Reporting device and network connection control method

Abstract

To enable a callback in response to a callback from a report destination, even when a telephone connected to a report device is in an off-hook state, without affecting a processing system that reports.SOLUTION: Switching means including a first switch unit 102 and a second switch unit 103 is controlled by a connection / disconnection control unit 1011 and an incoming call detection circuit 104. When a report button 3 is pressed, the state is switched to a first state in which a report processing unit 1012 is connected to an IP network and a telephone 2 connected to the device is disconnected. When the report processing is completed, the state is switched to a second state in which both the report processing unit 1012 and the telephone 2 are disconnected from the IP network. When a call signal arrives, the state is switched to a third state in which the telephone 2 is connected to the IP network and the report processing unit 1012 is disconnected.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to an apparatus and method for automatically calling an emergency call receiving agency such as a police agency or a fire department, or a registered predetermined call destination. [Background technology]

[0002] For example, there is known an emergency call device that makes an emergency call to a designated emergency call receiving agency such as a fire department when an emergency such as a fire occurs. When a caller presses a call button, the emergency call device calls the emergency call receiving agency, connects a telephone line, and automatically reports the occurrence of an emergency using a pre-prepared voice message. The emergency call receiving agency then calls back to the telephone connected to the emergency call device. In response to this, the caller can pick up the handset of the telephone that rings, and go off-hook to connect the telephone line to the emergency call receiving agency, allowing the call to be made.

[0003] If the emergency call device is connected to a fixed telephone network (PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network)), the call line between the emergency call receiving agency and the emergency call device is put on hold after an emergency call is made. Therefore, when the emergency call receiving agency calls back, a call signal (IR (Inter Ringing) signal) is sent from the fixed telephone network as a call-back signal (return signal), and the telephone connected to the emergency call device rings. In response to this, by picking up the handset of the telephone, it becomes possible to talk to the person in charge of the emergency call receiving agency. In the case of a fixed telephone network, since the line is put on hold as described above, it is possible to talk to the person in charge of the emergency call receiving agency even if the telephone connected to the emergency call device is off-hook.

[0004] However, in recent years, it has become possible to use IP (Internet Protocol) networks instead of fixed-line telephone networks, and it is planned to migrate all fixed-line telephone networks to IP networks in the near future. An IP network is a network that is interconnected using Internet Protocol Suite technology (TCP / IP). Note that IP networks include optical fiber lines and metal IP telephone networks. In the operation of emergency call devices connected to IP networks, the function of holding the line after an emergency call is no longer available, and a method is adopted in which the caller is connected to the telephone connected to the emergency call device (callback) to connect the call line and talk to the caller.

[0005] In this case, if the telephone connected to the emergency call device that made the emergency call has the receiver picked up (off-hook state), the telephone will capture the IP network and the call line will be in use (busy state). In other words, the telephone connected to the emergency call device will be in a busy state and will not be able to respond to callbacks from the emergency call receiving agency. For this reason, as disclosed in Patent Document 1 described below, a switch circuit is provided between the IP network and the telephone, and this switch circuit is basically kept in the off state. Then, after the emergency call, if the arrival of an IR signal is detected, the switch circuit is turned on.

[0006] In this way, even if the telephone connected to the emergency call device is off-hook, the telephone is not in a state where it can capture the IP network, so the telephone can be used to immediately respond to a call back from the emergency call receiving agency. Of course, even if the telephone is on-hook, the discussion telephone rings and the call back can be answered by going off-hook. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0007] [Patent Document 1] JP 2022-62919 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0008] The following summarizes problems that may occur when making an emergency call through an IP network. As shown in Fig. 6, the schematic configuration of the emergency call device 7 includes a main body circuit 701 for making an emergency call and a switch circuit 702. A call button 8 is connected to the main body circuit 701 of the emergency call device 7 as shown in Fig. 6. Also, as shown in Fig. 6, the switch circuit 702 of the emergency call device 7 switches between connecting the main body circuit 701 to the IP network and connecting the telephone 9 to the IP network.

[0009] Normally (before the report button 8 is pressed), as shown in FIG. 6(A), the switch circuit 702 is switched to the terminal b side, and the telephone 9 can be used to receive and make calls. When the report button 8 is pressed, this is notified to the main body circuit 701. In this case, as shown in FIG. 6(B), the main body circuit 701 switches the switch circuit 702 to the terminal a side, connects the main body circuit 701 to the IP network, automatically calls a predetermined emergency call receiving agency, connects the telephone line, and executes emergency call processing to make an emergency call. When the emergency call processing is completed, the main body circuit 701 switches the switch circuit 702 to the terminal b side again, as shown in FIG. 6(A), disconnects the main body circuit 701 from the IP network, and prepares for a callback from the emergency call receiving agency.

[0010] However, when making an emergency call, it is possible that the caller who has pressed the call button 8 will pick up the receiver of the telephone 9 in a panic. As shown in Fig. 6(A), if the telephone 9 is off-hook when the switch circuit 702 is switched to the terminal b side, the telephone 9 will capture the IP network, and the telephone 9 will be in a state of using the telephone line (in a call). This means that the emergency call receiving agency will not be able to make a call to the telephone connected to the emergency call device, and even if the emergency call receiving agency performs a callback operation, the telephone line cannot be connected, and so-called back-call communication will not be possible.

[0011] Therefore, as shown in Fig. 6(B), it is conceivable to keep the switch circuit 702 switched to the terminal a even after the main body circuit 701 has made an emergency call. After that, when an IR signal corresponding to a callback arrives, the main body circuit 701 switches the switch circuit 702 to the terminal b. In this way, the IP network is not captured from the telephone 9, so even if the telephone 9 is off-hook, when an IR signal corresponding to a callback operation from the emergency call receiving agency arrives, the telephone line can be connected and a call can be made back.

[0012] However, it becomes necessary to provide the main body circuit 701 with a function of receiving IR signals, such as by providing a detection circuit for IR signals. The main body circuit 701 is a circuit that mainly realizes a transmission function of making an emergency call to an emergency call receiving agency. For this reason, the received IR signal may affect the signal transmission system, which may induce malfunctions such as breakdowns. In addition, the ability to receive IR signals may cause the inflow of surge currents due to noise interference or lightning strikes, which may also cause malfunctions in the main body circuit 701.

[0013] Here, an example of making an emergency call to a specific emergency call receiving organization such as a fire department has been described, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a so-called monitoring and reporting device that is installed in the home of an elderly person living alone, reports when a report button is pressed, and receives a callback from the report destination also has the same problem as the above-mentioned emergency reporting device. That is, the same problem occurs in various reporting devices connected to a telephone that reports to a specific report destination when a specific event occurs, and receives a callback from the specific reporting device to make a call.

[0014] In view of the above, an object of the present invention is to enable, in a reporting device that reports to a specified reporting destination via an IP network, a call back in response to a callback from a reporting destination, even if a telephone connected to the reporting device is in an off-hook state, without affecting the processing system that reports. [Means for solving the problem]

[0015] In order to solve the above problem, the notification device of the invention described in claim 1 comprises: a reporting means for automatically sending a report to a predetermined reporting destination through an IP (Internet Protocol) network and processing the report; a switching means having a first switch section and a second switch section, and forming a first state in which the notification processing means is connected to the IP network and the telephone connected to the device is disconnected, a second state in which both the notification processing means and the telephone are disconnected from the IP network, and a third state in which the telephone is connected to the IP network and the notification processing means is disconnected; a detection means for detecting the arrival of a call signal transmitted in response to a callback operation at the notification destination; a first switching control means for, when a notification button is pressed, setting the switching means to the first state and causing the notification processing means to perform a notification process, and for, when the notification process is completed, setting the switching means to the second state; a second switching control means for switching the switching means to the third state when the detection means detects the arrival of the call signal after the first switching control means has switched the switching means to the second state; The present invention is characterized by comprising:

[0016] According to the reporting device of claim 1, the switching means includes a first switch unit and a second switch unit. By switching control of the first switch unit and the second switch unit, the switching means switches between a first state, a second state, and a third state. When the reporting button is pressed, the switching means switches to the first state. In the first state, the reporting processing means is connected to the IP network, and the telephone connected to the device is disconnected. In the first state, reporting can be appropriately performed to a predetermined reporting destination.

[0017] When the notification process is completed, the switching means is switched to the second state. In the second state, both the notification process means and the telephone are disconnected from the IP network. In the second state, signals such as a call signal (IR signal) and noise are not supplied to the notification process means. Furthermore, in the second state, even if the telephone connected to the notification device is in an off-hook state, the telephone does not capture the IP network. Therefore, a call signal (IR signal) in response to a callback operation from the notification destination reaches the notification device appropriately, and a call line can be connected through the telephone connected to the notification device.

[0018] After the notification process, when a call signal (IR signal) arrives in response to a callback operation at the notification destination, the switching means is switched to the third state. In the third state, the telephone connected to the notification device is connected to the IP network, and the notification processing means is disconnected. In the third state, a state is maintained in which signals such as call signals (IR signals) and noise are not supplied to the notification processing means. Furthermore, in the third state, even if the telephone connected to the notification device is in an off-hook state, a communication line is connected between the notification destination and the telephone connected to the notification device, making it possible to make a call back. Effect of the Invention

[0019] According to this invention, in a reporting device that sends a report to a specified reporting destination via an IP network, it is possible to make a return call in response to a callback from the reporting destination, even if the telephone connected to the reporting device is in an off-hook state, without affecting the reporting processing means that sends the report. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0020] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram for explaining an overall configuration of an emergency notification system including an emergency notification device to which an embodiment of a notification device of the present invention is applied; [Diagram 2] 1 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an emergency notification device according to a first embodiment; [Diagram 3] 3 is a diagram for explaining switching patterns of two switches of the emergency notification device of the first embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of an emergency notification device according to a second embodiment. [Diagram 5] 13 is a diagram for explaining switching patterns of two switches of an emergency notification device according to a second embodiment. FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining problems that may occur when making an emergency call through an IP network. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0021] Hereinafter, an embodiment of a notification device and a network connection control method according to the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The notification device according to the present invention is applicable to various notification devices, such as an emergency notification device and a monitoring notification device, which are connected to a telephone that notifies a predetermined notification destination when a predetermined event occurs and receives a callback from the predetermined notification destination to make a call. The network connection control method according to the present invention is used in the various notification devices.

[0022] In the following embodiment, the reporting device and the network connection control method according to the present invention are applied to an emergency reporting device that reports to a specific emergency reporting agency. The specific emergency reporting agency is a police agency (special number 110), a fire reporting agency (special number 119), a Japan Coast Guard agency (special number 118), a security company (special telephone number), etc. In the following embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the emergency reporting agency is assumed to be a fire reporting agency (special number 119).

[0023] [Overall configuration of emergency reporting system including emergency reporting device] Fig. 1 is a diagram for explaining the overall configuration of an emergency call system including an emergency call device 1 to which an embodiment of the call device of the present invention is applied. As shown in Fig. 1, the emergency call device 1 and an emergency call receiving agency 6 are connected via a gateway device 4 and an IP network 5, and an environment in which they can communicate with each other is provided.

[0024] As shown in Fig. 1, the emergency call device 1 is connected to a telephone 2 and a report button 3. The emergency call device 1, telephone 2, and report button 3, which are enclosed by dotted lines, are devices installed in various facilities that are the source of reports, such as company offices and factories. The telephone 2 is for connecting a telephone line to perform a so-called call back call when a call signal (IR signal) arrives in response to a callback operation from an emergency call receiving agency 6. The report button 3 is for instructing the emergency call device 1 to report the occurrence of an emergency, such as a fire, to the emergency call receiving agency 6.

[0025] In the emergency call system of this embodiment, even if the handset of the telephone 2 is off-hook after the call button 3 is pressed to make an emergency call, a callback call can be reliably made in response to a callback from the emergency call receiving agency 6. Moreover, the circuit part of the emergency call device 1 that makes the emergency call is not burdened by signals that are not to be processed, such as IR signals and noise, entering through the IP network 5, so that it is not likely to cause a breakdown. The configuration of the emergency call device 1 will be specifically described below. In the following, two emergency call devices that realize the same functions but have different configurations will be described separately as an emergency call device of a first embodiment and an emergency call device of a second embodiment.

[0026] [First embodiment] <Configuration example of emergency notification device 1> Fig. 2 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the emergency notification device 1 of the first embodiment. As shown in Fig. 2, the emergency notification device 1 of the first embodiment is configured to include a line control unit 101, a first switch unit 102, a second switch unit 103, and an incoming call detection circuit 104. The line control unit 101 includes a connection / disconnection control unit 1011 and a report processing unit 1012. The connection / disconnection control unit 1011 and the report processing unit 1012 will be described in detail later. The first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103 configure a switching means of the emergency notification device 1.

[0027] The first switch unit 102 has a terminal a to which a first line L1 leading to the report processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 is connected, and a terminal b to which a second line L2 leading to the telephone set 2 is connected. As shown in Fig. 2, the first switch unit 102 is of a single-pole double-throw type that switches between connecting the first line L1 leading to the report processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 to the IP network 5 and connecting the second line L2 leading to the telephone set 2 to the IP network 5. The first switch unit 102 is controlled to be switched by a connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101.

[0028] 2, the second switch unit 103 is provided between the terminal b of the first switch unit 102 and the telephone 2, and is of a single-pole, single-throw type that switches whether or not the telephone 2 is connected to the terminal b of the first switch unit 102. The second switch unit 103 is switched by a connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 and an incoming call detection circuit 104. The incoming call detection circuit 104 detects an IR signal transmitted from the IP network 5 in response to a callback operation performed by the emergency call receiving agency 6 after making an emergency call, and realizes a function of switching the second switch unit 103 on when the IR signal is detected.

[0029] In the emergency call device 1 configured in this way, when the call button 3 is pressed, this is notified to the line control unit 101, and the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 functions to switch the first switch unit 102 to the terminal a side and switch the second switch unit 103 to the off state. As a result, the call processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 is connected to the IP network 5, and an automatic call is made to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to connect the telephone line, and a call process is performed to send a voice message such as "Fire has broken out at XX Co., Ltd., 1-chome, XX City, XX no. △△." In this case, the telephone number assigned to the telephone set 2 that made the call is also notified to the emergency call receiving agency 6 and is used at the time of the callback.

[0030] After this notification process, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 switches the first switch unit 102 to the terminal b side. The second switch unit 103 is left in the OFF state. As a result, the first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103 are in the state shown in FIG. 2. In this case, the line control unit 101 is disconnected from the IP network 5 by switching the first switch unit 102 to the terminal b side. Therefore, unnecessary signals such as IR signals and noise transmitted through the IP network 5 do not flow into the line control unit 101. In addition, since the telephone 2 and the IP network 5 are also disconnected by the second switch unit 103, even if the telephone 2 is in an off-hook state, the telephone 2 does not capture the IP network 5 and does not enter a busy state.

[0031] Assume that the first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103 are in the state shown in Fig. 2. In this case, when an IR signal corresponding to a callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6 is transmitted from the IP network 5 and detected by the incoming call detection circuit 104, the incoming call detection circuit 104 switches the second switch unit 103 to the ON state. In this case, if the telephone 2 is in an off-hook state, the telephone line is immediately connected, and a call can be made in reverse. Also, if the telephone 2 is in an on-hook state, an incoming call is first made to the telephone 2, a ring tone is sounded, and the telephone 2's handset is picked up to go into an off-hook state, whereby the telephone line is connected, and a call can be made in reverse.

[0032] In this way, in the emergency notification device 1 of the first embodiment, the first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103 switch between the first, second, and third states, thereby enabling a call back even when the telephone 2 is off-hook after notification processing. The first state is a state in which the notification processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 is connected to the IP network 5, and the telephone 2 connected to the device is disconnected. The second state is a state in which both the notification processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 and the telephone 2 are disconnected from the IP network 5. The third state is a state in which the telephone 2 is connected to the IP network 5, and the notification processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 is disconnected from the IP network 5.

[0033] <Transition of Switching States of First Switch Section 102 and Second Switch Section 103> Fig. 3 is a diagram for explaining the switching control of the first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103 of the emergency call device 1 of the first embodiment. In the emergency call device 1 of the first embodiment, in normal times (before a call) when an emergency call can be made, the first switch unit 102 is switched to the terminal b side and the second switch unit 103 is switched to the on state, as shown in Fig. 3(A). In this state, the path between the telephone 2 and the IP network 5 is connected, so that by off-hook operation of the telephone 2, a call can be made to the intended party through the IP network 5 and an incoming call can be answered.

[0034] In the normal state shown in Fig. 3(A), it is assumed that the report button 3 is pressed to instruct making an emergency report. In this case, as shown in Fig. 3(B), the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 supplies a switching signal S1 to the first switch unit 102 to switch it to select terminal a. Also, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 supplies a switching signal S2 to the second switch unit 103 to switch it to the off state. As a result, the telephone 2 is disconnected from the IP network 5, the report processing unit 1012 of the line control unit 101 is connected to the IP network 5, and the state is set for reporting, and the report processing unit 1012 functions to execute a report process to make an emergency report to the emergency report receiving agency 6.

[0035] After that, when the notification process is completed, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 supplies a switching signal S1 to the first switch unit 102, switching it to select terminal b as shown in FIG. 3(C). Note that no switching signal is supplied to the second switch unit 103, which remains in the OFF state. This puts the unit in a state of waiting for a callback from the emergency call receiving agency 6. Furthermore, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011 of the line control unit 101 supplies an enable signal to the incoming call detection circuit 104, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 2. This causes the incoming call detection circuit 104 to start a process of detecting an IR signal sent from the IP network 5 to the telephone 2 in response to the callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6.

[0036] In the state shown in Fig. 3(C), even if the telephone 2 is off-hook, the second switch unit 103 is in the off state, so the telephone 2 will not capture the IP network 5. In the state shown in Fig. 3(C), assume that an IR signal corresponding to a callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6 is transmitted through the IP network 5 and detected by the incoming call detection circuit 104. In this case, the incoming call detection circuit 104 supplies a switching signal S3 to the second switch unit 103, switching it to the on state as shown in Fig. 3(D), and entering the state when a callback arrives.

[0037] As a result, even if telephone 2 is off-hook, by turning second switch unit 103 on, telephone 2 is connected to IP network 5 for the first time, and a communication line is immediately connected between telephone 2 and emergency call receiving agency 6, allowing a call to be made. In this case, if telephone 2 is on-hook, an incoming call occurs at telephone 2, and telephone 2 rings to notify the caller of the incoming call. In response, if the caller picks up the receiver of telephone 2 and turns it off-hook, a communication line is connected between telephone 2 and emergency call receiving agency 6, allowing a call to be made.

[0038] As explained with reference to Fig. 3, by controlling the switching between the first switch unit 102 and the second switch unit 103, even if the telephone 2 is off-hook after the call is made, the telephone line can be connected to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to perform the back call. Of course, even if the telephone 2 is on-hook, if the telephone 2 is made to ring as usual and the telephone 2 is turned off-hook in response, the telephone line can be connected to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to perform the back call. Furthermore, as explained with reference to Fig. 3(C), after the call is made, the line control unit 101 is separated from the IP network 5, so that IR signals and noise do not enter the line control unit 101 through the IP network 5, and do not cause the line control unit 101 to malfunction.

[0039] In the first embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 3, the state shown in FIG. 3(B) in which the first switch unit 102 is switched to the terminal a side and the second switch unit 103 is switched to the OFF state after the report button 3 is pressed is the first state. The state shown in FIG. 3(C) in which the report processing by the report processing unit 1012 is completed, the first switch unit 102 is switched to the terminal b side, and the second switch unit 103 is in the OFF state is the second state. And the state shown in FIG. 3(D) in which the second switch unit 103 is switched to ON and the first switch unit 102 is kept switched to the terminal b side when the incoming call detection circuit 104 detects an IR signal is the third state. That is, the states shown in FIG. 3(A) and (D) are the third state.

[0040] [Second embodiment] <Configuration example of emergency notification device 1A> FIG. 4 is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of the emergency notification device 1A of the second embodiment. As shown in FIG. 4, the emergency notification device 1A of the second embodiment is configured to include a line control unit 101A, a first switch unit 102A, a second switch unit 103A, and an incoming call detection circuit 104A. The line control unit 101A includes a connection / disconnection control unit 1011A and a report processing unit 1012A. The connection / disconnection control unit 1011A and the report processing unit 1012A will be described in detail later. The first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A constitute a switching means of the emergency notification device 1A.

[0041] The first switch unit 102A has a terminal c to which a first line LA leading to the report processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is connected, and a terminal d to which a second line LB leading to the telephone set 2 is connected. As shown in Fig. 4, the first switch unit 102A is of a single-pole double-throw type that switches between connecting the first line LA leading to the report processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A to the IP network 5 and connecting the second line LB leading to the telephone set 2 to the IP network 5. The first switch unit 102A is switched by a connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A and an incoming call detection circuit 104A.

[0042] As shown in FIG. 4, the second switch unit 103A is provided between the terminal c of the first switch unit 102A and the line control unit 101A, and switches whether or not the report processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is connected to the terminal c of the first switch unit 102A. As shown in FIG. 4, the second switch unit 103A is of a single-pole single-throw type. The second switch unit 103A is switched by a connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A. The incoming call detection circuit 104A detects an IR signal transmitted from the IP network 5 in response to a callback operation performed by the emergency call receiving agency 6 after performing report processing, and realizes a function of switching the first switch unit 102A to the terminal d side when the IR signal is detected.

[0043] In the emergency call device 1A configured in this way, when the call button 3 is pressed, this is notified to the line control unit 101A, and the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A functions to switch the first switch unit 102A to the terminal c side and switch the second switch unit 103A to the ON state. As a result, the call processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is connected to the IP network 5, and a call is made to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to connect the telephone line, and a call process is performed to send a voice message such as "Fire has broken out at XX Co., Ltd., 1-chome, XX City, XX City." In this case, the telephone number assigned to the telephone set 2 that made the call is also notified to the emergency call receiving agency 6 and is used at the time of the callback.

[0044] After this notification process, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A switches the second switch unit 103A to the OFF state. The first switch unit 102A is left switched to the terminal c side. As a result, the first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A are in the state shown in FIG. 4. In this case, the line control unit 101A is separated from the IP network 5 by switching the second switch unit 103A to the OFF state. Therefore, unnecessary signals such as noise transmitted through the IP network 5 do not flow into the line control unit 101A. In addition, since the first switch unit 102A is switched to the terminal c side and is separated from the IP network 5, even if the telephone 2 is in an off-hook state, the telephone 2 does not capture the IP network 5 and does not enter a busy state.

[0045] Assume that the first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A are in the state shown in Fig. 4. In this case, when an IR signal corresponding to a callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6 is transmitted from the IP network 5 and detected by the incoming call detection circuit 104A, the incoming call detection circuit 104A switches the first switch unit 102A to the terminal d side. In this case, if the telephone 2 is in an off-hook state, the telephone line is immediately connected, and a call back is possible. Also, if the telephone 2 is in an on-hook state, an incoming call is first generated at the telephone 2, a ring tone is emitted, and the telephone 2's handset is picked up to go into an off-hook state, whereby the telephone line is connected, and a call back is possible.

[0046] In this way, in the emergency notification device 1A of the second embodiment, the first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A switch between the first, second, and third states, thereby enabling a call back even when the telephone 2 is off-hook after notification processing. In the second embodiment, the first state is a state in which the notification processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is connected to the IP network 5, and the telephone 2 connected to the device is disconnected. In the second state, both the notification processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A and the telephone 2 are disconnected from the IP network 5. In the third state, the telephone 2 is connected to the IP network 5, and the notification processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is disconnected from the IP network.

[0047] <Transition of Switching States of First Switch Section 102A and Second Switch Section 103A> Fig. 5 is a diagram for explaining the switching control of the first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A of the emergency notification device 1A of the second embodiment. In the normal state (before a notification) in which an emergency notification can be made, the first switch unit 102A is switched to the terminal d side and the second switch unit 103A is switched to the off state, as shown in Fig. 5(A). In this state, the path between the telephone 2 and the IP network 5 is connected, so that by performing an off-hook operation on the telephone 2, a call can be made to the intended party through the IP network 5 and an incoming call can be answered.

[0048] In the normal state shown in FIG. 5(A), it is assumed that the report button 3 is pressed to instruct making an emergency report. In this case, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A supplies a switching signal SB to the first switch unit 102A to switch it to select terminal c. Also, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A supplies a switching signal SA to the second switch unit 103A to switch it to the ON state. As a result, the telephone 2 is disconnected from the IP network 5, the report processing unit 1012A of the line control unit 101A is connected to the IP network 5, and the state is set for reporting, and the report processing unit 1012A functions to execute a report process to make an emergency report to the emergency report receiving agency 6.

[0049] After that, when the notification process is completed, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A supplies a switching signal SA to the second switch unit 103A to switch it to the OFF state as shown in FIG. 5(C). Note that no switching signal is supplied to the first switch unit 102A, and the terminal c side remains selected. This puts the unit into a standby state for a callback from the emergency call receiving agency 6. Furthermore, the connection / disconnection control unit 1011A of the line control unit 101A supplies an enable signal to the incoming call detection circuit 104A as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 4. This causes the incoming call detection circuit 104A to start a process of detecting an IR signal sent from the IP network 5 to the telephone 2 in response to the callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6.

[0050] In the state shown in Fig. 5(C), even if the telephone 2 is off-hook, the first switch unit 102A is switched to the terminal c side, so the telephone 2 will not capture the IP network 5. In the state shown in Fig. 5(C), assume that an IR signal corresponding to a callback operation at the emergency call receiving agency 6 is transmitted through the IP network 5 and detected by the incoming call detection circuit 104A. In this case, the incoming call detection circuit 104A supplies a switching signal SC to the first switch unit 102A to switch to the terminal d side as shown in Fig. 3(D), and enters the state when a callback arrives.

[0051] As a result, even if telephone 2 is off-hook, by switching first switch unit 102A to terminal d, telephone 2 is connected to IP network 5 for the first time, and a communication line is immediately connected between telephone 2 and emergency call receiving agency 6, allowing a call to be made. In this case, if telephone 2 is on-hook, an incoming call occurs at telephone 2, and telephone 2 rings to notify the caller of the incoming call. In response, if the caller picks up the handset of telephone 2 to go off-hook, a communication line is connected between telephone 2 and emergency call receiving agency 6, allowing a call to be made.

[0052] As described with reference to Fig. 5, by controlling the switching between the first switch unit 102A and the second switch unit 103A, even if the telephone 2 is off-hook after the call is made, the telephone line can be connected to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to perform a reverse call. Of course, even if the telephone 2 is on-hook, if the telephone 2 is made to ring as usual and the telephone 2 is turned off-hook in response, the telephone line can be connected to the emergency call receiving agency 6 to perform a reverse call. Furthermore, as described with reference to Fig. 5(C), after the call is made, the line control unit 101A is separated from the IP network 5, so that noise does not enter the line control unit 101A through the IP network 5 and does not cause a breakdown of the line control unit 101A.

[0053] In the second embodiment, as can be seen from FIG. 5, the state shown in FIG. 5(B) in which the first switch unit 102A is switched to the terminal c side and the second switch unit 103A is switched to the ON state after the report button 3 is pressed is the first state. The state shown in FIG. 5(C) in which the report process by the report processing unit 1012A is completed, the second switch unit 103A is turned off, and the first switch unit 102A is kept switched to the terminal c side is the second state. And, when the incoming call detection circuit 104A detects an IR signal, the state shown in FIG. 5(D) in which the second switch unit 103A is kept off and the first switch unit 102A is switched to the terminal d side is the third state. That is, the states shown in FIG. 5(A) and (D) are the third state.

[0054] [Effects of the embodiment] The emergency notification device 1, 1A of the above-mentioned embodiment can connect the telephone line and perform a call back call when an IR signal arrives in response to a callback from the call destination, even if the telephone 2 connected to the emergency notification device 1, 1A is in an off-hook state after an emergency call. In addition, after the call processing, the call processing unit 1012, 1012A is disconnected from the IP network 5, so that unnecessary signals such as IR signals and noise do not flow into the call processing unit 1012, 1012A. Therefore, unnecessary signals such as IR signals and noise do not affect the call processing unit 1012, 1012A that performs the call processing, and do not induce a failure.

[0055] [Variations] In the above-mentioned embodiment, the embodiment of the notification device according to the present invention is applied to the emergency notification device 1, 1A, but the present invention is not limited thereto. As described above, the present invention is applicable to various notification devices connected to a telephone that notifies a predetermined notification destination when a predetermined event occurs, and receives a callback from the predetermined notification destination and makes a call, such as a so-called monitoring notification device. Here, the description has been given of a notification to a predetermined notification destination when a predetermined event occurs, but the occurrence of a predetermined event is not limited to an operation such as pressing a notification button. For example, the occurrence of a predetermined event may be a case where a lighting fixture is not turned on for a predetermined time or more even at night, a gas meter does not operate for a predetermined time or more, or a water boiler is not used for a predetermined time or more, in which a device that normally operates does not operate.

[0056] [others] As can be seen from the above description of the embodiment, the function of the claimed notification processing means is realized by the notification processing units 1012 and 1012A of the emergency notification devices 1 and 1A of the embodiment. The function of the claimed switching means is realized by the first switch units 102 and 102A and the second switch units 103 and 103A. The functions of the claimed detection means and second switching control means are realized by the incoming call detection circuits 104 and 104A. The function of the claimed first switching control means is realized by the connection / disconnection control units 1011 and 1011A.

[0057] Moreover, the method of switching between first switch unit 102 and second switch unit 103 described with reference to Fig. 3, which is performed in emergency call device 1 of the above-mentioned first embodiment, is an application of one embodiment of the network connection control method according to the present invention. Moreover, the method of switching between first switch unit 102A and second switch unit 103A described with reference to Fig. 5, which is performed in emergency call device 1A of the above-mentioned second embodiment, is an application of one embodiment of the network connection control method according to the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0058] 1, 1A...emergency call device, 101, 101A...line control unit, 1011, 1011A...connection / disconnection control unit, 1012, 1012A...call processing unit, 102, 102A...first switch unit, 103, 103A...second switch unit, 104, 104A...incoming call detection circuit, 2...telephone, 3...call button, 4...gateway device, 5...IP network, 6...emergency call receiving agency, S1, S2, S3...switching signal, SA, SB, SC...switching signal

Claims

1. A reporting means for automatically sending a report to a predetermined reporting destination through an IP (Internet Protocol) network and processing the report; a switching means for forming a first state in which the notification processing means is connected to the IP network and a telephone connected to the device is disconnected, a second state in which both the notification processing means and the telephone are disconnected from the IP network, and a third state in which the telephone is connected to the IP network and the notification processing means is disconnected; a detection means for detecting the arrival of a call signal transmitted in response to a callback operation at the notification destination; a first switching control means for, when a notification button is pressed, setting the switching means to the first state and causing the notification processing means to perform a notification process, and for, when the notification processing is completed, setting the switching means to the second state; a second switching control means for switching the switching means to the third state when the detection means detects the arrival of the call signal after the first switching control means has switched the switching means to the second state; A reporting device comprising:

2. The notification device according to claim 1, the first switch unit of the switching means has a first terminal to which a first line leading to the notification processing means is connected and a second terminal to which a second line leading to the telephone is connected, and switches between connecting the first line and connecting the second line to the IP network; the second switch section of the switching means is provided between the second terminal of the first switch section and the telephone, and switches between an ON state in which the telephone is connected to the second terminal of the first switch section and an OFF state in which the telephone is not connected to the second terminal of the first switch section; the first switching control means, when the report button is pressed, switches the first switch unit to the first terminal side and switches the second switch unit to an off state to set the first state, and, when the report by the report processing means is completed, switches the first switch unit to the second terminal side to set the second state; The second switching control means, when the detection means detects the arrival of the call signal, switches the second switch unit to an on state to bring the device into the third state. A reporting device characterized by:

3. The notification device according to claim 1, the first switch unit of the switching means has a first terminal to which a first line leading to the notification processing means is connected and a second terminal to which a second line leading to the telephone is connected, and switches between connecting the first line and connecting the second line to the IP network; the second switch unit of the switching means is provided between the first terminal of the first switch unit and the notification processing means, and switches between an ON state in which the notification processing means is connected to the first terminal of the first switch unit and an OFF state in which the notification processing means is not connected to the first terminal of the first switch unit, the first switching control means, when the report button is pressed, switches the first switch unit to the first terminal side and switches the second switch unit to an ON state to set the first state, and, when the report processing by the report processing means is completed, switches the second switch unit to an OFF state to set the second state; the second switching control means, when the detection means detects the arrival of the call signal, switches the first switch unit to the second terminal side to bring the first switch unit into the third state. A reporting device characterized by:

4. A network connection control method for a reporting device that automatically sends a report to a predetermined reporting destination through an IP (Internet Protocol) network, comprising: The notification device includes notification processing means for performing notification processing, a first switch unit and a second switch unit, and includes switching means for forming a first state in which the notification processing means is connected to the IP network and a telephone connected to the device is disconnected, a second state in which both the notification processing means and the telephone are disconnected from the IP network, and a third state in which the telephone is connected to the IP network and the notification processing means is disconnected, and a detection means for detecting the arrival of a call signal transmitted in response to a callback operation at the notification destination, a first switching control step in which, when a report button is pressed, a first switching control means sets the switching means to the first state, so that a report process is performed by the report processing means, and, when the report process is completed, sets the switching means to the second state; a second switching control step in which, when the detection means detects the arrival of the call signal after the switching means is set to the second state in the first switching control step, a second switching control means sets the switching means to the third state; 13. A network connection control method comprising:

Images