Telephone number investigation device, investigation method, investigation program, and information providing system

Abstract

To determine the state of use of a telephone number in an Internet protocol multimedia subsystem (IMS) network by using an IMS interconnection interface for an inter-business interconnection.SOLUTION: A telephone number inspection device 10 is connected to a plurality of Internet protocol (IP) telephone terminals 50 connected with a terminating fixed IP multimedia subsystem (IMS) network 30 via an originating fixed IMS network 20, sends an INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 by adding session description protocol (SDP) parameters to the INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated, receives a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network 30, and determines the state of use of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated according to the response message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a technique for investigating telephone numbers. [Background technology]

[0002] A known prior art for determining telephone number information is a telephone number information determination device using a computer server connected to a plurality of terminals via an Internet network, the device comprising: a database for storing usage history information of a plurality of telephone numbers; search information receiving means for receiving authentication information from the terminal and receiving a telephone number as search information from the terminal on condition that the authentication means permits login; and system control means for searching the database using the telephone number received by the search information receiving means, analyzing a change in the telephone number field to a missing number to determine whether there are a plurality of histories in the telephone number history information that transition from a subscription state to a missing number state, and / or analyzing a valid change in the telephone number field to determine whether there are a plurality of histories in the telephone number history information that transition from a missing number state to a subscription state, and generating history determination information for determining that the telephone number in the search information is a predetermined subscriber number by referring to unaccumulated history in the telephone number history information, a missing number history that is the most recent investigation record in the telephone number history information, a missing number history that is the investigation record one before the most recent investigation record, and a plurality of call termination histories in the telephone number history information, and displaying this history determination information on the terminal via the Internet network (see Patent Document 1). [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] JP 2014-060796 A Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] Incidentally, with the transition from PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Networks) to NGN (Next Generation Networks), the interconnection interface between carriers will also change from the common channel signaling system SS7 (Signaling System No. 7) to the IP (Internet Protocol) system SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).As a result, specific SIP messages from calling terminals (e.g. telephone number research devices) will reach the IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) network, the NGN network, and the IP telephone network (VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol).

[0005] IMS is a standard for converting services that have previously been provided via fixed networks and mobile communications into IP, thereby enabling integrated multimedia services, and mobile communications systems and NGNs are examples of systems that have been built in accordance with this standard.

[0006] For this reason, it is necessary to ensure a smooth transition to the new system infrastructure by introducing a SIP protocol-based telephone number investigation tool that can connect to the originating IMS network via a UNI (User Network Interface), utilizing an IMS interconnection interface for interconnection between carriers and determining the usage status of telephone numbers in the destination IMS network.

[0007] Therefore, in one aspect, the present invention aims to provide a technique capable of determining the usage status of a telephone number in an IMS network by using an IMS interconnection interface or the like for interconnection between carriers. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] In order to solve the above problem, a telephone number investigation device according to the present invention is a telephone number investigation device connected via an originating fixed IMS network to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a terminating fixed IMS network, and is equipped with a message exchange control unit that adds SDP parameters to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal to be investigated, sends the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network and receives a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network, and a telephone number investigation determination unit that determines the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated in accordance with the response message, wherein the SDP parameters may be IPv4 for the network protocol, audio only for the media type, RTP / AVP only for the media transport protocol, and G.711 μ-law and G.722 for the voice codec.

[0009] The telephone number investigation device of the present invention may be configured so that the telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated exists if the response message is code 180 Ringing, code 200 OK, or code 486 Busy Here, determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is a missing number if the response message is code 404 Not Found, and determines that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been moved and the telephone number is a missing number if the response message is code 410 Gone.

[0010] The telephone number investigation device of the present invention may be configured so that, when the response message is code 180 Ringing, the telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and the message switching control unit sends a CANCEL request to the receiving fixed IMS network, thereby stopping the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal being investigated.

[0011] The telephone number investigation device of the present invention may be configured so that, when the response message is code 200 OK, the telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and the message exchange control unit sends a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network, thereby disconnecting communication with the IP telephone terminal being investigated.

[0012] The telephone number investigation device of the present invention may further include a voice conversion unit, and when the response message is code 410 Gone, the telephone number investigation determination unit may determine that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been relocated and the telephone number is a missing number, and the voice conversion unit may convert the voice data sent as relocation guidance into text data to obtain telephone number information of the relocated destination of the IP telephone terminal being investigated.

[0013] Furthermore, a telephone number investigation method according to the present invention is a telephone number investigation method for investigating the usage status of telephone numbers of IP telephone terminals to be investigated by using an apparatus connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a terminating fixed IMS network via an originating fixed IMS network, and includes the steps of: said apparatus adding SDP parameters to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal to be investigated and transmitting the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network; and determining the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated in accordance with the response message, wherein the SDP parameters may be IPv4 for the network protocol, audio only for the media type, RTP / AVP only for the media transport protocol, and G.711 μ-law and G.722 for the voice codec.

[0014] The telephone number investigation method of the present invention may determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated exists if the response message is code 180 Ringing, code 200 OK, or code 486 Busy Here, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is a missing number if the response message is code 404 Not Found, and determine that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been moved and the telephone number is a missing number if the response message is code 410 Gone.

[0015] The telephone number investigation method according to the present invention may be configured to, if the response message is code 180 Ringing, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and stop the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal being investigated by sending a CANCEL request to the terminating fixed IMS network.

[0016] The telephone number investigation method of the present invention may be configured to, if the response message is code 200 OK, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and disconnect communication with the IP telephone terminal being investigated by sending a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network.

[0017] The telephone number investigation method of the present invention may be configured to, if the response message is code 410 Gone, determine that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been relocated and the telephone number is a missing number, and convert voice data transmitted as relocation guidance into text data to obtain telephone number information of the relocated destination of the IP telephone terminal being investigated.

[0018] In addition, the telephone number investigation program of the present invention may cause a computer connected via an originating fixed IMS network to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a terminating fixed IMS network to execute at least the following processes: a process of adding SDP parameters to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal to be investigated and transmitting the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; a process of receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network; and a process of determining the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated in accordance with the response message, wherein the SDP parameters are IPv4 for the network protocol, audio only for the media type, RTP / AVP only for the media transport protocol, and G.711 μ-law and G.722 for the voice codec.

[0019] The telephone number investigation program of the present invention may determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated exists if the response message is code 180 Ringing, code 200 OK, or code 486 Busy Here, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is a missing number if the response message is code 404 Not Found, and determine that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been moved and the telephone number is a missing number if the response message is code 410 Gone.

[0020] The telephone number investigation program of the present invention may be configured to, when the response message is code 180 Ringing, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and stop the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal being investigated by sending a CANCEL request to the terminating fixed IMS network.

[0021] The telephone number investigation program of the present invention may be configured to, if the response message is code 200 OK, determine that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real, and disconnect communication with the IP telephone terminal being investigated by sending a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network.

[0022] The telephone number investigation program of the present invention may be configured to, if the response message is code 410 Gone, determine that the IP telephone terminal being investigated has been relocated and the telephone number is a missing number, and convert the voice data sent as relocation guidance into text data to obtain telephone number information of the relocated destination of the IP telephone terminal being investigated.

[0023] In addition, the telephone number information provision system of the present invention may have any of the telephone number investigation devices described above and a user terminal, and may be configured so that when the telephone number investigation device receives a telephone number investigation information provision request for the IP telephone terminal from the user terminal, it is further configured to have a network interface unit that transmits the telephone number usage status of the IP telephone terminal determined by the telephone number investigation determination unit to the user terminal from which the telephone number investigation information provision request was made via an IP network. Effect of the Invention

[0024] According to one aspect of the present invention, it is possible to determine the usage status of a telephone number in an IMS network by using an IMS interconnection interface or the like for interconnection between carriers. [Brief description of the drawings]

[0025] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network connection form of a telephone number research device according to an embodiment of the present invention; [Diagram 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram for explaining a basic sequence of operations between an originating fixed IMS network and a terminating fixed IMS network when a fixed telephone is actually present as a terminating device and is not busy. [Diagram 3]FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a basic sequence of operations between an originating fixed IMS network and a terminating fixed IMS network when a fixed telephone is actually present as a terminating device and is busy. [Figure 4] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a basic sequence of operations between an originating fixed IMS network and a terminating fixed IMS network when the terminating device has an unused number. [Diagram 5] FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a basic sequence of operations when a terminating device is relocated between an originating fixed IMS network and a terminating fixed IMS network. [Figure 6] FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the telephone number investigation device of FIG. 1. [Figure 7] FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining pattern 1 of an operational sequence when a landline telephone is actually present as an IP telephone terminal to be investigated and is not busy. [Figure 8] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining pattern 2 of the operation sequence when a landline telephone is actually present as the IP telephone terminal to be investigated and is not busy. [Figure 9] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining pattern 3 of the operational sequence when a landline telephone is actually present as the IP telephone terminal to be investigated and is not busy. [Figure 10] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation sequence when a landline telephone is actually present as the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed and is busy. [Figure 11] 13 is a diagram illustrating an operation sequence when the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has a missing number. FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the operation sequence when the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has a missing number (IPv4, G.711 μ-law only). [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining an operation sequence when an IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been relocated. [Figure 14] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing a method for investigating the usage status of telephone numbers of IP telephone terminals. [Figure 15] 1 is a system configuration diagram of a telephone number information providing system according to an embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

[0026] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0027] (Network connection type) FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram showing a network connection form of a telephone number research device 10 according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration mode of a telephone number research device according to the present invention.

[0028] A telephone number research device 10 according to the embodiment is connected to a plurality of landline telephone terminals (specifically, IP telephone terminals 50a, 50b, 50c) to be researched, which are connected to a destination fixed IMS network 30 (specifically, for example, an IP telephone network (VoIP: Voice over Internet Protocol)) via a source fixed IMS network 20 (specifically, for example, an NGN network). In the description of the embodiment, when there is no need to distinguish between the IP telephone terminals 50a, 50b, 50c for each network (in other words, for each contracted carrier), they will simply be referred to as "IP telephone terminal 50".

[0029] The originating fixed IMS network 20 includes a SIP server 20a, and the operation of the originating fixed IMS network 20 is managed and controlled by the SIP server 20a. The terminating fixed IMS network 30 includes SIP servers 30a, 30b, and 30c, and the operation of the terminating fixed IMS network 30 is managed and controlled by the SIP servers 30a, 30b, and 30c.

[0030] The receiving fixed IMS network 30 is constructed for each telecommunications carrier (in the example shown in FIG. 1, carrier A, carrier B, and carrier C), and IP telephone terminals 50a, 50b, and 50c are connected to each network (in other words, each contracted carrier) via SIP servers 30a, 30b, and 30c managed and operated by each carrier.

[0031] The terminating fixed IMS network 30 supports the network protocol of IP (Internet Protocol) v4 (in other words, Internet Protocol, IP version) for SDP (Session Description Protocol) parameters, supports audio as a media type, RTP / AVP as a media transport protocol, and G.711 μ-law as a voice codec.

[0032] Assume that the IP telephone terminal 50 is a fixed telephone having a 0ABJ telephone number and is connected to the destination fixed IMS network 30, which is the network on the destination side.

[0033] In the configuration shown in Figure 1, the telephone number research device 10, which is the calling device, dials the telephone numbers of IP telephone terminals 50a, 50b, and 50c connected to the called fixed IMS network 30 as the telephone numbers of the called telephone terminals, and routing is performed in the following order: SIP server 20a in the calling fixed IMS network 20, the calling IBCF (Inter-connection Border Control Function) 21, the called IBCF 31, the SIP servers 30a, 30b, and 30c, and the called IP telephone terminals 50a, 50b, and 50c.

[0034] At this time, a UNI connection is ensured between the telephone number research device 10 and the originating fixed IMS network 20, and the inter-operator interconnection between the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 is ensured as an IMS interconnection via an IMS interconnection interface (specifically, the originating IBCF 21 and the terminating IMS network 31), etc., and a specific SIP message (details will be described later) sent from the telephone number research device 10 in accordance with the SIP signaling method reaches the terminating fixed IMS network 30.

[0035] In the example shown in Figure 1, II-NNI (Network-Network Interface), which is a common interface for interconnection between IMS operators via IP-IP connections, is specified in the TTC standard JJ-90.30 (TTC: Telecommunication Technology Committee; a general incorporated association of information and communications technology committees).

[0036] According to SIP, in order to carry out real-time communication, it is necessary for terminals to negotiate the encoding method of packets containing media information and the addresses of packet destinations, etc. A description language called SDP (Session Description Protocol) is required for this negotiation, and is defined in the TTC standard RFC4566.

[0037] To establish a session using SIP, the calling party first sends a request that describes media information in a SIP message, and the called party then replies with a response in which it selects supported media from that request, thereby sharing the media information to be used for communication between the calling party and the called party.

[0038] Sending a SIP message with media information to start a session is called an offer, and returning compatible media information in response is called an answer. This offer / answer model is defined in the TTC standard RFC3264. Furthermore, the SDP media negotiation procedure in IMS is specified in the TTC standard JJ-90.26.

[0039] In the example shown in Figure 1, when the telephone number research device 10 sends an SDP offer (called an "INVITE request") of the INVITE method to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be researched via the calling fixed IMS network 20 (including SIP server 20a) and the called fixed IMS network 30 (including SIP servers 30a, 30b, and 30c), the device adds (in other words, writes) a predetermined SDP parameter (called an "SDP parameter for determination") to the SDP offer and transmits it.

[0040] The SDP parameters for determination that are added to the SDP parameters when an INVITE request is sent are the network protocol (in other words, the Internet Protocol, IP version), the media type, the media transport protocol, and the audio codec.

[0041] In response to an INVITE request, the IP telephone terminal 50 on the receiving side compares the SDP parameters included in the INVITE request with the SDP parameters that it can use, and depending on the result of the comparison (i.e., whether the SDP parameters match or mismatch), returns a response with a specified code in the SIP session as a response message.

[0042] Then, the telephone number research device 10 judges whether the called party's IP telephone terminal 50 is actually present or absent (and further, whether the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 is actually present or absent) based on the received response of the predetermined code.

[0043] (Basic sequence) 2 to 5 are diagrams for explaining a basic sequence of operations between the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 when the IP telephone terminal 50 as the terminating device is a fixed telephone by the INVITE method in IMS interconnection. Note that the basic sequence of operations related to the originating device according to the embodiment (specifically, the telephone number research device 10) and the IP telephone terminal 50 which is a fixed telephone is not limited to the contents shown in Fig. 2 to 5, but may follow the contents prescribed in, for example, TTC Standard JJ-90.30, TTC Standard JJ-90.26, and TTC Standard TR-1088.

[0044] Communication between the calling device and the called device is carried out via the calling fixed IMS network 20, the calling IBCF 21, the called IBCF 31, and the called fixed IMS network 30. Figures 2 to 5 show the basic sequence of operations between the calling device and the called device (specifically, the IP telephone terminal 50), focusing on the content of communication between the calling fixed IMS network 20 (particularly, the SIP server 20a) and the called fixed IMS network 30 (particularly, the SIP servers 30a, 30b, 30c).

[0045] (If real) FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a basic sequence of operations when a fixed telephone (specifically, an IP telephone terminal 50) actually exists as the receiving device and is not busy, between an originating fixed IMS network 20 and a terminating fixed IMS network 30 using the INVITE method in IMS interconnection, and the originating device disconnects communication.

[0046] The calling device transmits an INVITE request to the called device via the calling fixed IMS network 20 and via the called fixed IMS network 30 such as a fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the called device (F1).

[0047] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response (F2) to the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session, and also sends out a ring tone and returns a code 180 Ringing response (F3) indicating that the ring tone is ringing in the SIP session. At this time, the terminating device rings.

[0048] Next, a PRACK (Provisional Response Acknowledgement) request, which is a provisional response acknowledgement in the SIP session, is transmitted from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F4).

[0049] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 200 OK response to the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request (specifically, a PRACK (Provisional Response Acknowledgement) request) has been successfully processed in the SIP session (F5).

[0050] Next, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 200 OK response to the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request (specifically, the INVITE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session (F6).

[0051] In response to this, an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session is returned from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F7), and a session is established between the originating device and the terminating device, and communication begins.

[0052] While communication is being performed between the calling device and the called device, an UPDATE request is sent from the calling fixed IMS network 20 to the called fixed IMS network 30 in the SIP session, as necessary, requesting an update of data / information (F8). In response, the called fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 200 OK response to the calling fixed IMS network 20 in the SIP session, indicating that the request (specifically, the UPDATE request) has been successfully processed (F9).

[0053] Thereafter, (in the example shown in FIG. 2, when the calling device disconnects the communication) a BYE request indicating the end of the SIP session is transmitted from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F10), and in response (in the example shown in FIG. 2), a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the BYE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F11). This ends the session between the calling device and the terminating device, i.e., the communication between the calling device and the terminating device is disconnected.

[0054] (If busy) 3 is a diagram explaining a basic sequence of operations by the INVITE method in IMS interconnection when a fixed telephone (specifically, an IP telephone terminal 50) actually exists as a called device and is busy between an originating fixed IMS network 20 and a terminating fixed IMS network 30. This basic sequence is defined in the TTC standard TR-1088.

[0055] The calling device transmits an INVITE request to the called device via the calling fixed IMS network 20 and via the called fixed IMS network 30 such as a fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the called device (F1).

[0056] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response to the originating fixed IMS network 20 indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session (F2), and also returns a code 486 Busy Here response indicating that the media resource requested by the originating side in the SIP session is currently busy and the session cannot be started (F3).

[0057] In response to this, an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session is returned from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F4), thereby terminating the session related to the INVITE request from the originating device.

[0058] (In case of missing number) 4 is a diagram for explaining a basic sequence of operations in the case where the called device (in other words, the telephone number) is an unused number, between the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30, by the INVITE method in the IMS interconnection. This basic sequence is defined in the TTC standard TR-1088.

[0059] The calling device transmits an INVITE request to the called device via the calling fixed IMS network 20 and via the called fixed IMS network 30 such as a fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the called device (F1).

[0060] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response to the originating fixed IMS network 20 indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session (F2), and also returns a code 404 Not Found response to indicate that the media resource requested by the originating side in the SIP session cannot be found (F3).

[0061] In response to this, an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session is returned from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F4), thereby terminating the session related to the INVITE request from the originating device.

[0062] (In case of relocation) 5 is a diagram for explaining a basic sequence of operations in the case where a fixed telephone (specifically, an IP telephone terminal 50) as a receiving device is moved between an originating fixed IMS network 20 and a terminating fixed IMS network 30 by the INVITE method in IMS interconnection. This basic sequence is defined in the TTC standard TR-1088.

[0063] The calling device transmits an INVITE request to the called device via the calling fixed IMS network 20 and via the called fixed IMS network 30 such as a fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the called device (F1).

[0064] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response to the originating fixed IMS network 20 indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session (F2), and also returns a code 183 Session Progress response indicating the progress of the call in the SIP session (F3).

[0065] Furthermore, relocation guidance informing that the telephone number of the receiving device has been changed and the changed telephone number (in other words, relocation guidance informing that the receiving device has been moved and the relocated telephone number) are transmitted as RTP (Real time Transport Protocol) from the receiving fixed IMS network 30 to the originating fixed IMS network 20. The duration of the relocation guidance is, for example, about 60 to 80 seconds.

[0066] After the relocation guidance is completed, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 410 Gone response to the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the media resource requested by the calling party in the SIP session previously existed but no longer exists (F4).

[0067] In response to this, an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session is returned from the originating fixed IMS network 20 to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (F5), thereby terminating the session related to the INVITE request from the originating device.

[0068] (Phone number investigation device) FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a telephone number research device 10 according to an embodiment.

[0069] The telephone number investigation device 10 in the embodiment is connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals 50 connected to a terminating fixed IMS network 30 via an originating fixed IMS network 20, and sends an INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (toward the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated) by adding SDP parameters to the INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated, receives a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network 30, and determines the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated based on the response message.

[0070] The telephone number research device 10 includes a network interface unit 11, a message exchange control unit 12, a telephone number research determination unit 13, a telephone number history generation unit 14, and a telephone number history database (DB) 15.

[0071] The network interface unit 11 serves as a communication interface for the telephone number research device 10 to carry out communication in accordance with the SIP protocol.

[0072] The message exchange control unit 12 sends an INVITE request including SDP parameters for determination to the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated, and also receives a message (e.g., a response with a specified code in a SIP session) from the destination fixed IMS network 30 (particularly, the SIP servers 30a, 30b, 30c).

[0073] The telephone number investigation determination unit 13 determines whether or not the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated on the receiving side actually exists based on a message received via the message exchange control unit 12 (for example, a response with a specified code in a SIP session), and ultimately determines the validity of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated (in other words, the usage status of the telephone number).

[0074] The telephone number history generating unit 14 constructs a telephone number history database 15 by adding a time stamp indicating the date and time of judgment to each judgment result in the telephone number investigation judgment unit 13 and recording them in chronological order on a recording medium.

[0075] Although the data structure of the telephone number history database 15 (in other words, the recorded data items) is not limited to a specific structure or items, the telephone number history information stored in the telephone number history database 15 may include, for example, a combination of the “telephone number” to be investigated for each investigation (in other words, for each transmission of an INVITE request), the “error code” returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30, the “investigation date” (i.e., a timestamp), the “determination result of existence / missing number / transfer”, and “other layer information” regarding the layer returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30.

[0076] The telephone number history information stored in the telephone number history database 15 may also include, in addition to the data items mentioned above, for example, the type of IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated, the "new subscriber number" which is the transfer destination or contact telephone number identified during the investigation, the "corporate name / individual name" which owns the telephone number, "attribute information" such as address and age, "map link information," and "credit information" for evaluating credit.

[0077] Then, for example, when the telephone number investigation device 10 investigates the usage of the telephone number "03-XXXX-XXXX", the investigation information is recorded sequentially in the telephone number history database 15 for each determination made by the telephone number investigation determination unit 13, and is accumulated as telephone number history information.

[0078] The telephone number history database 15 may be implemented in a large-capacity recording medium, such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, or an optical memory such as a DVD (Digital Versatile Disc).

[0079] The telephone number research device 10 is configured to include a microprocessor having built-in memory (not shown) in which a predetermined program (including the telephone number research program of the embodiment) is recorded, or a microprocessor to which an external memory (not shown) in which a predetermined program is recorded, and an LSI (Large Scale Integration) that performs peripheral control including communication control.

[0080] The microprocessor sequentially reads out and executes predetermined programs (including the telephone number research program of the embodiment) recorded in a memory (not shown), thereby configuring the network interface unit 11, the message exchange control unit 12, the telephone number research determination unit 13, and the telephone number history generation unit 14, and realizing the predetermined functions of the telephone number research device 10.

[0081] (How to research phone numbers) As an example of a specific configuration of the telephone number investigation method according to the present invention, the telephone number investigation method according to the embodiment is a method of investigating the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated by using a computer (specifically, a telephone number investigation device 10) connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals 50 connected to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20, and includes the steps of adding SDP parameters to the INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated and sending the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 (towards the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated), receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network 30, and determining the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated according to the response message, in which the SDP parameters are IPv4 as the network protocol, audio only as the media type, RTP / AVP only as the media transport protocol, and G.711 μ-law and G.722 as the voice codec.

[0082] The telephone number research method described below can be implemented, for example, by executing a telephone number research program in a computer (specifically, telephone number research device 10) and executing each corresponding procedure in accordance with the program.

[0083] As SDP parameters, among the determination SDP parameters, IPv4 is described (in other words, used) for the network protocol (in other words, Internet Protocol, IP version) and offered, and other determination SDP parameters are described as follows. The following description of the determination SDP parameters is referred to as "SDP for IPv4". Media type: audio only Media transport protocol: RTP / AVP only ○ Audio codec: G.711 μ-law and G.722

[0084] (Reality test / part 1) FIG. 7 is a diagram explaining pattern 1 of the operation sequence when an offer is made by describing IPv4 as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and describing the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 as the SDP parameters for judgment, and when a landline telephone actually exists as the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated but is not busy.

[0085] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0086] In response to this, the called fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response (F2) to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the calling fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session, and also returns a code 180 Ringing response (F3) indicating that a ring tone is being sent and that the incoming call is ringing in the SIP session. At this time, the call bell rings on the called IP telephone terminal 50 being researched.

[0087] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the called party's IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is a landline telephone that actually exists and is not busy (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated actually exists).

[0088] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number researching device 10 transmits a CANCEL request, which is an instruction to terminate the SIP session, to the destination fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4).

[0089] That is, when the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 receives the code 180 Ringing response, it immediately (or more precisely, almost simultaneously with receiving the code 180 Ringing response) transmits a CANCEL request in order to stop the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched on the called party. As a result, the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched on the called party stops in an extremely short time.

[0090] In response to the CANCEL request from the calling device (specifically, the telephone number research device 10), a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the CANCEL request) has been successfully processed in the SIP session is returned from the called fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the calling fixed IMS network 20 (F5), and a code 487 Request Terminated response indicating the end of the SIP session is returned (F6).

[0091] In response to this, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 returns an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the destination fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F7). This ends the session between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50 to be researched on the receiving side, i.e., communication between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50 to be researched on the receiving side is disconnected.

[0092] (Reality test / part 2) In the basic sequence of operations between the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 using the INVITE method in IMS interconnection, when a fixed line telephone is actually present as the terminating device and is not busy (see FIG. 2), a code 100 Trying response is returned followed by a code 180 Ringing response in response to an INVITE request from the originating device, which is the normal sequence.

[0093] However, according to the inventors' verification, depending on the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50, there are irregular cases in which a code 183 Session Progress response or a code 200 OK response is returned after a code 100 Trying response in response to an INVITE request from a calling device when the called device is an actual landline phone that is not busy.

[0094] For this reason, even if the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 receives a code 183 Session Progress response or a code 200 OK response without receiving a code 180 Ringing response (F3 in FIG. 7), it determines that the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated on the receiving side is a real landline telephone that is not busy (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated is real).

[0095] Figure 8 is a diagram explaining pattern 2 of the operation sequence when an offer is made by describing IPv4 as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and describing the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 as the judgment SDP parameters, and when a landline telephone actually exists as the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated but is not busy.

[0096] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0097] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F2), and also returns a code 183 Session Progress response indicating the progress of the call in the SIP session (F3).

[0098] Next, a code 183 Session Progress response indicating the progress of the call in the SIP session is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number researching device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4), and a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the INVITE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session is returned (F5). At this time, communication is established between the telephone number researching device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50.

[0099] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the called party's IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is a landline telephone that actually exists and is not busy (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated actually exists).

[0100] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 transmits an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the receiving fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F6), and also transmits a BYE request indicating the end of the SIP session (F7).

[0101] That is, when the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 receives a code 200 OK response (without receiving a code 180 Ringing response), it sends a BYE request to cut off communication with the device being researched on the receiving side (i.e., the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched). That is, by sending a BYE request when a code 200 OK response is received and quickly cutting off communication, it is possible to shorten the time during communication with the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched on the receiving side.

[0102] In response to the BYE request from the calling device (specifically, the telephone number research device 10), a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the BYE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session is returned from the called fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the calling fixed IMS network 20 (F8). This ends the session between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50, i.e., the communication between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50 is disconnected.

[0103] (Reality test / part 3) Figure 9 is a diagram explaining pattern 3 of the operation sequence when an offer is made by describing IPv4 as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and describing the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 as the SDP parameters for judgment, and when a landline telephone actually exists as the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated but is not busy.

[0104] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0105] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session to the telephone number researching device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F2), and also returns a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the INVITE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session (F3). At this time, communication has been established between the telephone number researching device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50.

[0106] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the called party's IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is a landline telephone that actually exists and is not busy (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated actually exists).

[0107] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 transmits an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the receiving fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4), and also transmits a BYE request indicating the end of the SIP session (F5).

[0108] That is, when the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number research device 10 receives a code 200 OK response (without receiving a code 180 Ringing response), it sends a BYE request to cut off communication with the device being researched on the receiving side (i.e., the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched). That is, by sending a BYE request when a code 200 OK response is received and quickly cutting off communication, it is possible to shorten the time during communication with the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched on the receiving side.

[0109] In response to the BYE request from the calling device (specifically, the telephone number research device 10), a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (specifically, the BYE request here) has been normally processed in the SIP session is returned from the called fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the calling fixed IMS network 20 (F6). This ends the session between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50, i.e., the communication between the telephone number research device 10 and the IP telephone terminal 50 is disconnected.

[0110] (Actual presence check / if busy) FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating the operation sequence when an offer is made by describing IPv4 as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and describing the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 as the judgment SDP parameters, and when a landline telephone exists and is busy as the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated.

[0111] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0112] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response (F2) to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session, and also returns a code 486 Busy Here response (F3) indicating that the media resource requested by the originating side in the SIP session is currently busy and the session cannot be started.

[0113] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the called party's IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is a landline telephone that actually exists and is busy (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated actually exists).

[0114] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number researching device 10 returns an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4). This ends the session related to the INVITE request from the telephone number researching device 10.

[0115] (Missing number determination) FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating the operation sequence when an offer is made by describing IPv4 as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 as the judgment SDP parameters, and the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (in other words, the telephone number) is a missing number.

[0116] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0117] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response (F2) to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session, and also returns a code 404 Not Found response (F3) indicating that the media resource requested by the originating side in the SIP session cannot be found.

[0118] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated on the called party is an unused number (i.e., the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is an unused number). Note that an unused number also includes a case where the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated on the called party has been cancelled.

[0119] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number researching device 10 returns an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4). This ends the session related to the INVITE request from the telephone number researching device 10.

[0120] 12 is a diagram for explaining the operation sequence when the IP telephone terminal 50 to be surveyed (in other words, the telephone number) is missing, when the network protocol (in other words, the Internet Protocol, IP version) of the SDP parameters for judgment is described as IPv4 and offered, and when only G.711 μ-law is described as the voice codec in the SDP for IPv4 (i.e., G.722 is not included). The basic sequence on which this operation sequence is based is specified in the TTC standard TR-1088.

[0121] In this case, in response to an INVITE request (F1) from the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12), a code 100 Trying response indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F2), and a code 183 Session Progress response indicating the progress of the call in the SIP session is also returned (F3).

[0122] Next, a PRACK (Provisional Response Acknowledgement) request, which is a provisional response acknowledgement in the SIP session, is sent from the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F4), and in response, a code 200 OK response indicating that the request (here, specifically, the PRACK request) has been successfully processed in the SIP session is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F5).

[0123] This response is the same as pattern 2 of the operational sequence when a landline phone actually exists as the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated on the receiving side and is not busy, in that a code 200 OK response is received without receiving a code 180 Ringing response (see Figure 8).

[0124] As a result, even though the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated (in other words, the telephone number) is actually a missing number, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 erroneously determines that the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated on the receiving side is actually a landline telephone (and the message exchange control unit 12 sends a BYE request).

[0125] For this reason, when offering an SDP parameter in which IPv4 is described as the network protocol among the SDP parameters for determination, G.722 is described as the audio codec in addition to G.711 μ-law among the other SDP parameters for determination (i.e., G.711 μ-law and G.722 are offered simultaneously).

[0126] As a result, as shown in FIG. 11, in response to an INVITE request (F1) from the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12), a code 100 Trying response indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F2), and a code 404 Not Found response indicating that the media resource requested by the calling side cannot be found in the SIP session is returned (F3). This makes it possible to correctly determine that the IP telephone terminal 50 (in other words, the telephone number) being investigated on the terminating side is a missing number.

[0127] (Relocation Judgment) FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating the operation sequence when an offer is made with IPv4 described as the network protocol as the SDP parameters and the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 described as the judgment SDP parameters, and the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated has been relocated.

[0128] The message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number investigation device 10 transmits an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated via the originating fixed IMS network 20 and the terminating fixed IMS network 30 such as the fixed telephone network of the contracted carrier of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated (F1). At this time, the above-mentioned SDP for IPv4 is described as the SDP parameter for determination (note that the network protocol is IPv4) included in the INVITE request.

[0129] In response to this, the terminating fixed IMS network 30 returns a code 100 Trying response indicating that the request has been accepted in the SIP session to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F2), and also returns a code 183 Session Progress response indicating the progress of the call in the SIP session (F3).

[0130] Furthermore, relocation guidance informing that the telephone number of the receiving device has been changed and the changed telephone number (in other words, relocation guidance informing that the receiving device has been relocated and the relocated telephone number) are transmitted as RTP (Real time Transport Protocol) from the receiving fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20. The duration of the relocation guidance is, for example, about 60 to 80 seconds.

[0131] After the relocation guidance is completed, a code 410 Gone response is returned from the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to the telephone number research device 10 (specifically, the message exchange control unit 12) via the originating fixed IMS network 20, indicating that the media resource requested by the calling party in the SIP session previously existed but no longer exists (F4).

[0132] In this case, the telephone number investigation determination unit 13 of the telephone number investigation device 10 determines that the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated on the called side has been moved (that is, the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated is an unused number).

[0133] When (any) guidance is sent, the telephone number research device 10 records the guidance (in other words, packet captures) and stores the guidance as voice data, and when a code 410 Gone response is returned following the guidance, the telephone number research device 10 may store the recorded and stored voice data in memory or a storage device (neither of which is shown in the figure) as voice data including the relocation telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being researched on the receiving side.

[0134] The telephone number investigation device 10 may further convert the voice data stored as voice data including the relocated telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated on the receiving side into text (i.e., speech to text), and store the converted text data in a memory or storage device (neither of which are shown in the figure) as text data including the relocated telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 being investigated on the receiving side.

[0135] That is, the telephone number investigation device 10 may utilize the relocation guidance, specifically, convert the voice data transmitted as the relocation guidance into text data, and acquire the relocation destination telephone number information of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated on the receiving side. In this case, the telephone number investigation device 10 may further include a voice conversion unit (not shown).

[0136] Next, the message exchange control unit 12 of the telephone number researching device 10 returns an ACK (Acknowledgment) response indicating an acknowledgment in the SIP session to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 via the originating fixed IMS network 20 (F5). This ends the session related to the INVITE request from the telephone number researching device 10.

[0137] (How to research phone numbers) FIG. 14 shows a summary of a method for investigating the usage status (specifically, existence (vacant, busy), missing number, and transfer) of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 (specifically, for example, a landline telephone number of 0ABJ type) based on the above-mentioned operational sequence.

[0138] Regarding the usage status of a fixed-line telephone number, which is a 0ABJ type telephone number of an IP telephone terminal 50 connected to a telecommunications carrier, by describing IPv4 as the network protocol (in other words, Internet Protocol, IP version) among the SDP parameters and making an SDP offer (i.e., an INVITE request) using SDP for IPv4 for other SDP parameters, it is possible to accurately determine whether the number is actual (free, busy), vacant, or transferred.

[0139] (Phone number search program) As an example of a specific configuration aspect of the telephone number research program of the present invention, the telephone number research program of the embodiment is a program implemented in a telephone number research device 10 (see Figures 1 and 6) connected via an originating fixed IMS network 20 to a plurality of IP telephone terminals 50 connected to a destination fixed IMS network 30.

[0140] The telephone number investigation program in the embodiment is configured to cause a computer (specifically, a telephone number investigation device 10) connected via the originating fixed IMS network 20 to a plurality of IP telephone terminals 50 connected to the terminating fixed IMS network 30 to perform at least the following processes: a process of adding SDP parameters to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated and sending the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network 30; a process of receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network 30; and a process of determining the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 to be investigated based on the response message.

[0141] In addition, the telephone number research program of the embodiment is configured so that the SDP parameters are: network protocol is IPv4, media type is audio only, media transport protocol is RTP / AVP only, and audio codec is G.711 μ-law and G.722 (i.e., SDP for IPv4).

[0142] (Telephone number information system) FIG. 15 is a system configuration diagram of a telephone number information providing system 100 according to an embodiment, as an example of a specific configuration aspect of the telephone number information providing system according to the present invention.

[0143] The telephone number information provision system 100 of the embodiment includes one or more user terminals 90, and a telephone number research server (specifically, a telephone number research device 10) connected to the user terminals 90 via an IP network 80 and also connected to a network not shown in the figure (for example, a calling fixed IMS network 20).

[0144] The telephone number information provision system 100 according to the embodiment has a telephone number research server (specifically, telephone number research device 10) and a user terminal 90, and is provided with a network interface unit 11 that, when the telephone number research server (specifically, telephone number research device 10) receives a telephone number research information provision request for IP telephone terminal 50 from the user terminal 90, transmits the telephone number usage status of IP telephone terminal 50 determined by telephone number research determination unit 13 to the user terminal 90 that has made the telephone number research information provision request via IP network 80 (see FIG. 6).

[0145] When the telephone number research server (specifically, telephone number research device 10) receives a request for telephone number research information regarding the telephone number to be researched from a user terminal 90 via the IP network 80, it refers to a recording medium (specifically, telephone number history database 15) in which telephone number history information recorded in chronological order with a timestamp indicating the date and time of the judgment results of the telephone number usage status being assigned to each of the judgment results, and transmits the telephone number history information via the IP network 80 to the user terminal 90 that made the request for telephone number research information.

[0146] The recording medium in which the telephone number history information is stored (specifically, the telephone number history database 15) may be distributed separately to users who need it. The recording medium in which the telephone number history information is stored (the telephone number history database 15) is a recording medium in which the existence or non-existence of the telephone number to be investigated is recorded, for example, by the telephone number investigation device 10 connected to the telecommunications carrier network via a dedicated line, and may be used for search in the system to which it is distributed.

[0147] The recording medium in which the telephone number history information is stored (specifically, telephone number history database 15) is a collection of results of judging the validity of the usage of the telephone number of the receiving telephone terminal (specifically, a landline telephone as IP telephone terminal 50), and for example, each judgment result is given a timestamp indicating the date and time of judgment and is recorded in chronological order.

[0148] The distribution of the recording medium on which the telephone number history information is stored (specifically, telephone number history database 15) is not limited to distribution in the form of a database recorded on a DVD or hard disk, but also includes distribution using a communication line.

[0149] (Action and effect) The telephone number research device 10 according to the embodiment makes it possible to use an IMS interconnection interface or the like for interconnection between carriers to realize accurate research of the usage status of telephone numbers in the terminating fixed IMS network 30. Therefore, by introducing a telephone number research tool based on the SIP protocol that can be connected to the originating fixed IMS network 20 via UNI, a smooth transition to the new system infrastructure becomes possible.

[0150] The telephone number research device 10 according to the embodiment can also accurately determine whether the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal 50 is in use (valid (actual)) or not in use (invalid (missing)). Therefore, by introducing a telephone number research tool based on the SIP protocol that can be connected to the originating fixed IMS network 20 via UNI, a smooth transition to the new system infrastructure becomes possible.

[0151] According to the telephone number investigation program of the embodiment, the telephone number investigation device 10 sequentially reads and executes the program recorded in a memory (not shown), thereby making it possible to realize an accurate investigation of the usage status of telephone numbers in the terminating fixed IMS network 30 by using an IMS interconnection interface for inter-operator interconnection. Therefore, by introducing a telephone number investigation tool based on the SIP protocol that can be UNI connected to the originating fixed IMS network 20, a smooth transition to the new system infrastructure becomes possible.

[0152] According to the telephone number information provision system 100 of the embodiment, it is possible to provide a user who needs the information on whether a telephone number is in use (valid (actual)) or not in use (invalid (missing)) as determined by the telephone number investigation device 10. Also, by distributing a recording medium (specifically, telephone number history database 15) in which telephone number history information is stored to a user who needs the information, it is possible to utilize the information on the user side, and to provide information useful for, for example, credit.

[0153] The above describes an embodiment of the present invention, but the specific configuration of the present invention is not limited to the above embodiment, and the present invention also includes embodiments in which modifications and changes are made to the above embodiment without departing from the gist of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0154] 10 Telephone number investigation device 11 Network Interface Unit 12 Message exchange control section 13 Telephone Number Investigation and Judgment Department 14 Phone number history generation unit 15 Phone Number History Database 20 Originating fixed IMS network 20a SIP Server 21. Outgoing IBCF (Inter-connection Border Control Function) 30 Destination fixed IMS network 30a SIP Server 30b SIP Server 30c SIP Server 31 Terminating IBCF (Inter-connection Border Control Function) 50 IP telephone terminals 50a IP telephone terminal 50b IP telephone terminal 50c IP telephone terminal 90 User terminals 100 Telephone Number Information System

Claims

1. A telephone number survey device connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a destination fixed IMS network via a source fixed IMS network, a message exchange control unit that adds an SDP parameter to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed, transmits the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network, and receives a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network; a telephone number investigation determination unit that determines the usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal that is the investigation target in response to the response message, The SDP parameters are: network protocol is IPv4, media type is audio only, media transport protocol is RTP / AVP only, and audio codec is G.711 μ-law and G.722; A telephone number investigation device characterized by:

2. The telephone number investigation determination unit, If the response message is a code 180 Ringing, a code 200 OK, or a code 486 Busy Here, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be checked exists; If the response message is a code 404 Not Found, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated is a missing number; If the response message is a code 410 Gone, it is determined that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number.

2. The telephone number investigation device according to claim 1,

3. If the response message is code 180 Ringing, The telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated actually exists, the message exchange control unit transmits a CANCEL request to the destination fixed IMS network, thereby stopping the ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated; 2. The telephone number investigation device according to claim 1,

4. If the response message is code 200 OK, The telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated actually exists, the message exchange control unit transmits a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network to disconnect the communication of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated; 2. The telephone number investigation device according to claim 1,

5. A voice conversion unit is further provided, If the response message is code 410 Gone, The telephone number investigation determination unit determines that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number, the voice conversion unit converts the voice data transmitted as the relocation guidance into text data to obtain the relocation destination telephone number information of the IP telephone terminal being surveyed; 2. The telephone number investigation device according to claim 1,

6. A telephone number survey method for surveying the usage status of telephone numbers of IP telephone terminals to be surveyed using a device connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a destination fixed IMS network via a source fixed IMS network, the method comprising: The apparatus, adding an SDP parameter to an INVITE request addressed to the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed, and transmitting the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network; determining a usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed in response to the response message; The SDP parameters are: network protocol is IPv4, media type is audio only, media transport protocol is RTP / AVP only, and audio codec is G.711 μ-law and G.722; A method for investigating telephone numbers.

7. If the response message is a code 180 Ringing, a code 200 OK, or a code 486 Busy Here, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be checked exists; If the response message is a code 404 Not Found, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated is a missing number; If the response message is a code 410 Gone, it is determined that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number.

7. The method for investigating a telephone number according to claim 6.

8. If the response message is code 180 Ringing, determining that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real; sending a CANCEL request to the terminating fixed IMS network to stop ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated; 7. The method for investigating a telephone number according to claim 6.

9. If the response message is code 200 OK, determining that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real; disconnecting the communication of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated by sending a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; 7. The method for investigating a telephone number according to claim 6.

10. If the response message is code 410 Gone, It is determined that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number, converting the voice data transmitted as the relocation guidance into text data to obtain the telephone number information of the relocation destination of the IP telephone terminal being surveyed; 7. The method for investigating a telephone number according to claim 6.

11. A computer connected to a plurality of IP telephone terminals connected to a destination fixed IMS network via a source fixed IMS network, a process of adding an SDP parameter to an INVITE request for the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed and transmitting the INVITE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; receiving a response message from the terminating fixed IMS network; and determining a usage status of the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be surveyed in response to the response message; The SDP parameters are: network protocol is IPv4, media type is audio only, media transport protocol is RTP / AVP only, and audio codec is G.711 μ-law and G.722; A telephone number research program comprising:

12. If the response message is a code 180 Ringing, a code 200 OK, or a code 486 Busy Here, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be checked exists; If the response message is a code 404 Not Found, it is determined that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated is a missing number; If the response message is a code 410 Gone, it is determined that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number.

12. The telephone number research program according to claim 11.

13. If the response message is code 180 Ringing, determining that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real; sending a CANCEL request to the terminating fixed IMS network to stop ringing of the call bell of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated; 12. The telephone number research program according to claim 11.

14. If the response message is code 200 OK, determining that the telephone number of the IP telephone terminal being investigated is real; disconnecting the communication of the IP telephone terminal to be investigated by sending a BYE request to the terminating fixed IMS network; 12. The telephone number research program according to claim 11.

15. If the response message is code 410 Gone, It is determined that the IP telephone terminal to be investigated has been moved and the telephone number is an unused number, converting the voice data transmitted as the relocation guidance into text data to obtain the telephone number information of the relocation destination of the IP telephone terminal being surveyed; 12. The telephone number research program according to claim 11.

16. A telephone number investigation device according to any one of claims 1 to 5; A user terminal, the telephone number investigation device comprises a network interface unit which, when receiving a telephone number investigation information provision request for the IP telephone terminal from the user terminal, transmits the telephone number usage status of the IP telephone terminal determined by the telephone number investigation determination unit to the user terminal which has made the telephone number investigation information provision request via an IP network; A telephone number information providing system comprising:

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