identification number change (S 5), the carrier identification number change information ( Each process such as S6) is performed, and the calling signal with the registered operator identification number is returned to the subscriber server 3. Based on the call signal, the subscriber server 3 transmits the call signal to any of the IP-GW 5, the relay server 6, the PSTN-GW 7, and the like toward the registered operator's telephone network. In this way, the service provider selection service is provided.

<< System configuration >>
Next, the configuration of each device configuring the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment will be specifically described with reference to FIGS.

(Subscriber server)
FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the subscriber server 3 according to the present embodiment. The subscriber server 3 is a device that manages the call state, determines the transmission destination of the call signal and the response signal, and manages the service contract information of the subscriber terminal 1 accommodated by the subscriber server 3. And an additional service subscription determination unit 32, a specific number determination unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit is realized by a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information.

  The connection control unit 31 determines the transmission destination of the call signal and the response signal, and performs control to transmit via the communication unit. Specifically, a call signal with a carrier identification number is received from the AS 4 in the network, and a communication network of a carrier to which the call signal is transmitted is determined and transmitted using the carrier identification number. . The supplementary service subscription determination unit 32 refers to a supplementary service contract DB 310 stored later in the storage unit 34, and whether the supplementary service contract of the operator selection service is made with the calling number attached to the call signal as a key. Determine. When the additional service subscription determination unit 32 determines that the usage contract for the additional service is concluded, the additional service subscription determination unit 32 transmits the call signal to the intra-network AS 4. The specific number determination unit 33 refers to a specific number DB 320 stored later in the storage unit 34 and determines whether or not the calling number attached to the call signal is a specific number such as “110”. Note that the connection control unit 31 issues a control not to re-access the same intra-network AS 4 so as not to perform a loop process in which a call signal once transmitted to the intra-network AS 4 is received and transmitted to the intra-network AS 4 again. It may be performed for a call signal.

  The connection control unit 31, the additional service subscription determination unit 32, and the specific number determination unit 33 are realized by a program execution process by a CPU (Central Processing Unit) included in the subscriber server 3, a dedicated circuit, or the like. When each process of the subscriber server 3 is realized by a program execution process, the storage unit 34 stores a program for realizing the function of the subscriber server 3.

  The storage unit 34 is a storage unit that stores information received by the connection control unit 31 via the communication unit, and is realized by a RAM (Random Access Memory), an HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or the like. The storage unit 34 includes an additional service contract DB (additional service contract information) 310 and a specific number DB 320.

  The additional service contract DB (additional service contract information) 310 is a database in which the calling number of a user who has contracted an additional service such as an operator selection service is registered. For example, if the user subscribes to the business selection service, “used” is registered in association with the calling number.

  The specific number DB 320 is a database in which specific numbers such as “110”, “119”, and “0120 (free dial)” are stored.

(Application server in the network)
FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram showing a configuration example of the intranet AS (application server) 4 according to the present embodiment.
The network AS 4 is connected to the subscriber server 3 and receives a call signal from the subscriber server 3, so that an operator selection service such as call classification determination, provider identification number assignment, and operator identification number change is provided. Each process for realizing is executed. The network AS 4 includes a call classification determination unit 41, an operator identification number determination unit 42, an operator identification number assigning unit 43, an operator identification number change unit 44, and an operator identification number change notification unit 45. And a storage unit 46 and a communication unit (not shown). The communication unit is realized by a communication interface for transmitting and receiving information.

  The call classification determination unit 41 receives a call signal from the subscriber server 3 and installs the installation area of the subscriber terminal 1 having the calling number included in the call signal and the installation of the subscriber terminal 1 having the dial number (called number). The area is identified with reference to the number section DB 410, and the call classification of the call is “city”, “prefectural out-of-prefecture”, “outside prefectural”, or “international” from the combination of the identified installation areas. Determine whether.

  The carrier identification number determination unit 42 determines whether or not a carrier identification number is added to the dial number (called number) of the call signal.

  The business operator identification number assigning unit 43 determines the priority business enterprise DB 420 to be described later in the storage unit 46 when the business enterprise identification number determination unit 42 determines that the business operator identification number is not attached to the call signal. With reference to the calling signal, the operator identification number of the operator registered in the call category is assigned to the call signal based on the calling number included in the call signal and the call category determined by the call category determining unit 41. Then, the business operator identification number assigning unit 43 transmits the call signal assigned with the business operator identification number to the subscriber server 3 via the communication unit.

  The carrier identification number changing unit 44 refers to the priority carrier DB 420 (FIG. 4) when the carrier identification number determination unit 42 determines that the carrier identification number is attached to the call signal. Whether or not the operator identification number assigned to the dial number (called number) of the calling signal matches the operator identification number of the operator registered in the call category determined by the call category determining unit 41 judge. Then, when the carrier identification numbers match, the carrier identification number changing unit 44 transmits a call signal to the subscriber server 3 via the communication unit without changing the carrier identification number. On the other hand, when the operator identification numbers do not match, the operator identification number changing unit 44 refers to the change permission information 421 registered in the priority operator DB 420. The change permission information 421 includes the carrier identification number of the carrier registered in the priority carrier DB 420 for the calling signal in which the carrier identification number of the carrier other than the registered carrier is designated. Indicates the permission to forcibly change. When the change permission information 421 is “permitted”, the carrier identification number is changed to the carrier identification number of the carrier registered in the priority carrier DB 420 and a call signal is transmitted to the subscriber server 3. On the other hand, when the change permission information 421 does not permit, the call signal is transmitted to the subscriber server 3 without changing the carrier identification number assigned to the dial number (called number) of the call signal.

  The business operator identification number change notification unit 45 has the business operator identification number changing unit 44 registered the business operator identification number assigned to the dial number (called number) of the outgoing call signal registered in the priority business operator DB 420. When the number is changed, the carrier identification number change information indicating that the carrier identification number has been changed is added to the calling signal. Then, the business operator identification number change notification unit 45 transmits the calling signal to which the business operator identification number change information is given to the subscriber server 3 via the business operator identification number change unit 44.

  The call category determination unit 41, the operator identification number determination unit 42, the operator identification number assigning unit 43, the operator identification number change unit 44, and the operator identification number change notification unit 45 are included in the CPU included in the network AS4. It is realized by the program execution process by the above, a dedicated circuit or the like. When each process of the network AS 4 is realized by a program execution process, the storage unit 46 stores a program for realizing the function of the network AS 4.

  The storage unit 46 is a storage unit that stores information received from the subscriber server 3 via the communication unit, and is realized by a RAM, an HDD, or the like. Further, the storage unit 46 includes a number division DB (number division information) 410 and a priority operator DB (priority operator information) 420.

  The number section DB (number section information) 410 stores an installation area (number section) in association with a telephone number band such as an area code of a subscriber terminal, and a station number (“010”) indicating an international call. Information about is stored. Based on this number division DB 410, the installation area of each subscriber terminal 1 for the calling number and dial number (called number) is specified, and the call classification is “city” or “prefecture city” depending on the combination of the specified installation areas. It is possible to determine whether it is “outside prefecture” or “international”. For example, this number section DB 410 stores the installation area “Tokyo 23 wards, etc.” in association with the telephone number band “03-BCDE” (“3” is the area code and “BCDE” is the city code). Then, the installation area “Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture” is stored in association with the telephone number band “045-CDE” (“45” is the area code and “CDE” is the city code).

  In the priority provider DB (priority provider information) 420, businesses that should be prioritized are registered in each of “city”, “prefecture outside the prefecture”, “outside prefecture” and “international” in association with the calling number (subscriber line). . Further, the priority provider DB 420 stores change permission information 421 indicating that the call identification signal is a call signal for permitting change of the provider identification number to the provider identification number registered in the priority provider DB 420. .

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of a data configuration of the priority provider DB (priority provider information) 420 according to the present embodiment. For example, the calling signal with the calling number “0A ₀ B _{0 to} J ₀ ” is “00X ₁ Y ₁ (Company A)” in the city, “00X ₂ Y ₂ (Company B)” outside the prefecture, Indicates that “00X ₃ Y ₃ (Company C)” and “00X ₄ Y ₄ (Company D)” are registered as priority businesses in the international market. In addition, since the change permission information 421 is registered as “permitted”, even if a call is made by dialing a carrier identification number of a carrier other than the carrier registered in each call category, the priority business is forcibly It is shown that the contract is for using the service for changing to the operator identification number of the operator of the corresponding call category registered in the operator DB 420.

  Returning to FIG. 1, the IP-GW 5 is connected to the subscriber server 3, the relay server 6, another provider's IP telephone network, and the like, and the signal in its own IP telephone network is communicated with the other provider's IP telephone network. It is a gateway gateway device that converts a signal determined between them and transmits it to the IP telephone network of another provider. The IP-GW 5 converts a signal from another operator's IP telephone network into a signal in its own IP telephone network, and performs transmission.

  The relay server 6 is connected to the subscriber server 3, IP-GW 5, PSTN-GW 7, etc., and routes call control signals and response signals received from other devices in its own IP telephone network, thereby enabling call control signals. It is a device that relays.

  The PSTN-GW 7 is a gateway device that is connected to the subscriber server 3, the relay server 6, the PSTN, etc., converts a signal of its own IP telephone network into a signal negotiated with another PSTN, and transmits the signal to another PSTN. is there. In addition, the PSTN-GW 7 converts a signal from another PSTN into a signal in its own IP telephone network and performs transmission.

<Operation procedure>
Next, an operation procedure of the communication system 100 that provides the provider selection service according to the present embodiment will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 1 to 4 and FIGS. 5 and 6. FIG. 5 shows a case where a call signal is transmitted from the subscriber terminal 1 without dialing the carrier identification number by the user, and the carrier identification number is given to the call signal by the communication system 100 (provider identification). Numbering). FIG. 6 shows a case where the user dials the carrier identification number different from the carrier identification number of the carrier registered in the call category and sends a call signal. The case where the operator identification number is changed (change of the operator identification number) is shown. In the present embodiment, description will be made assuming that SIP is used as a call control protocol in the IP telephone network.

  FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of providing a provider selection service by performing a provider identification number assigning process in the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment.

First, when the subscriber terminal 1 is off-hooked by the user and a signal is transmitted (step S101), a dial tone (DT) is transmitted from the IP conversion device 2 (step S102). Then, the telephone number “0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ” is dialed by the user without the business operator identification number (step S103). Subsequently, the IP conversion device 2 converts the call signal (INVITE) of the protocol (SIP) used on the IP telephone network and transmits it to the subscriber server 3 (step S104).

Next, the connection control unit 31 of the subscriber server 3 receives the call signal (INVITE). Then, the specific number determination unit 33 acquires a dial number (called number) and refers to the specific number DB 320 to determine whether or not the dial number is a specific number such as “110” and “119” (step S110). S105). Here, for the dial numbers “0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ”, the specific number determination unit 33 determines that the dial number is not a specific number.

  Subsequently, the supplementary service subscription determination unit 32 of the subscriber server 3 refers to the supplementary service contract DB 310 using the calling number added to the call signal (INVITE), and the user uses the contract for using the provider selection service. It is determined whether or not the process is performed (step S106). Here, since the use contract is made, it is assumed that the calling number is registered as “used” in the additional service contract DB 310. If the additional service subscription determination unit 32 determines that the usage contract is “used”, the additional service subscription determination unit 32 transmits a call signal (INVITE) to the intra-network AS 4 (step S107).

  The call classification determination unit 41 of the intra-network AS 4 receives the call signal (INVITE) from the subscriber server 3 and refers to the number partition DB 410 based on the calling number and the dialed number (called number) to call the call. It is determined whether the classification is “inside the city”, “outside the prefecture”, “outside the prefecture”, or “international” (step S108).

Next, the carrier identification number determination unit 42 of the intra-network AS 4 determines whether or not a carrier identification number is added to the dial number (called number) of the calling signal (INVITE) (step S109). Here, the dial number is “0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ”, and the business operator identification number determination unit 42 determines that the business operator identification number is not attached.

Subsequently, the carrier identification number assigning unit 43 of the network AS 4 refers to the priority carrier DB 420 to determine the calling number included in the calling signal and the call classification determined by the call classification determining unit 41 in step S108. Based on the call classification, the operator identification number of the operator registered in the call category is assigned to the calling signal (INVITE) (step S110). Here, the operator identification number “00XY” is assigned, and the called number is “00XY0A ₁ B _{1 to} J ₁ ”. Then, the provider identification number assigning unit 43 transmits a call signal (INVITE) to which the provider identification number is assigned to the subscriber server 3 (step S111).

  The subscriber server 3 that has received the call signal (INVITE) with the carrier identification number refers to the carrier identification number of the call signal (INVITE) and refers to the IP-GW 5, the relay server 6, and the PSTN- A device that can be connected to the registered operator is selected from the GW 7 and the like, and routing is executed (steps S112 and S113).

  In this way, in the IP telephone network, it is possible to connect the line via the registered carrier's line network even when the carrier identification number is not attached to the call signal. . In addition, since the processing related to the operator selection service as an additional service is processed in the network AS 4, the functions can be distributed with the existing system, and functions can be added to the subscriber server 3 in the conventional IP telephone system. It is possible to reduce the workload for verifying the normality of existing functions.

  FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram showing a flow of performing the operator identification number changing process and providing the operator selection service in the communication system 100 according to the present embodiment.

First, a subscriber number “00XY ₁ ” different from the operator registered in the corresponding call category is attached to the subscriber terminal 1 by the user, and the destination telephone number “00XY ₁ 0A ₁ B ₁ -J” is added. ₁ "is dialed (steps S201 to S203).

Subsequently, by the same processing as Steps S104 to S107 in FIG. 5 (Steps S204 to S207), the call category determination unit 41 of the intra-network AS4 identifies the operator different from the operator registered from the subscriber server 3. The calling signal (INVITE) with the number “00XY ₁ ” is received. Then, the call classification determination unit 41 refers to the number section DB 410 based on the calling number and the dialed number (called number), and the call classification of the call is “local”, “prefectural toll”, “outside prefecture”, “international”. Is determined (step S208).

Next, the carrier identification number determination unit 42 of the intra-network AS 4 determines whether or not the carrier identification number is added to the dial number (called number) of the call signal (INVITE) (step S209). Here, the carrier identification number determination unit 42 determines that the carrier identification number “00XY ₁ ” is attached to the call signal (INVITE).

Then, the carrier identification number changing unit 44 of the network AS 4 refers to the priority carrier DB 420 (see FIG. 4), and the carrier identification number attached to the dial number (called number) of the call signal is the call classification. It is determined whether or not it matches the operator identification number of the operator registered in the call category determined by the determination unit 41. Here, the carrier identification number changing unit 44 uses the carrier identification number registered in the priority carrier DB 420 (here, “00XY”) for the carrier identification number “00XY ₁ ” attached to the call signal (INVITE). )). When the business identification numbers do not match, the business operator identification number changing unit 44 refers to the change permission information 421 registered in the priority business operator DB 420. Then, assuming that the change permission information 421 corresponding to the calling number of the calling signal is “permitted”, the carrier identification number changing unit 44 has registered the carrier identification number “00XY ₁ ” in the priority carrier DB 420. The operator identification number is changed to “00XY” (step S210).

  Subsequently, the operator identification number change notifying unit 45 of the intra-network AS 4 has the operator identification number changing unit 44 assigns the operator identification number assigned to the dial number (called number) of the calling signal to the priority operator DB 420. The business operator identification number change information indicating that the business operator identification number has been registered is added to the calling signal (step S211). Then, the business operator identification number change notification unit 45 transmits the call signal (INVITE) to which the business operator identification number change information is given to the subscriber server 3 via the business operator identification number change unit 44 (step). S212).

  The subscriber server 3 that has received the calling signal (INVITE) with the registered carrier identification number “00XY” and the carrier identification number change information receives the carrier identification attached to the calling signal (INVITE). With reference to the number, routing is performed so as to pass through the registered operator network (steps S213 and S214).

In this way, even if a carrier identification number different from the registered carrier is added to the calling signal in the IP telephone network, the registered carrier carrier identification number is changed. Thus, it becomes possible to connect the line via the registered business operator.
In addition, as in the case of the service on the conventional public switched telephone network (PSTN), whether or not to provide guidance for notifying the caller that the carrier identification number has been changed is specified by the carrier identification number. The business operator can make a determination using the business operator identification number change information attached to the call signal.

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1 Subscriber terminal 2 IP converter 3 Subscriber server 4 AS in network (application server)
5 IP-GW
6 Relay server 7 PSTN-GW
31 Connection Control Unit 32 Additional Service Subscription Determination Unit 33 Specific Number Determination Unit 34, 46 Storage Unit 41 Call Classification Determination Unit 42 Operator Identification Number Determination Unit 43 Operator Identification Number Assignment Unit 44 Operator Identification Number Change Unit 45 Operator Identification Number change notification unit 100 Communication system 310 Additional service contract DB (additional service contract information)
320 specific number DB
410 Number section DB (number section information)
420 Priority Operator DB (Priority Operator Information)

Claims (6)

An IP conversion device that converts call information sent from a subscriber terminal into a protocol used on an IP network, receives the converted call information from the IP conversion device, and receives the converted call information. A subscriber server for transmitting call information to the application server, a network network operator to which the converted call information is to be transmitted are determined, and the carrier identification number of the determined service provider is determined. A communication system for providing an operator selection service for selecting an operator of a circuit network to which the call information is transmitted, comprising: the application server that provides call information and returns the call server to the subscriber server;
The subscriber server is
A storage unit for storing additional service contract information indicating the calling number for which a contract for use of the operator selection service is concluded among calling numbers for identifying subscriber lines of the subscriber terminals;
Whether the converted call information is received from the IP conversion device, the additional service contract information is referenced using the calling number included in the converted call information as a key, and the use contract is concluded An additional service subscription determination unit that transmits the converted call information to the application server when it is determined that the use contract is concluded;
From the application server, the converted call information to which the carrier identification number is assigned is received, and a communication network of a carrier to which the converted call information is transmitted using the carrier identification number A connection control unit that determines and transmits the converted call information to the determined operator's communication network, and
The application server is
(1) Number section information indicating an installation area for each telephone number band of the subscriber terminal, and (2) an installation area of the subscriber terminal of the calling number and a subscriber of the called number that is the destination of the call information For each call category specified by the combination with the terminal installation area, the priority operator indicating the operator identification number of the operator to be routed preferentially over other operators in association with the calling number A storage unit for storing information;
Receiving the converted call information from the subscriber server, and referring to the number partition information, the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the calling number and the called number included in the converted call information is referred to A call category determination unit that identifies and determines the call category of the converted call information from a combination of an installation area of the subscriber terminal of the identified calling number and an installation area of the subscriber terminal of the called number;
An operator identification number determination unit that determines whether the operator identification number is attached to the called number included in the converted call information;
When the carrier identification number determination unit determines that the carrier identification number is not attached, the calling number included in the converted call information and the call classification determined by the call classification determination unit are keyed As a result, the operator identification number of the carrier of the circuit network to which the converted call information is transmitted is acquired from the priority operator information, and the acquired operator identification number is converted into the converted call information. Assigning and transmitting to the subscriber server an operator identification number giving unit;
A communication system comprising: The priority operator information of the application server includes a carrier identification number assigned to the called number of the call information in the converted call information, in a call classification indicated in the priority operator information. The change identification information indicating the converted call information to be changed to the operator identification number is further stored in association with the call number of the call information,
When the carrier identification number determination unit determines that the carrier identification number is attached to the called number, the calling number and the call classification determination unit included in the converted call information are determined. The operator identification number of the network operator of the transmission destination of the converted call information is acquired from the priority operator information using the call category as a key, and the operator identification number attached to the called number And whether or not the acquired operator identification number matches, and if the determination does not match, the change permission information is changed with reference to the change permission information using the calling number as a key. Is changed, the operator identification number attached to the called number is changed to the acquired operator identification number, and the operator identification number changing unit for transmitting to the subscriber server,
The communication system according to claim 1, further comprising: The application server is
When the business operator identification number changing unit changes the business operator identification number attached to the called party number to the acquired business operator identification number, the business operator identification number attached to the called business number is the acquired business. A business operator identification number change notification unit that gives business operator identification number change information indicating that the business operator identification number has been changed to the converted call information;
The said provider identification number change part transmits the said call information to which the said provider identification number change information was provided by the said provider identification number change notification part to the said subscriber server. The communication system described. An IP conversion device that converts call information sent from a subscriber terminal into a protocol used on an IP network, receives the converted call information from the IP conversion device, and receives the converted call information. A subscriber server for transmitting call information to the application server, a network network operator to which the converted call information is to be transmitted are determined, and the carrier identification number of the determined service provider is determined. A communication method for providing a provider selection service for selecting a provider of a transmission line network to which the call information is transmitted, the application server being provided with call information and returning to the subscriber server Because
The subscriber server is
A storage unit for storing additional service contract information indicating the calling number for which a contract for use of the operator selection service is made among the calling numbers for identifying the subscriber lines of the subscriber terminals;
Whether the converted call information is received from the IP conversion device, the additional service contract information is referenced using the calling number included in the converted call information as a key, and the use contract is concluded Determining and executing the step of transmitting the converted call information to the application server when it is determined that the use contract is concluded;
The application server is
(1) Number section information indicating an installation area for each telephone number band of the subscriber terminal, and (2) an installation area of the subscriber terminal of the calling number and a subscriber of the called number that is the destination of the call information For each call category specified by the combination with the terminal installation area, the priority operator indicating the operator identification number of the operator to be routed preferentially over other operators in association with the calling number A storage unit for storing information;
Receiving the converted call information from the subscriber server, and referring to the number partition information, the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the calling number and the called number included in the converted call information is referred to Determining the call classification of the converted call information from a combination of the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the specified calling number and the installation area of the subscriber terminal of the called number;
Determining whether the carrier identification number is attached to the called number included in the converted call information;
When it is determined that the operator identification number is not attached, the converted from the priority operator information using the calling number included in the converted call information and the determined call classification as a key Obtaining the operator identification number of the carrier of the transmission line of the call information, assigning the acquired operator identification number to the converted call information, and transmitting to the subscriber server; Run,
The subscriber server is
From the application server, the converted call information to which the carrier identification number is assigned is received, and a communication network of a carrier to which the converted call information is transmitted using the carrier identification number A step of determining and transmitting the converted call information to the communication network of the determined operator is executed. The priority operator information of the application server includes a carrier identification number assigned to the called number of the call information in the converted call information, in a call classification indicated in the priority operator information. The change identification information indicating the converted call information to be changed to the operator identification number is further stored in association with the call number of the call information,
When it is determined that the carrier identification number is attached to the called number, the calling number included in the converted call information and the determined call classification are used as a key from the priority carrier information. Obtaining the carrier identification number of the carrier of the circuit network that is the destination of the converted call information, whether the carrier identification number attached to the called number matches the obtained carrier identification number If the determination does not match, the change permission information is referred to using the calling number as a key, and the change of the operator identification number is indicated. Changing the acquired operator identification number to the acquired operator identification number and transmitting it to the subscriber server,
The communication method according to claim 4, further executed. The application server is
When the operator identification number assigned to the called number is changed to the acquired operator identification number, the operator identification number assigned to the called number is changed to the acquired operator identification number. Further comprising the step of assigning the operator identification number change information to the converted call information,
The communication method according to claim 5, wherein a step of transmitting the call information to which the provider identification number change information is added to the subscriber server is executed.

Images