JP4719926B2 - Communication system, USB handset with authentication function, and communication method - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a communication system using a USB (Universal Serial Bus) handset used as a set with a softphone.

As one of IP (Internet Protocol) telephone terminals, there is a USB handset in which a voice call is performed by connecting to a USB terminal of a personal computer (PC) (see Patent Documents 1 and 2). In this type of USB handset, a user usually logs in to the PC to perform user authentication. Then, user authentication is performed using the user authentication function of the PC.
JP 2004-248239 A JP 2003-110667 A

  However, in the USB handset described above, user authentication is performed by utilizing a user authentication function provided in the PC. For this reason, when using an IP phone using a USB handset at the destination, it is necessary to carry a PC with the USB handset. Carrying a PC with a USB handset is very inconvenient for the user.

  When a USB handset is connected to a PC and used, the USB handset is normally managed with the user name of the PC. For this reason, when a USB handset is connected to a shared PC or another PC and used, it is managed with a user name different from the user of the USB handset. As described above, when the management is performed under the name of a user different from the user of the USB handset, it becomes impossible to provide the telephone service to the user of the USB handset or perform the billing process.

  The objective of this invention is providing the communication system, the USB handset with an authentication function, the communication method, and a program which solve the subject mentioned above.

In order to achieve the above object, a communication system according to an aspect of the present invention includes a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application, an information processing terminal including a USB terminal to which the USB handset is connected, A management server to which an information processing terminal is connected via a network,
The USB handset
An input section;
An authentication information storage unit for storing a handset ID for identifying the USB handset;
In response to the ID authentication request, the handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit is transmitted to the information processing terminal, and in response to the password request, the input password received through the input unit is managed through the information processing terminal. A first control unit for transmitting to the server,
The information processing terminal includes a second control unit that executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset, and the second control unit makes an ID authentication request to the USB handset, and Send the handset ID received from the handset to the management server;
The management server
An authentication ID storage unit in which a handset ID of the USB handset is registered in advance;
A management table in which user information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit;
It is determined whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit. If registered, a password request is made to the USB handset through the information processing terminal. A control unit, and
The third control unit stores the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table and the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request. Only when these passwords match, communication with an external terminal by the USB handset is permitted.

The USB handset of the present invention is connected to a USB terminal of an information processing terminal connected to a management server via a network, and has an authentication function and functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application stored in the information processing terminal . A handset,
An input section;
An authentication information storage unit for storing a handset ID for identifying the USB handset;
In response to an ID authentication request from the information processing terminal, the handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit is transmitted to the information processing terminal, and in response to a password request received from the management server through the information processing terminal, And a control unit that transmits the input password received through the input unit to the management server through the information processing terminal.

In an information processing terminal according to an aspect of the present invention, a handset ID for identifying a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application and a password for determining the validity of a user of the USB handset are registered in advance. An information processing terminal connected to the management server via a network,
A display unit;
A USB terminal to which the USB handset can be connected;
A control unit that executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset connected to the USB terminal,
The controller is
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the handset ID is acquired from the USB handset, and the management server is requested to confirm whether or not the acquired handset ID is registered. The registration confirmation result received from the management server as a response to the request is displayed on the display unit,
When said acquired handset ID is registered in the management server, Rutotomoni displays a message indicating the password request from the management server on the display unit, to the management server, receiving from the USB handset The authentication request for the password is made, and the authentication result received from the management server as a response to the request is displayed on the display unit.

A management server according to an aspect of the present invention is a management server connected via a network to an information processing terminal including a USB terminal to which a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in a set with a softphone application is connected.
An authentication ID storage unit in which a handset ID of the USB handset is registered in advance;
A management table in which user information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit;
A control unit that determines whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit and, if registered, makes a password request to the USB handset through the information processing terminal And having
The control unit compares the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table and the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request. Only when these passwords match, the USB handset is allowed to communicate with an external terminal.

A communication method according to an aspect of the present invention includes a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application, an information processing terminal that executes the softphone application including a USB terminal to which the USB handset is connected, A communication method performed in a communication system having a management server to which an information processing terminal is connected via a network,
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the control unit of the information processing terminal executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset and makes an ID authentication request to the USB handset;
In response to the ID authentication request, the USB handset control unit transmits a handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit for identifying the USB handset to the information processing terminal;
The control unit of the information processing terminal transmits a handset ID received from the USB handset to the management server to perform registration confirmation;
The control unit of the management server determines whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit in which the handset ID is registered in advance. Making a password request to the USB handset through a processing terminal;
The control unit of the USB handset transmits the input password received through the input unit to the management server through the information processing terminal in response to the password request;
User information including at least a password for the control unit of the management server to determine the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit. The management table, the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal at the time of registration confirmation stored in the management table, and the information processing information from the USB handset as a response to the password request. And comparing the password received through the terminal and permitting communication with the external terminal by the USB handset only when these passwords match.

The program according to one aspect of the present invention is a management in which a handset ID for identifying a USB handset functioning as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application and a password for determining the validity of a user of the USB handset are registered in advance. A program for an information processing terminal connected to a server via a network,
Processing to execute a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset connected to the USB terminal;
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the handset ID is acquired from the USB handset, and the management server is requested to confirm whether or not the acquired handset ID is registered. Processing for displaying the registration confirmation result received from the management server as a response to the request on the display unit;
When the acquired handset ID is registered in the management server, a message indicating a password request from the management server is displayed on the display unit, and the password received from the USB handset to the management server And a process of causing the display unit to display an authentication result received from the management server as a response to the request.

Program according to another aspect of the present invention, an information processing terminal for executing the softphone applications with USB port USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal softphone application and the set is connected is connected via a network A management server program,
A process of determining whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit in which the handset ID is registered in advance;
When a handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit, a process of making a password request to the USB handset through the information processing terminal;
User information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is referred to a management table stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit, and The password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table is compared with the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request, and these passwords match. In this case, the computer is caused to execute processing for permitting communication with an external terminal using the USB handset only.

  According to the present invention, a USB handset alone can be moved, and even if it is connected to a terminal such as a shared PC at the destination, the user can use the softphone function.

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

  FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, the communication system includes a PC 2 that can be connected to a network 3 typified by the Internet, a USB handset 1 that is a USB terminal of the PC 2, and a management server that can communicate with the PC 2 via the network 3. 4.

  The USB handset 1 is a USB handset with an authentication function, and main parts thereof are a control unit 10, an authentication information storage unit 11, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) 12, a USB driver 13, a codec 14, a key 15, and a display unit. It consists of 16.

  The authentication information storage unit 11 stores handset ID information unique to the USB handset 1. The authentication information storage unit 11 stores type information (information that can specify a softphone application) indicating the type of the USB handset 1 in addition to the handset ID information.

  The USB driver 13 is for connecting to the USB terminal of the PC 2. The codec 14 converts the audio data input from the microphone 14a into a format suitable for data transmission through the PC 2, or converts the data received from the PC 2 into data that can be output by the speaker 14a.

  The key 15 is an input unit composed of a plurality of buttons, function execution keys, and the like used in existing fixed telephones. Representative examples include buttons corresponding to numbers from 0 to 9 for inputting a telephone number, a password, etc., a determination key, a cross key, and the like. The display unit 16 includes a display device represented by an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display).

  The control unit 10 receives an input signal from the key 15 and controls the operation of each unit of the USB handset 1. Further, the control unit 10 executes processing for transmitting and receiving necessary information and data to and from the PC 2.

  An external memory 5 can be connected to the USB handset 1. The external memory 5 is a memory represented by a semiconductor memory. The control unit 10 stores necessary information and data (such as a message message) in the external memory 5 and reads the stored information and data from the external memory 5 for processing as necessary.

  Although not shown in FIG. 1, the USB handset 1 is provided with an information storage unit for storing a message message and a clock function unit for measuring elapsed time. The control unit 10 causes the clock function unit to measure an elapsed time from the time when an incoming call is received from an external terminal, and when the USB handset 1 is not off-hooked until the measurement time reaches a predetermined time. Then, an answering message registered in advance is transmitted to an external terminal, and processing for storing the message message from the external terminal in the information storage unit is executed.

  Further, when receiving an input to reproduce the message message through the key 15, the control unit 10 executes a process for reproducing the message message stored in the information storage unit.

  The PC 2 is a computer system having a communication function. The basic configuration of the PC 2 is a storage device that stores programs, an input device such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display device such as a CRT or LCD, and a modem that communicates with the outside. The communication device, an output device such as a printer, and a control device that operates according to a program stored in the storage device, receives input from the input device, and controls the operation of the communication device, output device, and display device.

  The PC 2 includes at least one USB terminal and a USB host controller 22 that performs communication with an external device connected to the USB terminal. When the USB handset 1 is connected to the USB terminal, data is transmitted and received between the USB host controller 22 and the USB driver 13.

  Furthermore, the PC 2 has a softphone application 20 and authentication software 21 as functions for performing processing necessary for operating the USB handset as an IP telephone terminal. Each function of the softphone application 20 and the authentication software 21 can be realized by the CPU executing a program stored in the storage device.

  The softphone application 20 is stored in the storage device for each type of USB handset. When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal of the PC 2, the CPU acquires type information from the connected USB handset, and reads and executes the corresponding softphone application 20 from the storage device based on the acquired type information. To do. By executing the softphone application 20, a softphone function unit is provided.

  When the softphone application corresponding to the USB handset connected to the USB terminal is not stored in the storage device, the CPU transmits the type information acquired from the USB handset to the management server 4 to cope with it. Send a request for the softphone application. When the management server 4 transmits a corresponding softphone application to the PC 2 in response to this transmission request, the CPU executes the softphone application received from the management server 4.

  After the softphone function unit is activated, the CPU executes the authentication software 21. As a result, the authentication function unit is activated. The softphone function unit executes an authentication process using the authentication function unit in cooperation with the management server 4. This authentication process includes a first authentication process for authenticating whether or not the handset ID information is registered, and a second authentication process for authenticating whether or not the input password matches the registered password. .

  In the first authentication process, the softphone function unit acquires the handset ID information from the USB handset connected to the USB terminal, and transmits the acquired handset ID information to the management server 4 to make an authentication request. Do. The softphone function unit displays the authentication result received from the management server 4 on the display device.

  In the second authentication process, the softphone function unit displays a password input screen on the display device in response to a password transmission request from the management server 4, and the password supplied from the USB handset 1 is displayed on the management server 4. Send. By receiving information indicating use permission from the management server 4, communication to an external terminal using the USB handset 1 becomes possible.

  The management server 4 has the same configuration as the basic configuration of the computer system described above. The storage device includes an authentication ID storage unit 40, a management table 41, and a softphone application storage unit 42. The management server 4 also includes an answering machine function unit 43. The answering machine function unit 43 is provided by the CPU executing a corresponding program stored in the storage device.

  The authentication ID storage unit 40 stores handset ID information of the USB handset necessary for the first authentication processing in advance. Registration of handset ID information in the authentication ID storage unit 40 is performed by an administrator of the management server 4 or a user who owns the USB handset. In the registration of handset ID information by the user, for example, the user accesses the management server 4 through his / her PC. The management server 4 transmits registration screen information to the PC. In the PC, the registration screen information provided from the management server 4 is displayed, and the user performs an input operation of handset ID information on the display screen. The input handset ID information is transmitted from the PC to the management server 4.

  In the management table 41, user information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID registered in the authentication ID storage unit 40. The user information includes an IP telephone number, an IP address, a MAC (Media Access Control address) address, and the like that are required when using the IP phone, in addition to the password required for the second authentication process. FIG. 2 shows an example of the management table 41.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the management table 41 includes items of an electronic mail address, a password, an IP telephone number, an IP address, a MAC (Media Access Control address) address, and a connection status flag. The e-mail address is an e-mail address owned by the user and set in a terminal such as a PC. The password is a password registered in advance by the user. The IP phone number is a phone number used by the user in the IP phone. The IP address and the MAC address are addresses required for data communication through the network 3. The connection status flag indicates whether a USB handset is connected to the USB terminal of the PC. The flag “1” indicates that the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal. The flag “0” indicates that the USB handset is not connected to the USB terminal.

  Registration of passwords and IP telephone numbers in the management table 41 is performed by the administrator of the management server 4 or the user who owns the USB handset. For example, the user accesses the management server 4 through his / her PC. The management server 4 transmits registration screen information to the PC. In the PC, registration screen information provided from the management server 4 is displayed, and a password and an IP telephone number are input by the user on the display screen. Input information (password and IP telephone number) is transmitted from the PC to the management server 4. The CPU of the management server 4 stores the password and IP telephone number received from the PC in the management table 41.

  The user information registered in the management table 41 is associated with the handset ID information stored in the authentication ID storage unit 40. Thereby, corresponding user information can be acquired from the management table 41 based on the handset ID information.

  The softphone application storage unit 42 stores softphone applications for each type of USB handset. The storage of the softphone application in the softphone application storage unit 42 is performed by the administrator of the management server 4.

  When the CPU of the management server 4 receives the type information of the USB handset from the PC 2 together with the transmission request for the soft phone application, the CPU of the management server 4 reads the corresponding soft phone application from the soft phone application storage unit 42 based on the received type information. A softphone application is transmitted to the PC 2.

  In the first authentication process, the CPU of the management server 4 confirms whether or not the handset ID information supplied from the PC 2 is registered in the authentication ID storage unit 40, and transmits the result to the PC 2 as an authentication result. Furthermore, the CPU of the management server 4 acquires user information including a password necessary for the second authentication process from the management table 41.

  In the second authentication process, the CPU of the management server 4 issues a password transmission request to the PC 2. When the password is received from the PC 2, the CPU of the management server 4 confirms whether or not the received password matches the password registered in the management table 41. Then, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits the password authentication result to the PC 2.

  Further, when the password received from the PC 2 matches the password registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 acquires the IP address and the MAC address from the connection information with the PC 2. Then, the CPU of the management server 4 adds the acquired IP address and MAC address to the management table 41 in association with the password, and sets “1” in the connection status flag.

  Further, when communication by IP telephone is started between the PC 2 and another PC, the CPU of the management server 4 stores the call connection record in the storage device.

  When the USB handset is disconnected from the USB terminal, the PC 2 notifies the management server 4 to that effect. In the management server 4, the CPU sets “0” in the connection status flag based on the notification from the PC 2.

  Next, the communication operation of the communication system of this embodiment will be described.

(1) Operation when a call is made on the USB handset 1 side:
FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining a communication operation when a call is made in the USB handset 1.

  When the USB handset 1 is connected to the USB terminal of the PC 2, communication is started between the USB driver 13 and the USB host controller 22 (step A1). When the USB communication is started, the CPU of the PC 2 acquires the type information from the USB handset 1 and determines whether or not the softphone application corresponding to the acquired type information is stored in the storage device. (Step A2).

  If the softphone application corresponding to the type information of the USB handset 1 is not stored in the storage device, the CPU of the PC 2 sends the type information acquired from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 A request for transmission of the softphone application to be performed is made (step A3). In response to this transmission request, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits the corresponding softphone application to the PC 2 (step A4). The CPU of the PC 2 stores the softphone application received from the management server 4 in the storage device in association with the type information.

  After acquiring the softphone application in step A4 or when determining in step A2 that the softphone application corresponding to the type information of the USB handset 1 is stored in the storage device, the CPU of the PC 2 The softphone application is executed (step A5).

  By executing the softphone application, a softphone function unit is provided. Further, the CPU of the PC 2 executes the authentication software 21. By executing the authentication software 21, an authentication function unit is provided. The softphone function unit sequentially executes the first and second authentication processes using the authentication function unit in cooperation with the management server 4.

  In the first authentication process, the softphone function unit makes an ID authentication request to the USB handset 1 (step A6). In the USB handset 1, the control unit 10 transmits the handset ID information stored in the authentication information storage unit 11 to the PC 2 in response to the ID authentication request. In the PC 2, the softphone function unit sends the handset ID information received from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 to make an authentication request (step A7).

  Subsequently, the CPU of the management server 4 confirms whether or not the handset ID information supplied from the PC 2 is registered in the authentication ID storage unit 40, and transmits the result to the PC 2 as an authentication result. In the PC 2, the softphone function unit displays the authentication result received from the management server 4 on the display device (step A8).

  When an authentication result indicating that the handset ID information is registered in the authentication ID storage unit 40 is transmitted to the PC 2, the CPU of the management server 4 requests a password from the PC 2 to perform the second authentication process. To do. In the PC 2, the softphone function unit displays a password input screen on the display device in response to the password request (step A9).

  The user uses the key 15 of the USB handset 1 to input a password on the password input screen. The control unit 10 receives an input of a password through the key 15 and transmits the password to the PC 2. The CPU of the PC 2 transmits the password received from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 (step A10).

  In the management server 4, the CPU compares the password corresponding to the handset ID information supplied from the PC 2 stored in the management table 41 with the password received from the USB handset 1 through the PC 2 as a response to the password request. Then, the CPU of the management server 4 permits the USB handset 1 to communicate with the external terminal only when these passwords match.

  When the validity of the user is confirmed by the password, the CPU of the management server 4 acquires the IP address and the MAC address from the connection information with the PC 2, and associates the acquired IP address and MAC address with the password in the management table. In addition to 41, a flag “1” indicating that the handset is currently connected is set. Then, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits information indicating use permission to the PC 2. In the PC 2, when the CPU receives the information indicating the use permission from the management server 4, the CPU 2 displays a use permission message on the display device (step A 11).

  If the password is not registered, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits information indicating that the password cannot be used to the PC 2. In the PC 2, when the CPU receives the information indicating the unusable from the management server 4, the CPU 2 displays the unusable message on the display device.

  After step A11, the IP phone using the USB handset 1 can be used. The user performs a call operation (call) using the USB handset 1 (step A12). As a result of this outgoing call operation, communication information including the destination IP telephone number is transmitted from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 via the PC 2.

  The CPU of the management server 4 checks whether the IP telephone number received from the USB handset 1 is registered in the management table 41. When the IP telephone number is not registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits a message indicating that communication is impossible to the PC 2. In the PC 2, the CPU displays a message indicating that communication is impossible on the display device.

  When the IP telephone number is registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 checks the connection status flag of the user information corresponding to the IP telephone number in the management table unit 41. If the connection status flag is “1”, the CPU of the management server 4 refers to the IP address and the MAC address included in the user information and executes a process for an incoming call to the partner terminal. Then, the incoming call response from the partner terminal is transmitted to the USB handset 1 through the PC 2 and the management server 4 (step A13). As a result, a call can be made between the USB handset 1 and the partner terminal (step A14).

  In the above-described communication operation, the authentication result, the input password, the unusable message, the unusable message, and the like may be displayed on the display unit 16 of the USB handset 1. Further, the password may be input using the input device of the PC 2.

(2) Operation when receiving a call on the USB handset 1 side:
FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a communication operation when an incoming call is received by the USB handset 1.

  The partner terminal performs a call operation based on the IP phone number of the user of the USB handset 1 (step B1). In this calling operation, information (including the IP telephone number) necessary for communication is supplied from the partner terminal to the management server 4. The CPU of the management server 4 checks whether or not the IP telephone number supplied from the counterpart terminal is registered in the management table unit 41.

  When the IP telephone number is not registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits a message indicating that communication is impossible to the partner terminal.

  When the IP telephone number is registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 checks the connection status flag of the user information corresponding to the IP telephone number in the management table unit 41. If the connection status flag is “1”, the CPU of the management server 4 refers to the IP address and the MAC address included in the user information, and performs processing for an incoming call to the USB handset 1 via the PC 2. Execute (Step B2). Then, the incoming call response from the USB handset 1 is transmitted to the counterpart terminal through the PC 2 and the management server 4 (step B3). As a result, a call can be made between the USB handset 1 and the other party's terminal (step B4).

(3) Operation when performing absence recording on the USB handset 1 side:
FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a communication operation in the case of performing absence recording with the USB handset 1.

  The partner terminal performs a call operation based on the IP phone number of the user of the USB handset 1 (step C1). This call operation is basically the same as the operation through the management server 4 in step B1 of FIG. When the IP telephone number from the partner terminal is registered in the management table 41 and the connection status flag is “1”, an incoming call to the USB handset 1 is made via the PC 2.

  The USB handset 1 has a clock function for measuring elapsed time. The clock function is configured by hardware or software. In the USB handset 1, the control unit 10 monitors whether or not the handset is in an off-hook state, and uses the clock function to measure the elapsed time since the incoming call. When a predetermined time has passed without being off-hook after the incoming call, the control unit 10 transmits a predetermined message (absence message) indicating absence from the PC 2 and the management server 4 to the partner terminal (step C2). ).

The partner terminal that has received the absence message transmits a desired message (message message) to the PC 2 through the management server 4 (step C3). The PC 2 transmits a message message from the counterpart terminal to the USB handset 1. In the USB handset 1, when a message is received from the counterpart terminal within a predetermined time, the control unit 10 stores the message in the storage device (step C4). The function for storing this message is a so-called answering mode recording function. When recording a message, information indicating the date and time when the message was received can also be recorded. When a predetermined time has passed since the absence message was sent, or an on-hook signal was received from the other party's terminal. In this case, the control unit 10 stops the recording function in the answering machine mode.

  When the control unit 10 receives an input to reproduce the message message through the key 15, the control unit 10 executes a process for reproducing the message message stored in the storage device.

(4) Operation when performing absence recording on the management server 4 side:
FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a communication operation when the management server 4 performs absence recording.

  The partner terminal performs a calling operation based on the IP phone number of the user of the USB handset 1 (step D1). This call operation is basically the same as the operation through the management server 4 in step B1 of FIG.

  The CPU of the management server 4 checks whether or not the IP telephone number received from the counterpart terminal is registered in the management table 41. When the IP telephone number is not registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 transmits a message indicating that communication is impossible to the partner terminal. When the IP telephone number is registered in the management table 41, the CPU of the management server 4 checks the connection status flag of the user information corresponding to the IP telephone number in the management table unit 41. Here, the connection state flag is set to “0”. When the CPU of the management server 4 confirms that the connection state flag is “0”, the answering machine function unit 43 is activated.

  The answering machine function unit 43 transmits a predetermined message (absence message) indicating the absence to the counterpart terminal (step D2). The counterpart terminal transmits a desired message (message message) to the management server 4 (step D3).

  The management server 4 has a clock function for measuring elapsed time. The clock function is configured by hardware or software. The CPU of the management server 4 uses the clock function to measure the elapsed time since the absence message was transmitted. In the management server 4, when a message message is received from the partner terminal within a predetermined time, the answering machine function unit 43 associates the message message with the IP telephone number received from the partner terminal, and manages the message. Store in the table 41 or storage device (step D4). When storing the message message, the answering machine function unit 43 can also store information indicating the date and time when the message message was received. Also, the answering machine function unit 43 can newly set a status flag indicating the presence / absence of a message message in the management table 41.

  The CPU of the management server 4 stops the answering machine function unit 43 when a predetermined time elapses after sending the answering message or when an on-hook signal is received from the partner terminal.

  After storing the message message, the CPU of the management server 4 monitors the connection state flag included in the user information in which the message message is stored. When the connection state flag of the user information to be monitored changes from “0” to “1”, the CPU of the management server 4 recognizes that the user's USB handset to which the message message is to be transmitted is connected to the PC. Then, the CPU of the management server 4 refers to the monitoring target user information (IP address and MAC address), identifies the PC to which the user's USB handset to which the message message is to be transmitted is connected, and , Forward message messages. In the PC, the CPU transmits the message message received from the management server 4 to the USB handset (step D5).

  In the USB handset, the control unit 10 stores the message message received from the PC in the storage device (step D6). In order to reproduce the message message, the user performs a predetermined input operation with the key 15. The control part 10 performs the process for reproducing | regenerating the message message stored in the memory | storage device according to input operation for reproducing | regenerating a message message. With this process, the voice corresponding to the message message is output from the speaker of the USB handset.

  Separately from the message message transfer process described above, after the CPU of the management server 4 stores the message message in the management table 41 or the storage device, the message message is sent to the e-mail address included in the monitored user information. It is also possible to send a message indicating that it exists.

  According to the communication system of this embodiment, when the USB handset 1 is connected to the USB terminal of the PC 2, handset ID information is transmitted from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 through the PC 2. Then, the management server 4 confirms whether or not the handset ID information from the USB handset 1 is registered. Thereby, the authentication process of the USB handset 1 itself is performed.

  If handset ID information from the USB handset 1 is registered, the PC 2 displays a password input screen in response to a password request from the management server 4. When the user inputs a password with the key 15 of the USB handset 1, the input password is transmitted from the USB handset 1 to the management server 4 through the PC 2. Then, the management server 4 confirms whether or not the input password from the USB handset 1 matches the password registered in advance. Thereby, user authentication is performed.

  As described above, since the authentication process of the USB handset 1 itself and the authentication process of the user of the USB handset 1 can be performed, for example, even when the USB handset is connected to the destination PC, the user of the USB handset 1 can be specified. Yes, the USB handset 1 can be managed by the specified user name. Therefore, when the USB handset is moved alone and the USB handset is connected to a terminal such as a shared PC at the destination, the user can use the softphone function.

  Further, according to the communication system of the present embodiment, a user data program (data such as a message message and a call history) can be downloaded from the management server to the internal memory of the USB handset or the external memory connected to the USB handset. it can.

  The communication system described above is an example of the present invention, and the configuration and operation thereof can be changed as appropriate without departing from the spirit of the invention.

  For example, in the configuration example of the system shown in FIG. 1, only two USB handsets 1 and PCs 2 are shown, but three or more USB handsets 1 and PCs 2 may be connected to the network 3.

  The network 3 may include a general public communication network or a mobile communication network. In this case, it is possible to make a call to a general public telephone or mobile phone.

  The terminal to which the USB handset 1 is connected is not limited to a PC, and may be another computer terminal having a communication function.

  In the PC 2 shown in FIG. 1, the softphone application 20 may include authentication software 21.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system which is one Embodiment of this invention. It is a figure for demonstrating the management table used with the management server of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating communication operation when a call is made with the USB handset of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the communication operation in the case of receiving a call with the USB handset of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the communication operation | movement when performing absence recording with the USB handset of the communication system shown in FIG. It is a figure for demonstrating the communication operation | movement in the case of performing absence recording in the management server of the communication system shown in FIG.

Explanation of symbols

1 USB handset 2 Personal computer (PC)
3 Network 4 Management Server 5 External Memory 10 Control Unit 11 Authentication Information Storage Unit 12 LED
13 USB Driver 14 Codec 15 Key 16 Display Unit 20 Softphone Application 21 Authentication Software 22 USB Host Controller 40 Authentication ID Storage Unit 41 Management Table 42 Answering Machine Function Unit

Claims (12)

A USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application, an information processing terminal having a USB terminal to which the USB handset is connected, and a management server to which the information processing terminal is connected via a network A communication system,
The USB handset
An input section;
An authentication information storage unit for storing a handset ID for identifying the USB handset;
In response to the ID authentication request, the handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit is transmitted to the information processing terminal, and in response to the password request, the input password received through the input unit is managed through the information processing terminal. A first control unit for transmitting to the server,
The information processing terminal includes a second control unit that executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset, and the second control unit makes an ID authentication request to the USB handset, and Send the handset ID received from the handset to the management server;
The management server
An authentication ID storage unit in which a handset ID of the USB handset is registered in advance;
A management table in which user information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit;
It is determined whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit. If registered, a password request is made to the USB handset through the information processing terminal. A control unit, and
The third control unit stores the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table and the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request. A communication system that permits communication with an external terminal using the USB handset only when these passwords match. The second control unit, when a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset is not stored in the information processing terminal, acquires handset type information indicating the type of the USB handset from the USB handset, Sending the acquired handset type information to the management server to make a softphone application transmission request,
The management server further includes a softphone application storage unit in which a plurality of softphone applications are stored for each handset type information,
The third control unit acquires a softphone application corresponding to handset type information received from the information processing terminal from the softphone application storage unit in response to a softphone application transmission request from the information processing terminal, The communication system according to claim 1, wherein the acquired softphone application is transmitted to the information processing terminal. The USB handset
A first information storage unit for storing a message message;
A clock function unit for measuring elapsed time;
The first control unit causes the clock function unit to measure an elapsed time from the time when an incoming call is received from the external terminal, and the USB handset is in a period until the measurement time reaches a predetermined time. 3. If not off-hook, send a pre-registered absence message to the external terminal, and execute processing for storing a message message from the external terminal in the first information storage unit. The communication system described.   The said 1st control part will perform the process for reproducing | regenerating the message message stored in the said 1st information memory | storage part, if the input to the effect of reproducing | regenerating a message message is received through the said input part. 4. The communication system according to 3. The management server further includes a second information storage unit for storing a message message to the user of the USB handset,
When a call is made from the external terminal to the USB handset when the USB handset is not connected to the information processing terminal, the third control unit sends a pre-registered answering message to the external terminal. The communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the communication message is transmitted and a process for storing a message message from the external terminal in the second information storage unit is executed.   When the third control unit detects that the USB handset is connected to the information processing terminal after storing the message message from the external terminal in the second information storage unit, the second information The communication system according to claim 5, wherein a message message stored in a storage unit is transferred to the USB handset. A USB handset with an authentication function that is connected to a USB terminal of an information processing terminal connected to a management server via a network and functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application stored in the information processing terminal ,
An input section;
An authentication information storage unit for storing a handset ID for identifying the USB handset;
In response to an ID authentication request from the information processing terminal, the handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit is transmitted to the information processing terminal, and in response to a password request received from the management server through the information processing terminal, A USB handset with an authentication function, comprising: a control unit configured to transmit an input password received through the input unit to the management server through the information processing terminal. A handset ID for identifying a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in a set with a softphone application and a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset are connected to a management server registered in advance via a network. An information processing terminal,
A display unit;
A USB terminal to which the USB handset can be connected;
A control unit that executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset connected to the USB terminal,
The controller is
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the handset ID is acquired from the USB handset, and the management server is requested to confirm whether or not the acquired handset ID is registered. The registration confirmation result received from the management server as a response to the request is displayed on the display unit,
When said acquired handset ID is registered in the management server, Rutotomoni displays a message indicating the password request from the management server on the display unit, to the management server, receiving from the USB handset An information processing terminal that issues an authentication request for the password that has been received and displays the authentication result received from the management server as a response to the request on the display unit. A management server connected via a network to an information processing terminal having a USB terminal to which a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in a set with a softphone application is connected;
An authentication ID storage unit in which a handset ID of the USB handset is registered in advance;
A management table in which user information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit;
A control unit that determines whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit and, if registered, makes a password request to the USB handset through the information processing terminal And having
The control unit compares the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table and the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request. A management server that permits communication with an external terminal using the USB handset only when these passwords match. A USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in combination with a softphone application, an information processing terminal that executes the softphone application having a USB terminal to which the USB handset is connected, and the information processing terminal are connected via a network A communication method performed in a communication system having a management server,
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the control unit of the information processing terminal executes a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset and makes an ID authentication request to the USB handset;
In response to the ID authentication request, the USB handset control unit transmits a handset ID stored in the authentication information storage unit for identifying the USB handset to the information processing terminal;
The control unit of the information processing terminal transmits a handset ID received from the USB handset to the management server to perform registration confirmation;
The control unit of the management server determines whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit in which the handset ID is registered in advance. Making a password request to the USB handset through a processing terminal;
The control unit of the USB handset transmits the input password received through the input unit to the management server through the information processing terminal in response to the password request;
User information including at least a password for the control unit of the management server to determine the validity of the user of the USB handset is stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit. The management table, the password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal at the time of registration confirmation stored in the management table, and the information processing information from the USB handset as a response to the password request. Comparing the password received through the terminal and permitting the USB handset to communicate with the external terminal only when these passwords match. A handset ID for identifying a USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal in a set with a softphone application and a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset are connected to a management server registered in advance via a network. An information processing terminal program,
Processing to execute a softphone application corresponding to the USB handset connected to the USB terminal;
When the USB handset is connected to the USB terminal, the handset ID is acquired from the USB handset, and the management server is requested to confirm whether or not the acquired handset ID is registered. Processing for displaying the registration confirmation result received from the management server as a response to the request on the display unit;
When the acquired handset ID is registered in the management server, a message indicating a password request from the management server is displayed on the display unit, and the password received from the USB handset to the management server And a process for causing the computer to execute an authentication request and displaying the authentication result received from the management server as a response to the request on the display unit. A management server program information processing terminal to execute the softphone applications with USB port USB handset that functions as a telephone terminal softphone application and the set is connected is connected via a network,
A process of determining whether or not the handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit in which the handset ID is registered in advance;
When a handset ID received from the information processing terminal is registered in the authentication ID storage unit, a process of making a password request to the USB handset through the information processing terminal;
User information including at least a password for determining the validity of the user of the USB handset is referred to the management table stored in association with the handset ID of the USB handset registered in the authentication ID storage unit, and The password corresponding to the handset ID received from the information processing terminal stored in the management table is compared with the password received from the USB handset through the information processing terminal as a response to the password request, and these passwords match. A program for causing a computer to execute processing for permitting communication with an external terminal using the USB handset only when it is performed.

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