JP4481971B2 - COMMUNICATION DEVICE, COMMUNICATION METHOD, AND COMMUNICATION PROGRAM - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication device, a communication method, and a communication program for communicatively connecting an in-home device connected to a home network and an out-of-home device connected to an outside network.

  2. Description of the Related Art PCs (Personal Computers) and information home appliances with advanced functions have been widely used in the past as information in the home has been advanced. These information appliances can use many services such as Web browsing, music / video viewing, and content download using IP (Internet Protocol) as a communication means.

  In general, information home appliances such as WebTV that can use such services are connected to the Internet by inputting a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) from the remote control to the address field of the WEB browser by the user,・ Use services such as video viewing and content download. Thus, various techniques for reducing the burden on the user when connecting to the Internet or inputting a URL are disclosed.

  For example, as a technology for reducing the input load of URL, Japanese URL (see Non-Patent Document 1) that can input easy-to-understand and easy-to-remember Japanese instead of inputting English and alphabet that are difficult to understand and difficult to remember. There is a technique for inputting a telephone number (see Non-Patent Document 2).

Yoshiro Yoneya, “Network Liberal Arts Lecture 14th -Now for Japanese Domain Names”, Nikkei NETWORK, May 2004, p158-p161 “(Language) Web address notation by phone number”, Nikkei Communications, March 1, 2001, p75

  By the way, when the above-described conventional technology connects a home device (for example, Web) connected to a home network and an external device connected to an external network that provides various services, the Web or the like is usually used. For users who do not use Japanese, there is a problem that even if the phone number is Japanese, it is difficult to input the URL with the remote controller, which places a heavy burden on the user.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems of the prior art, and includes a home device connected to a home network and a home device connected to a home network without burden on the user. An object is to provide a communication device, a communication method, and a communication program that can be easily connected.

In order to solve the above-described problems and achieve the object, the present invention provides an in-home apparatus having a communication means based on the HTTP standard without a session-type communication means connected to the home network, and a communication means based on the HTTP standard. A communication device that is communicably connected to an external device connected to an external network having a predetermined number of indoor devices and a predetermined external device in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. Special number control information storage means for storing control information for controlling the communication by communication based on the HTTP standard, and when a dial signal is received from a home numeric keypad device provided with the numeric keypad, refer to the special number control information storage means, The dial signal is a communication request for establishing communication by the session type communication means or a specific number stored in the special number control information storage means. A special number determination means for determining whether or not the specific number is determined by the special number determination means, the control number stored in the special number control information storage means to the specific number According to the control information acquisition means for acquiring the associated control information and the control information acquired by the control information acquisition means, the remote device of the connection destination is specified, and the connection request based on the HTTP standard from the predetermined indoor device And a communication control means for transmitting a response to the specified in-home device as a redirect destination when the specified connection-destination external device is received .

In addition, the present invention communicates with a DLNA in-home device having communication means based on the DLNA standard without having a session-type communication means connected to the home network and an out-of-home device having content connected to the outside network. Special-number control information storage means for storing control information for acquiring specific content from the predetermined outside device in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad, which is a communication device connected in a possible manner When a dial signal is received from an in-house numeric keypad device equipped with the numeric keypad, the special number control information storage means is referred to and the dial signal is a communication request for establishing communication by the session type communication means or the special number. Special number determination means for determining whether or not the specific number is stored in the control information storage means, and the specific number is determined by the special number determination means Control information acquisition means for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage means when it is determined that the number is control number; and the control information acquisition means Content acquisition means for acquiring content specified by the control information acquired from the predetermined out-of-home device and storing it in the predetermined DLNA home device discovered based on a DLNA standard search request by the DLNA home device; , Provided.

Further, the present invention is the above invention, wherein the special number control information storage means is connected to the outside network, and the special number judgment means receives a dial signal from the in-home numeric keypad device. A specific number stored in the special number control information storage means or a communication request for establishing a communication by the session type communication means when the dial signal is connected to the special number control information means via the outside network It is characterized by determining whether or not.

Further, the present invention, in the above invention, further comprises a special number input receiving means provided with a numeric keypad for receiving the input of the specific number, and the control information acquisition means receives the specific number by the special number input receiving means. In this case, the control information associated with the specific number is acquired from the control information stored in the special number control information storage means.

Further, the present invention provides the control information associated with the specific number stored in the special number control information storage unit and the specific number stored in the special number control information storage unit. Is further provided with voice output means for reading out the above.

The present invention also provides an in-home apparatus having a communication unit based on the HTTP standard without having a session-type communication unit connected to the home network, and an out-of-home network connected to an external network having a communication unit based on the HTTP standard. A communication method suitable for a communication device that is communicably connected to a device, wherein the communication device receives a dial signal from an in-house numeric keypad device having the numeric keypad, and a specific number represented by the numeric keypad The special number control information storage unit that stores control information for controlling a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined out-of-home device by communication based on the HTTP standard, and the dial signal is the session type communication. A special number determination step for determining whether a communication request for establishing communication by means or a specific number stored in the special number control information storage unit; Control information acquisition for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage unit when the specific number is determined by the special number determination step In accordance with the control information acquired in the process and the control information acquisition step, and when the connection request according to the HTTP standard is received from the predetermined in-home device, the specified connection destination And a communication control step of transmitting a response with the external device as a redirect destination to the predetermined indoor device.

In addition, the present invention communicates with a DLNA in-home device having communication means based on the DLNA standard without having a session-type communication means connected to the home network and an out-of-home device having content connected to the outside network. A communication method suitable for a communication device that can be connected, and when the communication device accepts a dial signal from a home numeric keypad device having the numeric keypad, the communication method is associated with a specific number represented by the numeric keypad. , Referring to a special control information storage unit that stores control information for acquiring specific content from the predetermined outside device, and whether the dial signal is a communication request for establishing communication by the session type communication means The special number determination step for determining whether or not the specific number is stored in the special number control information storage unit, and the identification by the special number determination step A control information acquisition step of acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage means when the number is determined to be a number; and the control information acquisition step A content acquisition step of acquiring content specified by the control information acquired from the predetermined external device and storing the content in the predetermined DLNA indoor device discovered based on a DLNA standard search request by the DLNA indoor device; , Including.

Moreover, this invention makes a computer function as a communication apparatus as described in any one of Claims 1-5.

According to the present invention, control information for controlling communication between a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined outside device is stored in association with a specific number represented by the numeric keypad, and the in-home device provided with the numeric keypad When a dial signal is received, it is determined whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information storage means. If it is determined that the dial signal is a specific number, the stored control is determined. The control information associated with the specific number is acquired from the information, and the communication between the predetermined home device and the predetermined external device is controlled using the control information. It is possible to easily connect a home device connected to the network and a device outside the home connected to the external network.

  For example, when browsing a website using the Internet on a WebTV, a URL is entered from a remote controller or the like by inputting a specific number (for example, ## 02) for using the Internet with a numeric keypad such as a telephone. There is no need to input, and it is possible to easily browse a Web site using WebTV. In addition, when a videophone call is made during a call on the telephone, the camera is automatically set by simply entering a specific number (such as ** 001) for using the videophone on the telephone being used. It is possible to start up and use a videophone.

  Further, the relationship between the entire specific number and the corresponding control information is not fixed, and various control information can be combined. That is, the “access destination address” is associated with the specific number beginning with “#” as control information, the “number of access destination content” is associated with the specific number beginning with “##”, and “*” By associating “Details of Service to be Connected” with a specific number that starts, and by associating “Auxiliary Information of Service Content (such as download destination)” with a specific number that starts with “**”, various specific numbers can be assigned. They can be combined and various control information can be specified.

According to the present invention, the special number control information storage means is connected to the outside network, and when a dial signal is received from the in-house numeric keypad device, the special number control information means is provided via the outside network. , And whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information storage means can be further reduced.

  For example, if there is a plurality of Web devices that can be requested to manage control information by an SP or the like that is connected to an outside network and provides various services, and there is a plurality of Web devices that can use the Internet, the “favorites ( "Bookmark)" does not need to be individually registered, and can be collectively managed as "favorites" common to all apparatuses or other home networks.

Further, according to the present invention, the connection destination information indicating the connection relationship between the predetermined indoor device and the predetermined external device is stored in association with the specific number expressed by the numeric keypad, If it is determined that the number is a connection number, the connection destination information associated with the specific number is acquired from the stored connection destination information, and the predetermined home device and the predetermined home are acquired using the connection destination information. Since it connects to an external device, favorite websites that are frequently browsed are associated with specific numbers in advance and stored, so that it is possible to search favorite websites without inputting time-consuming URLs or searching websites. It is possible to browse the site easily and quickly.

  In addition, when there are multiple Web devices that can use the Internet, it is not necessary to individually register “Favorites (Bookmarks)” of each Web device, and it is possible to collectively manage “Favorites” common to all devices. It is.

Further, according to the present invention, the communication contents executed between the in-home device and the out-of-home device are stored in association with the specific number expressed by the numeric keypad, and the specific number is used. If it is determined, the communication content associated with the specific number is acquired from the stored communication content, and the communication content is used between the predetermined indoor device and the predetermined external device. Since communication services are executed, frequently used services (for example, content downloads, music, movie viewing services, videophones, etc.) are associated with specific numbers in advance and stored, which makes it difficult to enter URLs It is possible to easily and quickly execute a frequently used service without searching a Web site.

Further, according to the present invention, the predetermined in-home device is set to another other device as a connection destination at the time of start-up, and the predetermined in-home device and the predetermined out-of-home device are connected. In addition, since the address information of a predetermined external device is set in another device, it is connected to the home network in association with a predetermined specific number without making a special setting in the device connected to the home network. It is possible to control a device to be connected and a device connected to the outside network.

  For example, when a specific number for connecting the Internet using WebTV is input, the default access destination of WebTV is set in a communication device (for example, HGW), and when WebTV accesses the communication device, automatic execution such as redirection is performed. As a result of being able to connect to the Internet, it is possible to easily connect to the Internet using an existing WebTV without making any special settings for the WebTV.

In addition, according to the present invention, it further includes a special number input receiving means having a numeric keypad for receiving an input of a specific number, and when the specific number is received, it corresponds to the specific number from the stored control information Since the control information attached is acquired and communication between the predetermined in-home device and the predetermined out-of-home device is controlled using the control information, without using a device having a numeric keypad connected to the home network, Even if a specific number is directly input, various control processes can be executed based on the control information associated with the specific number.

  For example, when there is no telephone, by directly inputting a specific number, it is possible to execute various controls of devices connected to the home network, such as connecting to the Internet using WebTV.

Further, according to the present invention, since the predetermined specific number stored and the control information associated with the stored specific number are read out by voice, the specific number to be stored in advance is determined. There is no need to remember, and it is possible to further reduce the burden on the user.

  For example, if you forget the number to be entered during input, you can read out the specific number and control information stored by voice, so there is no need to remember and input, further reducing the burden on the user Is possible.

  Embodiments of a connection control device according to the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. The main terms used in the following embodiments, the outline and characteristics of the communication device according to the first embodiment, the configuration and processing procedure of the communication device according to the first embodiment, and the effects of the first embodiment will be described in order. Another embodiment will be described.

[Explanation of terms]
First, main terms used in this embodiment will be described. The “special number service processing device” used in the present embodiment is connected to a home device connected to a home network (for example, home LAN, home network, etc.) and an external network (for example, the Internet or IP network). A device that is communicably connected to an external device. As a specific example, the “special number service processing device” connects to the Internet, an IP network (Internet Protocol), or the like via the HGW and uses various services provided by an SP (Service Provider). The “special number service processing device” corresponds to the “communication device” recited in the claims.

  In addition, there are “Web server”, “Video server”, “Camera server”, and the like as an out-of-home device provided by the SP. The “Web server” is a device that provides services such as search sites and music downloads, the “Video server” is a device that provides services such as movie viewing and distribution, and the “camera server” is a Web server. It is a device that provides videophones and night views used in real time. Note that these servers are merely examples, and there are various out-of-home devices corresponding to services provided by the SP on the Internet.

  Further, as home devices connected to the home network, there are information home appliances such as “telephone”, “WebTV”, and “Web camera”, and the home network is configured by interconnecting these information home appliances. The “telephone” is a telephone having a numeric keypad such as an analog telephone or a VoIP telephone (in particular, shown as a VoIP telephone), and performing a call connection by specifying a destination by a dial signal. “WebTV” is a TV that can use the Internet, and can watch the WWW (World Wide Web) and send and receive e-mails while watching TV. The “Web camera” can make a videophone call or the like by connecting to a WebTV or the like while making a call using a telephone. The “telephone” corresponds to the “in-house numeric keypad device” described in the claims, and “WebTV” and “Web camera” correspond to the “predetermined home device” described in the claims.

  In addition to the information home appliances described above, information home appliances constituting such a home network are connected by using protocols such as DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) and UPnP (Universal Plug and Play) which are home appliance standardization technologies. There are various devices such as “server”, “hard disk recorder”, and “personal computer”.

  The “HGW (Home Gateway)” used in the present embodiment is a device that is communicably connected to a home network and an external network, and interconnects information appliances by performing address conversion, data replacement, and the like. . Specifically, it is arranged between the Internet and a home network, and includes a set-top box such as a home router, protocol conversion, firewall, firewall rule dynamic change function and broadcast reception function. For example, a request is transmitted from a WebTV installed in a home network, and a request for requesting information regarding a service provided to WebTV from an HDD or PC installed in the home network is received, or a request is sent to the home network. An Internet connection request is received from the installed WebTV, NAT conversion is performed, and the request is transmitted to the Internet network.

  In addition, the “HGW” has a function as a VoIP-GW (Vice Over Internet Protocol-Gateway) and an IP telephone adapter, and connects the home network and an external VoIP network. As a specific example, a dial number (call information) is received from an IP phone connected to a home network, and the dial number is transmitted to a call processing server connected to an external VoIP network. A call processing server, which will be described later, connects the dial signal transmission source and the connection destination using VoIP. Furthermore, “HGW” also has a function of connecting a telephone line of a home network and an external public switched telephone network PSTN (Public Switch Telephone Networks). As a specific example, a dial signal is received from an existing analog telephone connected to a home network, and the analog telephone and a connection destination are connected via an exchange or the like. The IP telephone adapter does not necessarily have to be built in the HGW, and may be connected to the home network as another device.

  Examples of devices connected to the VoIP network include a “call processing server” and a “VoIP terminal”. A “call processing server” is a device that connects terminals in response to a dial signal (call information), receives a dial signal via a VoIP network, acquires a connection destination from the dial number, Connect to the connection destination using VoIP. The “VoIP terminal” is a device such as an Internet telephone or a PC having a VoIP function, and is connected to a terminal that has transmitted a dial signal to the VoIP terminal by the “call information server” or is connected to the “call information server”. For example, a dial signal is transmitted.

[Outline and Features of Communication Device (Special Number Service Processing Device)]
Next, the outline and features of the special service processing apparatus (communication apparatus) according to the first embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 1, this system is configured by connecting various devices through a home network, the Internet, and a VoIP network. The home network is composed of a special service processing device, a telephone (VoIP telephone), WebTV, and HGW (VoIP GW). Each device connected to these home networks is connected to the Internet via the HGW, and is connected to a Web server, a Video server, and a camera server. Each device connected to the home network is connected to the VoIP network via the HGW and is connected to the call processing server and the VoIP terminal. In the Web server, “xx.todaysnews.co.jp” is set as the URL.

  With such a configuration, the special service processing apparatus according to the first embodiment is generally configured to be communicably connected to the home network and the external network as described above. The main feature is that it is possible to easily connect a home device such as a WebTV connected to a home network and an external device such as a Web server connected to the home network without burden.

  Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, the special number service processing device is associated with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad, and a home device such as a telephone or a WebTV and an external device such as a web server are associated with the special number service processing device. Control information for controlling communication with the apparatus is stored in the special number control information DB. Specifically, the special number control information DB is associated with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad and is connected to destination information indicating a connection relationship between a home device such as a telephone or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server, The contents of communication executed between an in-home device such as a telephone or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server are stored.

  For example, the special number control information DB includes “# 02 ** 01 ** 02,“ xx.todaysnews.co.jp ”displayed on WebTV” as “specific number, control information”, “# 00 * 02, “Destination and TV phone”, “# 01 ## 0002, save ntt.co.jp No.2 content in DLNA-NAS” and the like.

  When the special number service processing apparatus that stores such information in the special number control information DB receives a dial signal from a telephone with a numeric keypad, the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB. (See (1) and (2) in FIG. 1). As a specific example, when receiving an input of a dial signal (# 02 ** 01 ** 02) from the user, the telephone transmits the dial signal (# 02 ** 01 ** 02) to the special service processing apparatus via the HGW. Then, the special number service processing apparatus that has received the dial signal determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB.

  In the case of this example, the special number service processing apparatus stores the received dial number (# 02 ** 01 ** 02) in the special number control information DB, and therefore determines that the dial number is a specific number. For example, when the received dial number is “## 999”, the special service processing apparatus does not determine the dial number as a specific number.

  When it is determined that the special number service processing device is the specific number, the control number service processing apparatus acquires control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information DB, and the control number Information is used to control communication between a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined external device (see (3) and (4) in FIG. 1). Specifically, in the above example, the special service processing apparatus determines that the received dial number (# 02 ** 01 ** 02) is a specific number, and the control information corresponding to the dial number is “WebTV”. xx.todaynews.co.jp '"is acquired. Subsequently, the special service processing apparatus gives an instruction for starting a Web browser to WebTV and an instruction for accessing the URL “xx.todaysnews.co.jp” using the Web browser. Thereafter, the WebTV accesses the URL “xx.todaysnews.co.jp” and displays the TOP screen of “xx.todaynews.co.jp”.

  On the other hand, if the dial signal received by the telephone is “## 999” or the like and it is determined that the dial number is not a specific number, the special number service processing device determines that the dial number is a dial number for making a normal call. The number is transmitted to the HGW, and the HGW connects the telephone and the dial destination (call processing).

  As described above, the special service processing apparatus according to the first embodiment easily connects the WebTV connected to the home network and the Web server connected to the outside network without burden on the user as described above. Is possible.

[System configuration including special number service processor]
Next, the configuration of a system including the special service processing apparatus shown in FIG. 1 will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 2 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including the special service service processing apparatus according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of information stored in the special control information DB. As shown in FIG. 2, this system includes a special service processing apparatus 10, an HGW, a telephone (VoIP telephone), and a WebTV.

  Since the HGW, the VoIP telephone, and the WebTV have general functions as described in “Explanation of terms”, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The special service processing apparatus 10 includes a communication control I / F unit 11, a remote control unit 12, a service relay unit 13, a storage unit 14, and a control unit 20.

  The communication control I / F unit 11 controls communication related to various information exchanged with an HGW that is a home device, a telephone (VoIP phone), a WebTV, or a Web server that is an external device. To give concrete examples, a dial signal is received from a telephone (VoIP telephone) via the HGW, various control instructions are transmitted to the WebTV via the HGW, or a web server is accessed via the HGW. To do.

  The remote control unit 12 includes an infrared remote controller that performs power ON / OFF and the like by remote operation. Specifically, the power of the WebTV or the like is turned on or turned off according to an instruction from the communication control unit 24 described later.

  The service relay unit 13 has a function such as a Web server, becomes a default URL as an access destination from the WebTV, and notifies a redirect destination to the accessing device. Specifically, in the above example, the service relay unit 13 is designated as a WebTV default URL by the communication control unit 24 described later, and control information indicating a redirect destination of the Web server is set. Thereafter, when access is accepted from WebTV, the service relay unit 13 notifies the WebTV of the redirect destination, and the WebTV notified of the redirect destination connects to the web server of the outside device via the HGW.

  The storage unit 14 stores data and programs necessary for various types of processing by the control unit 20, and includes a special number control information DB 15 that is particularly closely related to the present invention. The special number control information DB 15 stores control information for controlling communication between a home device such as a telephone (VoIP phone) or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. To do. Specifically, the special number control information DB 15 is a connection indicating a connection relationship between a home device such as a telephone (VoIP phone) or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. The destination information and the contents of communication executed between a home device such as a telephone (VoIP phone) or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server are stored.

  Explaining with an example, as shown in (1) and (2) of FIG. 3, “# 00, xxx”, “#” as “a special number indicating a specific number” and “URL” indicating an access destination. 01, ntt.co.jp/number_service "," ## 0001, content No.0001 "," ## 0002, content NO.0002 ", and the like. Further, as shown in (3) and (4) of FIG. 3, “* 00, Web access”, “* 01, Web” as “a special number indicating a specific number” and “service content” indicating communication contents. “Access redirection”, “** 00, save in DLNA-NAS”, “** 01, save in NAS-external storage medium”, etc.

  The control unit 20 has an internal memory for storing a control program such as an OS (Operating System), a program that defines various processing procedures, and necessary data, and is particularly closely related to the present invention. The update unit 21, the special number determination unit 22, the VoIP transfer unit 23, and the communication control unit 24 are processing units that perform various processes. The special number determination unit 22 corresponds to the “special number determination unit” described in the claims, and the communication control unit 24 similarly corresponds to the “communication control unit”.

  The DB update unit 21 updates the special number control information DB 15. For example, the DB updating unit 21 registers a new specific number (## 0909) and control information (displays a program table on WebTV) and the like in the special number control information DB 15 by a user operation or the like. To do. Also, the DB update unit 21 deletes or changes a specific number or control content already registered in the special number control information DB 15.

  The special number determination unit 22 determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB 15 when a dial signal is received from a home device such as a telephone equipped with a numeric keypad. Specifically, in the above example, when the special number determination unit 22 receives “# 02 ** 01 ** 02” as a dial signal from a telephone equipped with a numeric keypad, the special number determination unit 22 refers to the special number control information DB 15, and the dial number is determined. Based on the fact that it is stored in the special number control information DB 15, it is determined that the number is a specific number, and the determination result is transmitted to the communication control unit 24 described later. On the other hand, upon receiving a dial signal such as “03-XXXX-XXXX” that is not stored in the special number control information DB 15, the special number determination unit 22 determines that the number is not a specific number and transmits the dial signal to the VoIP transfer unit 23 described later. To do.

  The VoIP transfer unit 23 transfers a dial signal that is not stored in the special number control information DB 15 received from the special number determination unit 22 to the HGW. Specifically, in the example described above, when a dial signal such as “03-XXXX-XXXX” transmitted after being determined by the special number determination unit 22 as not being a specific number is received, the VoIP transfer unit 23 receives the dial signal. Is transferred to the call processing server. The call processing server that has received the dial signal connects the connection destination and the telephone set based on the dial signal. Thereby, a normal conversation (call processing) such as a telephone can be performed.

  When it is determined that the specific number is determined by the special number determination unit 22, the communication control unit 24 is connected to the connection information or communication associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information DB 15. Control information such as contents is acquired, and communication between a home device such as a telephone and a WebTV and an external device of the Web server is controlled using the control information. Specifically, in the example described above, when the dial number “# 02 ** 01 ** 02” received by the special number determination unit 22 is determined to be a specific number, the communication control unit 24 sets the dial number. “Display 'xx.todaysnews.co.jp” on WebTV ”is acquired as control information corresponding to the number. Subsequently, the communication control unit 24 transmits an instruction to the remote control unit 12 to turn on the WebTV. Then, the communication control unit 24 specifies the default URL of the WebTV Web browser to the service relay unit 13 and sets the control to redirect to “xx.todaysnews.co.jp” to the WebTV Web browser in the service relay unit 13. To do.

  Thereafter, when the WebTV Web browser is activated by the communication control unit 24, the WebTV Web browser accesses the service relay unit 13. Then, the Web browser of WebTV receives the redirect from the service relay unit, accesses the URL “xx.todaynews.co.jp”, and displays the TOP screen of “xx.todaynews.co.jp”.

[Processing by a system including a special service processing device]
Next, the processing by the system including the special number service processing apparatus 10 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing performed by the system including the special service service processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the telephone receives input of a telephone number as a dial signal and transmits the telephone number to the HGW (step S401). The HGW that has received the telephone number as a dial signal transmits it to the special service processing apparatus 10 as the dial signal (steps S402 and S403).

  The special number determination unit 22 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 that has received the dial signal determines whether the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB 15 (step S404). If it is determined that the number is not a specific number, the VoIP transfer unit 23 of the special service processing apparatus 10 transfers the dial signal to the call processing server to instruct redirection (steps S405 and S406).

  Subsequently, the call processing server that has received the dial signal performs call processing for specifying a connection destination based on the dial signal (step S407), and transmits a message (for example, a call) to connect to the destination telephone. (Step S408), and a connection response is received from the other party (Step S409).

  Then, the call processing server transmits the response to the HGW (step S410), and then the HGW transmits the response to the telephone, thereby connecting the telephone and the other party telephone (step 411). . Thereafter, a call can be made between the connection source telephone and the connection destination telephone (step S412).

  After this, the telephone that is the connection source in-home device accepts the input of a dial signal (for example, # 02 ** 01 ** 02) as a special number from the call state, and transmits the dial signal to the HGW (step) S413). The HGW that has received the dial signal transmits the dial signal to the special service processing apparatus 10 (steps S414 and S415).

  Subsequently, the special number determination unit 22 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 that has received the dial signal determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB 15 (step S416 and step S416). S417). If it is determined that the number is a specific number, the communication control unit 24 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 selects the specific number (for example, # 02 * 01 *) from the control information stored in the special number control information DB 15. * 02) is acquired (for example, “xx.todaysnews.co.jp” is displayed on WebTV) (steps S418 and S419).

  Thereafter, the communication control unit 24 of the special service processing apparatus 10 sets various control information (for example, default URL, redirect destination, port number, etc.) in the service relay unit 13 (steps S420 and S421). More specifically, the default URL is set to “http: // default”, the redirect destination is set to “xx.todays.nes.co.jp”, and the port number is set to “80”.

  Then, the service relay unit 13 of the special service processing apparatus 10 transmits a message indicating that the setting is completed (for example, an ACK response) to the communication control unit 24 (step S422), and the communication control unit 24 sets the HGW. A message indicating completion (for example, ACK response) is transmitted (step S423). Subsequently, the HGW transmits the received completion notification (for example, ACK response) to the telephone (step S424).

  Thereafter, when the Web browser of the WebTV is activated by the user's operation or the remote control unit 12 of the special number service processing device 10, the WebTV accesses the service relay unit 13 of the special number service processing device 10 set to the default URL. (Step S425).

  The service relay unit 13 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 that has received access from the WebTV notifies the WebTV of the redirect destination (steps S426 and S427). The WebTV notified of the redirect destination accesses the web server (URL ‘xx.todaysnews.co.jp’) that is the redirect destination, and receives a service provided by the web server (step S428).

  In this sequence diagram, the case where the WebTV is activated during a normal telephone call to access the Web server has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. ) WebTV may be activated to access the Web server. Further, the timing at which the special service processing apparatus 10 determines the special number and designates the connection destination does not necessarily match the timing at which the WebTV actually connects to the connection destination. After the connection destination is set in the relay unit 13, when the WebTV Web browser is started for some reason (for example, a user instruction operation or a command operation), the WebTV and the connection destination are connected. May be.

[Processing by special service processing device]
Next, processing by the special service processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 5 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by the special service processing apparatus 10 according to the first embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 5, when a dial signal is received from the telephone via the HGW (Yes at Step S501), the special number determination unit 22 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 sets the special number stored in the special number control information DB 15 to the special number. It is determined whether or not this is true (step S502).

  If it is determined that it corresponds to the special number (Yes at Step S502), the communication control unit 24 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 acquires control information associated with the specific number from the stored control information. The control information is used to control communication between an in-home device such as a telephone or WebTV and an out-of-home device such as a Web server (step S503). Thereafter, the special service processing apparatus 10 transmits a completion notification to the telephone (step S504).

  On the other hand, when it returns to step S502 and it determines with not corresponding to a special number (step S502 negative), the VoIP transfer part 23 of the special number service processing apparatus 10 transmits the said dial signal to a call processing server via HGW (VoIPGW). (Step S505). Thereafter, the call processing server performs call processing for connecting the connection source and the connection destination.

[Effects of Example 1]
As described above, according to the first embodiment, the control information for controlling the communication between the predetermined indoor device and the predetermined external device is stored in association with the specific number expressed by the numeric keypad, and the numeric keypad is stored. When a dial signal is received from a home device provided, it is determined whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB 15, and when it is determined that the dial signal is a specific number, Control information associated with the specific number is acquired from the control information stored in the special number control information DB 15, and communication between the predetermined indoor device and the predetermined external device is controlled using the control information. Therefore, it is possible to easily connect a home device connected to the home network and an external device connected to the outside network without burden on the user.

  For example, when browsing a website using the Internet on a WebTV, a URL is entered from a remote controller or the like by inputting a specific number (for example, ## 02) for using the Internet with a numeric keypad such as a telephone. There is no need to input, and it is possible to easily browse a Web site using WebTV. In addition, when a videophone call is made during a call on the telephone, the camera is automatically set by simply entering a specific number (such as ** 001) for using the videophone on the telephone being used. It is possible to start up and use a videophone.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the special number control information DB 15 stores connection destination information indicating a connection relationship between a predetermined indoor device and a predetermined external device in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad. If it is determined to be a specific number, the connection destination information associated with the specific number is acquired from the connection destination information stored in the special number control information DB 15, and the connection destination Since a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined out-of-home device are connected using information, a favorite website that is frequently browsed is associated with a specific number in advance and stored, which makes it difficult to input a URL It is possible to browse a favorite website easily and quickly without searching the website.

  In addition, when there are multiple Web devices that can use the Internet, it is not necessary to individually register “Favorites (Bookmarks)” of each Web device, and it is possible to collectively manage “Favorites” common to all devices. It is.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the special number control information DB 15 stores the contents of communication executed between the in-home device and the out-of-home device in association with a specific number expressed by the numeric keypad. If the communication number is determined to be the specific number, the communication content associated with the specific number is acquired from the communication content stored in the special number control information DB 15, and the predetermined content is used using the communication content. Since a communication service is executed between the in-home device and a predetermined outside device, frequently used services (for example, content download, music, movie viewing service, videophone, etc.) are associated with a specific number in advance and stored. By doing so, it is possible to easily and quickly execute frequently used services without requiring time-consuming URL input and Web site search.

  Further, according to the first embodiment, the predetermined in-home device is set to another other device as a connection destination at the time of activation, and connects the predetermined in-home device and the predetermined outside device. At this time, since the address information of a predetermined outside device is set in another device, it is associated with a specific number determined in advance in the home network without performing any special setting in the device connected to the home network. It is possible to control a connected device and a device connected to an external network.

  For example, when a specific number for connecting to the Internet using WebTV is input, the default access destination of WebTV is set in the service relay unit 13, and when WebTV accesses the communication device, it is connected to the Internet by automatic execution such as redirection. As a result, it is possible to easily connect the Internet using an existing WebTV without making any special settings for the WebTV.

  In the first embodiment, the case where the Web server is accessed by the WebTV using the special number input from the telephone has been described so far. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a videophone or the like is implemented. It may be.

  Therefore, in the second embodiment, a case where a videophone or the like is implemented using a special number input from a telephone will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 and 7. In the following, the outline and features of the communication apparatus (special service processing apparatus) according to the second embodiment, the processing procedure, and the effects of the second embodiment will be described in order.

[Outline and Features of Communication Device (Special Number Service Processing Device)]
First, the outline and characteristics of the special service processing apparatus (communication apparatus) according to the second embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 6 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 6, in this system, a home network (A) and a home network (B) are connected to each other via the Internet such as an IP network so that they can communicate with each other. The home network (A) has a network address (IP address) “adr-a”, a special service processing device (A), a VoIP telephone (A), a WebTV (A), a Web camera (A), HGW (A). The home network (B) has a network address (IP address) of “adr-b”, a special service processing device (B), a VoIP telephone (B), a WebTV (B), and a Web camera (B). And HGW (B).

  In such a configuration, the special-number service processing device (A) of the home network (A) associates with a home device such as a telephone or WebTV in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad, as in the first embodiment. Control information for controlling communication with an external device such as a server is stored in the special number control information DB. For example, the special number control information DB stores “specific number, control information” such as “# 00 * 02, called party and videophone”.

  When the special number service processing apparatus (A) that stores such information in the special number control information DB receives a dial signal from the VoIP telephone (A) equipped with a numeric keypad, the special number signal is stored in the special number control information DB. It is determined whether or not it is the specified number (see (1) and (2) in FIG. 6). As a specific example, when receiving an input of a dial signal (# 00 * 02) from the user, the VoIP telephone (A) transmits the dial signal (# 00 * 02) to the special service processing apparatus (A) via the HGW (A). Then, the special service service apparatus (A) that has received the dial signal determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special control information DB. In the case of this example, the special number service processing device (A) stores the received dial number (# 00 * 02) in the special number control information DB, and therefore determines that the dial number is a specific number.

  Then, when it is determined that the special number service processing apparatus (A) is a specific number, the control information associated with the specific number is acquired from the control information stored in the special number control information DB. The communication between the predetermined in-home device and the predetermined external device is controlled using the control information (see (3) to (5) in FIG. 6). Specifically, in the above example, the special service processing apparatus (A) determines the received dial number (# 00 * 02) as a specific number, and the control information corresponding to this dial number is “call destination and Get "videophone".

  Subsequently, the special service processing apparatus (A) turns on the power of the Web camera (A) and the power of the WebTV (A) (not necessary if the power is turned on in advance). Then, the WebTV (B) and the Web camera (B) are activated in the same manner as described above by the special number service processing device (B) of the home network (B) of the connection destination (call destination), or the user's When WebTV (B) and Web camera (B) are activated by the operation, the videophone connection between the home network (A) and the home network (B) is completed.

  In this way, the special service processing apparatus according to the second embodiment easily connects the WebTV and the Web camera connected to the home network and the WebTV and the Web camera connected to the outside network without burden on the user, It is possible to make a videophone call.

[Processing by a system including a special service processing device]
Next, processing by the system including the special service service processing device will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 7 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing by the system including the special service service processing apparatus according to the second embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 7, the VoIP telephone (A) receives an input of a telephone number (for example, 03-xxxx-xxxx) as a dial signal, and transmits the telephone number to the special service processing apparatus (A) (step). S701).

  Subsequently, the special number service processing apparatus (A) transmits the dial number to the special number service processing apparatus (B) of the home network (B) via the call processing server (step S702).

  Then, the special service processing device (B) transmits a message to connect to the VoIP telephone (B) (step S703), and the VoIP telephone (B) sends a response (for example, ACK response) to the message as a special service. It transmits to a processing apparatus (B) (step S704).

  Thereafter, the special service processing device (B) transmits the response to the special service processing device (A) of the home network (A) via the call processing server (step S705). Subsequently, the special service processing apparatus (A) connects the VoIP telephone (A), the VoIP and the telephone (B) by transmitting a message to the effect that the response has been received to the VoIP telephone (A) (step). S706).

  After this, the VoIP telephone (A), which is the connecting home device, accepts the input of a dial signal (eg, # 00 * 02) as a special number and transmits the dial signal from the call state (step S707). ). The special service processing apparatus (A) that has received the dial signal determines whether the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special control information DB by referring to the special control information DB. If the number is determined to be a number, the special service processing apparatus (A) controls the control associated with the specific number (for example, # 00 * 02) from the control information stored in the special number control information DB. Information (for example, a call destination and a video phone) is acquired (step S708).

  Thereafter, the special service processing apparatus (A) instructs the HGW to change the firewall setting so as to permit access from the network address (adr-b) (step S709). The HGW that has received the instruction changes the firewall setting to permit access from the network address (adr-b) (step S710).

  Then, the special service processing apparatus (A) transmits various control information such as a default URL, a redirect destination, and a port number to the service relay unit (step S711), and the service relay unit sets the control information to itself (step S711). Step S712).

  Subsequently, the special service processing apparatus (A) turns on the Web camera (steps S713 and S714) and turns on the WebTV (steps S715 and S716).

  Thereafter, when the Web browser of the WebTV is activated by the user's operation or the remote control unit of the special number service processing device (step S717), the WebTV accesses the service relay unit of the special number service processing device set to the default URL. (Step S718).

  The service relay unit of the special-number service processing apparatus that has received access from WebTV notifies the redirect destination (Web camera (B)) to WebTV (step S719). The WebTV notified of the redirect destination accesses the Web camera (B) that is the redirect destination, and receives the video acquired by the Web camera (B) (step S720).

  In the same way as described above, in the home network (B), the special number is transmitted from the VoIP telephone (B), and the special number service processing device (B) activates the Web camera (B) and WebTV (B). The video phone is connected (steps S721 to S734).

  In this way, the WebTV (A) or Web camera (A) connected to the home network (A), the WebTV (B) connected to the home network (B), and the Web camera (B) are connected, and the TV It is possible to make a phone call.

  In this sequence diagram, a case where a videophone call is made during a normal call has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and from the beginning (even when not in a call), a WebTV or a Web camera is installed. It may be activated to make a videophone call.

[Effects of Example 2]
As described above, according to the second embodiment, similarly to the first embodiment, a WebTV or Web camera connected to a home device such as a WebTV or Web camera connected to the home network and a network outside the home without burden on the user. It is possible to easily connect to an outside device such as.

  In addition, when a videophone call is made during a call on the telephone, the camera is automatically set by simply entering a specific number (such as ** 001) for using the videophone on the telephone being used. It is possible to start up and use a videophone.

  In the first and second embodiments, the case where a videophone or the like is performed by using a special number input from the telephone has been described so far. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and content can be downloaded from a content server or the like. You may make it do.

  Thus, in the third embodiment, a case where content is downloaded from a content server or the like using a special number input from a telephone will be described with reference to FIGS. In the following, the outline and characteristics of the communication apparatus (special service processing apparatus) according to the third embodiment, the configuration and processing procedure of the communication apparatus according to the third embodiment, and the effects of the third embodiment will be described in order.

[Outline and Features of Communication Device (Special Number Service Processing Device)]
First, the outline and characteristics of the special service processing apparatus (communication apparatus) according to the third embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 8 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 8, in this system, a home network and a content server are connected to each other via the Internet such as an IP network so that they can communicate with each other. The home network includes a special service processing device, an HGW, a telephone, a DLNA server, and a DLNA-TV.

  In such a configuration, as in the first embodiment, the special-number service processing device in the home network is associated with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad, and is connected to a home device such as a telephone or WebTV and an external device such as a Web server. Is stored in the special control information DB. For example, the special number control information DB stores “specific number, control information” such as “Save No. 2 content of # 01 ## 0002, ntt.co.jp in DLNA server”.

  When the special number service processing apparatus that stores such information in the special number control information DB receives a dial signal from a telephone with a numeric keypad, the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB. (See (1) and (2) in FIG. 8). As a specific example, when receiving an input of a dial signal (# 01 ## 0002) from the user, the telephone transmits the dial signal (# 01 ## 0002) to the special service processing apparatus via the VoIP-GW. Then, the special number service processing apparatus that has received the dial signal determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB. In the case of this example, the special number service processing apparatus stores the received dial number (# 01 ## 0002) in the special number control information DB, and therefore determines that the dial number is a specific number.

  When it is determined that the special number service processing device is the specific number, the control number service processing apparatus acquires control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information DB, and the control number Information is used to control communication between a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined external device (see (3) and (4) in FIG. 8). More specifically, in the above example, the special service processing apparatus determines that the received dial number (# 01 # 0002) is a specific number, and the control information corresponding to the dial number is “ntt.co.jp. “Save No. 2 content to DLNA server” is acquired.

  Then, the special service processing apparatus activates the Web browser, accesses the URL “ntt.co.jp”, and downloads “No. 2 content” to the DLNA server.

  In this way, the special service processing apparatus according to the third embodiment easily connects the DLNA server connected to the home network and the content server connected to the external network without burdening the user, and downloads the content. Is possible.

[System configuration including special number service processor]
Next, the configuration of a system including the special number service processing apparatus shown in FIG. 8 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 9 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including the special service service processing apparatus according to the third embodiment. As shown in FIG. 9, this system includes a special service processing device 30, an HGW, a telephone (VoIP telephone), a DLNA server, and a DLNA-TV.

  Since the HGW, the telephone (VoIP telephone), the DLNA server, and the DLNA-TV have general functions as described in “Explanation of terms”, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The special service processing apparatus 30 includes a communication control I / F unit 31, a remote control unit 32, a service relay unit 33, a storage unit 34, and a control unit 40.

  Among these, the communication control I / F unit 31, the remote control unit 32, the storage unit 34, the DB update unit 41, the special number determination unit 42, and the VoIP transfer unit 43 of the control unit 40 are the communication described in FIG. The control I / F unit 11, the remote control unit 12, the storage unit 14, the DB update unit 21, the special number determination unit 22, and the VoIP transfer unit 23 of the control unit 20 have the same functions. The detailed explanation is omitted. Here, the service relay unit 33 and the communication control unit 44 having functions different from those in FIG. 2 will be described.

  The service relay unit 33 has a function as a Web server or a Web client, and connects to an external device via the Internet. More specifically, the service relay unit 33 accesses the site whose URL is “ntt.co.jp” when the communication control unit 44 activates the Web browser. Then, the service relay unit 33 stores the “No. 2 content” of the site “ntt.co.jp” in the “DLNA server” which is a home device.

  When it is determined that the specific number is determined by the special number determination unit 42, the communication control unit 44 is connected to the connection information or communication associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information DB 35. Control information such as contents is acquired, and communication between the home device such as the DLNA server and the external device of the content server is controlled using the control information. Specifically, in the example described above, when the dial number “# 01 ## 0002” received by the special number determination unit 42 is determined to be a specific number, the communication control unit 44 sets the dial number to this dial number. “Save No.2 content of ntt.co.jp to DLNA server” is acquired as corresponding control information. Subsequently, the communication control unit 44 activates a Web browser to the service relay unit 33 and accesses a site whose URL is “ntt.co.jp”. Thereafter, the communication control unit 44 uses the Web browser of the service relay unit 33 to store “No. 2 content” of the “ntt.co.jp” site in the “DLNA server” that is a home device.

[Processing by a system including a special service processing device]
Next, processing by the system including the special service processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating the flow of processing by the system including the special service service processing device 30 according to the third embodiment.

  As shown in FIG. 10, the telephone set receives a dial signal (for example, # 01 ## 0002) that is a special number and transmits the dial signal to the special service processing device 30 via the VoIP-GW (step S1001 and step S1002).

  Subsequently, the special number determination unit 42 of the special number service processing apparatus 30 that has received the dial signal refers to the special number control information DB 35 and determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in the special number control information DB 35. Is determined (step S1003).

  When it is determined that the number is a specific number, the communication control unit 44 of the special number service processing device 30 selects the specific number (for example, # 01 ## 0002) from the control information stored in the special number control information DB 35. ) Is acquired (for example, the No. 2 content of ntt.co.jp is stored in the DLNA server) (steps S1004 and S1005), and the Web browser of the service relay unit 33 is activated (step S1004). S1006 and step S1007).

  Subsequently, the service relay unit 33 accesses the content server and transmits a content request (steps S1008 and S1009). Then, the content server receives the content request (step S1010), and distributes the designated content to the service relay unit 33 (step 1011).

  Thereafter, the service relay unit 33 receives the distributed content (step S1012), and stores the content in the DLNA server (step S1013). Then, the service relay unit 33 transmits a completion notification to the telephone via the VoIP-GW (Steps S1014 and S1015).

  Thereafter, the DLNA-TV searches for content stored in the DLNA server (step S1016), and receives a content list from the DLNA server (step S1017). Then, the DLNA-TV can view the content downloaded from the content server to the DLNA server by selecting the content to be viewed from the content list (step S1018).

[Effects of Example 3]
As described above, according to the third embodiment, as in the first and second embodiments, the content server connected to the home network such as the DLNA server connected to the home network and the external network without burden on the user can be used. It is possible to easily connect to an outside device.

  Further, according to the third embodiment, as in the first embodiment, frequently used services (for example, content download, music, movie viewing service, videophone, etc.) are stored in advance in association with specific numbers. As a result, frequently used services can be executed easily and quickly without requiring time-consuming URL input or Web site search.

  In the first to third embodiments, the case where it is determined whether the telephone number (dial signal) input from the telephone is a special number stored in advance has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Instead, it may be determined whether the telephone number (dial signal) directly input to the user is a special number stored in advance.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, a case where it is determined whether or not the telephone number (dial signal) is a special number stored in advance will be described with reference to FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication apparatus according to the fourth embodiment and the effects of the fourth embodiment will be described in order.

[System configuration including special number service processor]
The configuration of the system including the special service processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to the fourth embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system containing a special number service processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 11, this system includes a special service processing apparatus 100, an HGW, a telephone (VoIP telephone), and a WebTV.

  Since the HGW, the telephone (VoIP telephone), and the WebTV have general functions as described in “Explanation of terms”, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The special service processing apparatus 100 includes a communication control I / F unit 101, a remote control unit 102, a service relay unit 103, a storage unit 104, an input reception unit 106, and a control unit 110.

  Among these, the communication control I / F unit 101, the remote control unit 102, the service relay unit 103, the storage unit 104, the DB update unit 111 of the control unit 110, the VoIP transfer unit 113, and the communication control unit 114 are: 2 has the same function as the remote control unit 12, the service relay unit 13, the storage unit 14, the DB update unit 21, the VoIP transfer unit 23, and the communication control unit 24 described in FIG. Detailed description thereof is omitted. Here, the input reception unit 106 and the special number determination unit 112 having functions different from those in FIG. 2 will be described.

  The input receiving unit 106 includes a numeric keypad and receives a specific number input by a user or the like. To give a specific example, a numeric keypad such as a telephone is provided, and “# 02 ** 01 ** 02”, “# 00 ** 02”, “# 01 ## 0002”, etc. are operated by a user or the like. Is received, and the received specific number is transmitted to the special number determination unit 112 described later.

  When the dial number signal is received from a home device such as a telephone with a numeric keypad or when the dial signal is received by the input receiving unit 106, the special number determination unit 112 receives the specific dial signal stored in the special number control information DB 105. It is determined whether it is a number. Specifically, the special number determination unit 112 receives “# 02 ** 01 ** 02” as a dial signal from a telephone having a numeric keypad, or the dial signal received by the input receiving unit 106. When “# 02 ** 01 ** 02” is received, it is determined that the dial number is a specific number based on the fact that the dial number is stored in the special number control information with reference to the special number control information. The data is transmitted to the communication control unit 114. On the other hand, when receiving a dial signal such as “03-XXXX-XXXX” that is not stored in the special number control information DB 15 from the telephone, the special number determination unit 112 determines that the number is not a specific number, and the dial signal is a VoIP transfer unit 113 described later. Send to. The special number determination unit 112 receives a dial signal such as “03-XXXX-XXXX” that is not stored in the special number control information DB 15 from the input reception unit 106, determines that the number is not a specific number, and outputs an unillustrated warning sound or the like. The process is terminated.

[Effects of Example 4]
As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the numeric keypad that receives an input of a specific number is provided, and when the specific number is received, the control information associated with the specific number from the stored control information. And using the control information to control the communication between a given in-home device and a given outside device, a specific number can be directly assigned without using a device with a numeric keypad connected to the in-home network. Even if it inputs, it is possible to perform various control processing based on the control information matched with the said specific number.

  For example, when there is no telephone, by directly inputting a specific number, it is possible to execute various controls of devices connected to the home network, such as connecting to the Internet using WebTV.

  Now, the communication device (special number service processing device) according to the present invention may provide voice guidance for the stored special number and control information.

  Therefore, in the fifth embodiment, a case will be described in which a special number and control information to be stored are guided by voice using FIG. Hereinafter, the configuration of the communication apparatus according to the fifth embodiment and the effects of the fifth embodiment will be described in order.

[System configuration including special number service processor]
The configuration of the system including the special service processing apparatus will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to the fifth embodiment. As shown in FIG. 12, this system includes a special service processing apparatus 120, an HGW, a telephone (VoIP telephone), and a WebTV.

  Since the HGW, the telephone (VoIP telephone), and the WebTV have general functions as described in “Explanation of terms”, detailed description thereof is omitted here. The special service processing apparatus 120 includes a communication control I / F unit 121, a remote control unit 122, a service relay unit 123, a storage unit 124, a voice output unit 127, and a control unit 130.

  Among these, the communication control I / F unit 121, the remote control unit 122, the service relay unit 123, the storage unit 124, and the control unit 130 are the remote control unit 12 and the service relay unit 13 described in FIG. Since the storage unit 14 and the control unit 20 have the same functions, detailed description thereof is omitted here. Here, the audio output unit 127 having a function different from that in FIG. 2 will be described.

  The voice output unit 127 reads out, by voice, a predetermined specific number stored in the special number control information DB 125 and control information associated with the specific number stored in the special number control information DB 125. Specifically, “# 02 ** 01 ** 02,“ xx.todaysnews.co.jp ”is displayed on WebTV” or “# 00 ** 02, call destination and TV stored in the special control information DB 125. "Telephone", "Save No. 2 content of # 01 ## 0002, ntt.co.jp to DLNA-NAS" by voice from the speaker provided in the special number service processing device, and communication control Or output from the telephone via the I / F unit 121.

[Effects of Example 5]
As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the predetermined specific number stored in the special number control information DB 125 and the control information associated with the specific number stored in the special number control information DB 125 are converted into voice. Therefore, it is not necessary to memorize a specific number that is determined and stored in advance, and the burden on the user can be further reduced.

  For example, if you forget the number to be entered during input, you can read out the specific number and control information stored by voice, so there is no need to remember and input, further reducing the burden on the user Is possible.

  Although the embodiments of the present invention have been described so far, the present invention may be implemented in various different forms other than the embodiments described above. Therefore, as shown below, different embodiments will be described by dividing into (1) default URL, (2) type of control information, (3) external connection of special number control information DB, and (4) system configuration. To do.

(1) Default URL
For example, in the first and second embodiments, the special number service processing apparatus sets the WebTV default URL (the URL accessed first) in the service relay unit of the own apparatus (special number service processing apparatus), but the present invention is not limited to this. However, any device that has a Web connection function, such as an HGW or another server outside the home, may be set.

(2) Types of Control Information The control information stored in the special service processing apparatus has been described with respect to “Web phone”, “Video phone”, and “Download” in the first to third embodiments, but the present invention is limited to this. For example, it is possible to store and execute all control information such as connection between home devices such as “execution of a program such as backup” and “display of TV column” and connection between the home and the outside of the home.

(3) External Connection of Special Number Control Information DB In the first to fourth embodiments, the case where the special number connection information DB is connected to the inside of the special number service processing apparatus has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. Alternatively, the special number control information DB may be connected to the outside network. Specifically, using FIG. 13, unlike FIG. 10, the special number connection information DB (external service DB) is connected to an external network, and URLs of devices that provide various services such as a content server are collectively displayed. Manage with. In such a configuration, the telephone set receives a dial signal that is a special number (for example, # 01 ## 0002) and transmits the dial signal to the special number service processing apparatus via the VoIP-GW (step S1301 and step S1301). Step S1302). Subsequently, the special service processing apparatus that has received the dial signal determines whether or not the dial signal is a specific number stored in a DB connected to the inside of the special service processing apparatus (step S1303).

  At this time, the internal DB of the special service processing apparatus receives the URL information of the content server or the like periodically (for example, every morning, every night, etc.) from the external service DB connected to the outside network, and stores the control information to be stored. Update (steps S1304 to S1307). This update process is not limited to when a specific number is received, and may be performed at any timing. The special number control information DB may be acquired from the external service DB. You may make it transmit to information DB. Thereafter, the processing (steps S1308 to S1323) from downloading the content to viewing is the same as the processing from step S1005 to step S1018 described with reference to FIG. 10, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted here.

  As a result, when the URL of the registered content server or the like is changed, it is not necessary to update manually, and control information such as the latest URL can be acquired. It is possible to further reduce the burden. 4, 10, and 13, the processing from when the special service processing device determines the special number until the connection source device and the connection destination device are connected has been described in a series of flows. However, the timing at which the special service processing apparatus determines the special number and specifies the connection destination does not necessarily need to match the timing at which the WebTV actually connects to the connection destination. Alternatively, after the connection destination is set in the special service processing apparatus 10, the connection destination may be connected to the WebTV at the timing when the Web browser of the WebTV is activated at some time.

(4) System configuration, etc. The processing procedures, control procedures, specific names, information including various data and parameters shown in the above documents and drawings may be arbitrarily changed unless otherwise specified. it can. For example, the special number control information DB can store any specific number that is a combination of “numbers 0 to 9 and * and #”, which are general numeric keys, and can associate control information with the special number. Further, all or a part of each processing function performed in each device may be realized by a CPU and a program that is analyzed and executed by the CPU, or may be realized as hardware by wired logic.

  Each component of each illustrated device is functionally conceptual and does not necessarily need to be physically configured as illustrated. In other words, the specific form of distribution / integration of each device is not limited to that shown in the figure, and all or a part thereof may be functionally or physically distributed or arbitrarily distributed in arbitrary units according to various loads or usage conditions. Can be integrated and configured.

  For example, a part (for example, a service relay unit) of a special-number service processing device may be a device outside the home (for example, a service relay server) via the Internet, and a VoIP transfer unit, a communication control unit, May be integrated. Also, the special service processing device may be incorporated in another device such as an HGW, and conversely, the HGW or the like may be incorporated in the special service processing device.

  The various processing procedures described in the above embodiments can be realized by executing a program prepared in advance on a computer such as a personal computer or a workstation. This program can be distributed via a network such as the Internet. The program can also be executed by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk (FD), a CD-ROM, an MO, and a DVD and being read from the recording medium by the computer.

  As described above, the communication device, the communication method, and the communication program according to the present invention are useful for communicably connecting a home device connected to a home network and a home device connected to a home network. In particular, it is suitable for easily connecting a home device connected to the home network and an external device connected to the outside network without burden on the user.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. 1 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to Embodiment 1. FIG. It is a figure which shows the structural example of the information memorize | stored in special number control information DB. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process by the system containing the special number service processing apparatus which concerns on Example 1. FIG. 3 is a flowchart illustrating a flow of processing by a special service processing apparatus according to the first embodiment. FIG. 10 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to a second embodiment. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process by the system containing the special number service processing apparatus which concerns on Example 2. FIG. FIG. 12 is an overall configuration diagram of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to a third embodiment. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system containing the special number service processing apparatus which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a sequence diagram which shows the flow of a process by the system containing the special number service processing apparatus which concerns on Example 3. FIG. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the system containing the special number service processing apparatus which concerns on Example 4. FIG. FIG. 10 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration of a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram illustrating a flow of processing by a system including a special service service processing apparatus according to a fifth embodiment.

Explanation of symbols

DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 10 Special number service processing apparatus 11 Communication control I / F part 12 Remote control part 13 Service relay part 14 Storage part 15 Special number control information DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 20 Control part 21 DB update part 22 Special number determination part 23 VoIP transfer part 24 Communication control part 30 Special number service processing apparatus 31 Communication control I / F part 32 Remote control part 33 Service relay part 34 Storage part 35 Special number control information DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 40 Control part 41 DB update part 42 Special number determination part 43 VoIP transfer part 44 Communication control part 100 Special number service processing apparatus 101 Communication control I / F part 102 Remote control part 103 Service relay part 104 Storage part 105 Special number control information DB
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 106 Input reception part 110 Control part 111 DB update part 112 Special number determination part 113 VoIP transfer part 114 Communication control part 120 Special number service processing apparatus 121 Communication control I / F part 122 Remote control part 123 Service relay part 124 Storage part 125 Special number control information DB
127 Voice output unit 130 Control unit 131 DB update unit 132 Special number determination unit 133 VoIP transfer unit 134 Communication control unit

Claims (8)

A home device having a communication means based on the HTTP standard without a session type of the communication means connected to the home network, can communicate the out-of-home apparatus and connected to the external network having a communication means based on the HTTP standard A connected communication device,
Special number control information storage means for storing control information for controlling a predetermined in-home device and a predetermined out-of-home device by communication based on the HTTP standard in association with a specific number expressed by a numeric keypad;
When receiving the dial signal from the home ten-key device including the numerical keypad, the special number control information refers to the storage unit, the dial signal communication request or the access code control for establishing communication by the session type communication means Special number determination means for determining whether the number is a specific number stored in the information storage means;
Control information acquisition for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage means when the special number determination means determines that the specific number is the specific number Means,
According to the control information acquired by the control information acquisition means, the remote device at the connection destination is specified, and when the connection request according to the HTTP standard is received from the predetermined home device, the specified remote device at the connection destination Communication control means for transmitting a response with a redirect destination to the predetermined in-home device;
A communication apparatus comprising: Communication that is communicably connected to a DLNA in-home device that has communication means based on the DLNA standard and does not have a session-type communication means that is connected to the in-home network, and an out-of-home device that has content connected to the out-of-home network A device,
  Special number control information storage means for storing control information for acquiring specific content from the predetermined external device in association with a specific number represented by a numeric keypad;
  When a dial signal is received from an in-house numeric keypad device provided with the numeric keypad, the special number control information storage means is referred to and the dial signal is a communication request for establishing communication by the session type communication means or the special number control. Special number determination means for determining whether the number is a specific number stored in the information storage means;
  Control information acquisition for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage unit when the specific number determination unit determines that the specific number is the specific number Means,
  The content specified by the control information acquired by the control information acquisition means is acquired from the predetermined outdoor device and stored in the predetermined DLNA indoor device discovered based on a DLNA standard search request by the DLNA indoor device. Content acquisition means for
  A communication apparatus comprising: The special number control information storage means is connected to the outside network,
When the dial number signal is received from the in-house numeric keypad device, the special number determination unit connects to the special number control information unit via the outside network, and the dial signal establishes communication by the session type communication unit. the communication apparatus according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that determining whether a stored specific number in the communication request or the special number control information storage means for. A special number input receiving means having a numeric keypad for receiving the input of the specific number;
When the specific number is received by the special number input receiving unit, the control information obtaining unit obtains control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage unit. the communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1-3, characterized in that to obtain. A voice output means for reading out a predetermined specific number stored in the special number control information storage means and control information associated with the specific number stored in the special number control information storage means by voice; The communication apparatus according to any one of claims 1 to 4 , further comprising: A home device having a communication means based on the HTTP standard without a session type of the communication means connected to the home network, can communicate the out-of-home apparatus and connected to the external network having a communication means based on the HTTP standard A communication method suitable for a connected communication device ,
The communication device is
When a dial signal is received from a home numeric keypad device provided with the numeric keypad, the predetermined home device and the predetermined external device are controlled by communication based on the HTTP standard in association with a specific number represented by the numeric keypad. in reference to a particular number which the dial signal is stored in the communication request or the special number control information storage unit for establishing communication by the session type communication means special number control information storing unit for storing control information for A special number determination step for determining whether or not there is,
Control information acquisition for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage unit when the specific number is determined by the special number determination step Process,
According to the control information acquired in the control information acquisition step, the remote device at the connection destination is specified, and when the connection request according to the HTTP standard is received from the predetermined home device, the specified remote device at the connection destination A communication control step of transmitting a response with a redirect destination to the predetermined in-house device;
The communication method characterized by including. Communication that is communicably connected to a DLNA in-home device that has communication means based on the DLNA standard and does not have a session-type communication means that is connected to the in-home network, and an out-of-home device that has content connected to the out-of-home network A communication method suitable for a device,
  The communication device is
  When a dial signal is received from an in-house numeric keypad device having the numeric keypad, control information for acquiring specific content from the predetermined external device is stored in association with a specific number represented by the numeric keypad. Refer to the special number control information storage unit to determine whether the dial signal is a communication request for establishing communication by the session type communication means or a specific number stored in the special number control information storage unit Special number judgment process,
  Control information acquisition for acquiring control information associated with the specific number from the control information stored in the special number control information storage means when the specific number is determined by the special number determination step Process,
  The content specified by the control information acquired in the control information acquisition step is acquired from the predetermined outdoor device and stored in the predetermined DLNA indoor device discovered based on a DLNA standard search request by the DLNA indoor device. Content acquisition process,
  The communication method characterized by including. A communication program for causing a computer to function as the communication device according to claim 1.

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