Processing apparatus, program, and processing method

Abstract

This prevents a situation where the call status on the exchange is not released, preventing incoming calls from being received on the mobile phone. [Solution] A processing method for a gateway device 4, which is a processing device, comprising: first processing steps S63 to S68, which determine that a communication connection with a portable telephone 2, which is a first communication terminal device, is unavailable, change the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device to a second state in which it does not substitute, and transmit an unavailable control signal to the exchange 5, which is a first communication device; second processing steps S69 to S71, which change the state information from the second state to a first state in which it substitutes, and transmit a usage reset control signal to the first communication device, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the state information of the substitute function changed to the second state; and third processing step S76, which transmits a reception completion signal after a communication connection is established with the first communication terminal device and an available control signal is received from the first communication terminal device.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, a program, and a processing method.

Background Art

[0002] Conventionally, mobile wireless phones, especially portable phones that require power saving, operate to cut off the communication link with a wireless base station to suppress power consumption in a state where there is no call opportunity (as an example, when a telephone communication application is placed in the background, that is, in a standby state or when located outside the reach of radio waves, etc.) (see, for example, Patent Document 1). The communication link is a communication path for data established at layer 3 (network layer) or below, and the configuration of layer 1 (physical layer) differs depending on the type of wireless such as public wireless communication or IEEE802.11.

Prior Art Document

Patent Document

[0003]

Patent Document 1

Summary of the Invention

Problems to be Solved by the Invention

[0004] In the aforementioned background technology, if the communication connection between a mobile phone and the exchange is disconnected, the exchange treats the mobile phone as not being connected. Therefore, when an opportunity arises for an incoming call from the exchange to the mobile phone, the exchange recognizes the mobile phone as not being connected, resulting in no matching recipient and the missed opportunity to receive the call. To solve this problem, a gateway device was placed between the exchange and the mobile phone, equipped with a function to substitute for the presence status of the mobile phone. This allowed the mobile phone to receive calls even when there was no opportunity to call, for a pre-set duration of substitution. However, if the mobile phone moves out of range during a call, or the communication link with the wireless base station is disconnected, the exchange remains in a call state, preventing new incoming calls to that mobile phone.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above-mentioned problems, and provides a processing device, program, and processing method that enable a new incoming call opportunity even if the communication connection with the wireless base station is disconnected during a call. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] To solve the aforementioned problems, the present invention provides a processing device comprising: a first processing unit that, upon determining that a communication connection between the processing device and a first communication terminal device is unavailable, changes the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state of performing the substitute function to a second state of not performing the substitute function, and transmits an unavailable control signal to the first communication device; a second processing unit that, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the state information of the substitute function changed from the first state to the second state, changes the state information from the second state to the first state, and transmits a usage reset control signal to the first communication device; and a third processing unit that, after establishing a communication connection with the first communication terminal device, receives an available control signal from the first communication terminal device, transmits a reception completion signal to the first communication terminal device.

[0007] Furthermore, the program according to the present invention causes the computer to function as: a first processing unit that, upon determining that the communication connection between the processing unit and the first communication terminal device is unavailable, changes the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state of performing the substitute function to a second state of not performing the substitute function, and transmits an unavailable control signal to the first communication device; a second processing unit that, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the state information of the substitute function changed from the first state to the second state, changes the state information from the second state to the first state, and transmits a usage reset control signal to the first communication device; and a third processing unit that, after establishing a communication connection with the first communication terminal device and receiving an available control signal from the first communication terminal device, transmits a reception completion signal to the first communication terminal device.

[0008] Furthermore, the processing method according to the present invention is a processing method for a processing device, characterized in that the processing device, upon determining that a communication connection between the processing device and a first communication terminal device is unavailable, performs a first processing step of changing the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state of performing substitute functions to a second state of not performing substitute functions, and transmitting an unavailable control signal to the first communication device; a second processing step of changing the status information of the substitute function from the second state to the first state and transmitting an available reset control signal to the first communication device after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the status information of the substitute function changed from the first state to the second state; and a third processing step of transmitting a reception completion signal to the first communication terminal device upon receiving an available control signal from the first communication terminal device after a communication connection is established with the first communication terminal device. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, even if the communication connection with the wireless base station is lost, such as when a portable telephone moves outside the wireless range during a call, the exchange is notified that the call has ended, thereby enabling new incoming call opportunities. [Brief explanation of the drawing]

[0010] [Figure 1]This is a schematic diagram of a communication system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] This is a hardware configuration diagram of a gateway device according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] This figure illustrates the functions realized by the gateway device according to the first embodiment of the present invention, where (a) is a program configuration diagram and (b) is a data configuration diagram of state data. [Figure 4] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of making a call using a telephone communication application. [Figure 5] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of making a call using a telephone communication application. [Figure 6] This is a sequence diagram illustrating the operation of a portable telephone when it moves outside of a radio wave range and when it returns to a radio wave range. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram showing the call transmission operation from the exchange when a portable telephone moves outside the wireless radio wave range. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the prerequisite communication system. [Modes for carrying out the invention]

[0011] Hereinafter, embodiments for carrying out the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings as appropriate. Each figure is only a schematic representation to the extent that the present invention can be fully understood. Therefore, the present invention is not limited to the illustrated examples. In each embodiment, explanations of configurations not directly related to the present invention or well-known configurations may be omitted. In addition, in each figure, common or similar components are denoted by the same reference numerals, and redundant explanations of them may be omitted.

[0012] <Summary of the Invention> The technology according to the present invention relates to a call control method that corresponds to the radio wave conditions between a mobile radio telephone (mobile radio telephone equipment), particularly a portable telephone (portable telephone equipment) that requires low power consumption, when it is connected to a switching system (switching equipment).

[0013] <Prerequisites for the communication system according to the first embodiment> Traditionally, mobile radio phones, especially portable phones requiring low power consumption, operate in a way that reduces power consumption by disconnecting the communication link with the radio base station when there is no opportunity to make calls (for example, when the phone communication application is running in the background, i.e., in standby mode, or when the device is outside the range of radio waves). When the communication link is disconnected, the communication connection between the mobile radio phone and this device also becomes impossible to communicate due to health check errors or transmission errors. The communication link is a data communication path established at Layer 3 (network layer) or below, and the configuration at Layer 1 (physical layer) differs depending on the type of radio, such as public radio communication or IEEE 802.11.

[0014] In this case, the communication connection between the mobile phone and the exchange is disconnected, and the exchange treats the mobile phone as not being connected. Therefore, if an opportunity arises for an incoming call from the exchange to the mobile phone, the exchange recognizes the mobile phone as not being connected, resulting in no matching destination phone and a missed call opportunity. To avoid such missed call opportunities, a gateway device is placed between the exchange and the mobile phone, equipped with a function to simulate the presence status of the mobile phone, thereby preventing missed call opportunities.

[0015] For the reasons stated above, if the communication connection between the mobile phone and the exchange is disconnected, the exchange will treat the mobile phone as not being connected. Therefore, if an opportunity arises for an incoming call from the exchange to the mobile phone, the exchange will recognize the mobile phone as not being connected, resulting in no matching recipient and a missed call opportunity. To avoid such missed call opportunities, it is conceivable to place a gateway device between the exchange and the mobile phone, equipped with a function to simulate the presence status of the mobile phone, thereby preventing missed call opportunities.

[0016] In the function to substitute, for example, the following processes are performed. When the telephone communication application is in a usable state from the mobile phone, that is, when it is placed in the foreground of the screen so that it can be operated on the mobile phone, wireless communication is activated to connect to a neighboring wireless base station, and an operation is performed to connect a communication path from the wireless base station to a gateway device via the Internet or an intranet. After connecting the communication path, a usable control signal (REGISTER) indicating that it has become available is transmitted from the mobile phone to the switch via the communication path.

[0017] When the gateway device receives the usable control signal (REGISTER), it determines that the mobile phone has become available, stores that state, and notifies the switch that the mobile phone is available, that is, in a state where incoming and outgoing calls are possible, by transmitting a usable control signal (REGISTER) indicating its availability to the switch. Thereafter, even if the communication path with the mobile phone is disconnected, the available state is continued for a certain period, and even when the telephone communication application of the mobile phone is no longer used and placed in the background, an incoming call signal can be sent from the switch to start the application from the standby state.

[0018] However, in the system with the above configuration, even when the mobile phone falls into a state where communication is impossible due to the physical inability to receive radio waves, such as when the mobile phone moves out of the radio wave range, this gateway device substitutes the existence state for a certain period. Therefore, when the mobile phone moves out of the range during a call, the switch cannot determine that the call has become impossible, and the user of the call (mobile phone) needs to recognize that the call with the other party (fixed phone) has become impossible (the voice from the other party cannot be received), and perform a call termination operation after moving back into the radio wave range with the mobile phone. If this call termination operation is not performed, the call-in-progress state remains on the switch, and thereafter, the state of the mobile phone becomes inconsistent between the switch side and the mobile phone side, and the problem occurs that incoming calls to the mobile phone become impossible.

[0019] Referring to FIG. 8, the specific operation of the underlying call system will be described. FIG. 8 is a sequence diagram showing the operation of the underlying call system. In FIG. 8, when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave reach range (out of the circle) and becomes unable to make a call while being recognized as available at the exchange 5, and when it moves back into the radio wave reach range (inside the circle) and becomes available for radio use again, the operations are shown.

[0020] As shown in FIG. 8, the underlying call system arranges a gateway device 104 between the exchange 5 and the portable telephone 2. The gateway device 104 has a communication connection management unit 122, a presence proxy unit 121, and status data 131.

[0021] The communication connection management unit 122 manages the usage status of the telephone function for each portable telephone 2. When the communication connection management unit 122 receives an available control signal (REGISTER) from the portable telephone 2, it determines that the telephone has become available and records the "identification number", "reception date and time", and "proxy status 'ON' (proxy continuation status)" of the telephone in the status data 131.

[0022] When the presence proxy unit 121 enters the proxy status 'ON' (proxy continuation status) in the status data 131, it transmits an available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 at regular intervals. The presence proxy unit 121 continues this operation during the period of the proxy status 'ON' (proxy continuation status).

[0023] As shown in Figure 8, the portable telephone 2 and a telephone (not shown) are in a call via the exchange 5, and the presence substitute unit 121 sends an availability control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 at regular intervals to maintain the substitute status "ON" (substitute continuation state) of the status data 131. In this case, as shown in step T61, if the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range, wireless communication with the nearby radio base station 3 becomes difficult (impossible). The portable telephone 2 determines that the communication connection is unavailable due to a health check function, etc., and the portable telephone transitions from the call state to the idle state (standby state), enabling the next operation (step T62).

[0024] Subsequently, when the portable telephone 2 moves into the radio wave range (step T63), the portable telephone 2 establishes a wireless communication link with the nearby radio base station 3 (step T64). The portable telephone 2 also establishes a communication connection with the gateway device 104 (step T65), sends an available control signal (REGISTER), and notifies the gateway device 104 (step T66). Since the gateway device 104 remains in the "ON" (continued proxy) state, the available control signal (REGISTER) is not sent to the exchange 5, and a reception completion signal (200-OK) is sent back to the portable telephone 2 (step T67).

[0025] As described above, while the proxy state is "ON", the gateway device 104 repeatedly transmits an available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 at each transmission cycle. In this case, the exchange 5 cannot detect that the portable telephone 2 has gone out of range and the call cannot be continued. Specifically, even if the portable telephone 2 returns to the range of the radio waves and becomes available again, the gateway device 104 is acting as a proxy for the presence status and cannot notify the exchange 5 that it has become available for registration again, so the exchange 5 cannot clear the call status. Therefore, the exchange 5 still recognizes that the portable telephone 2 is in a call (the call status remains) and does not perform any new incoming call operations for the portable telephone 2.

[0026] In order for the gateway device 104 to terminate its proxy operation, it is necessary to wait for the proxy duration to expire. Upon expiration of the proxy duration, the gateway device 104 sets the proxy status in status data 131 to "OFF" and clears the available status (step T68). The gateway device 104 also sends an unavailable control signal (UnREGISTER) to the exchange 5 (step T69). This clears the call status of the portable telephone 2 in the exchange 5, making it possible to perform a new incoming call operation on the portable telephone 2.

[0027] <Overview of the communication system according to the first embodiment> Referring to Figure 1, the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment will be described. Figure 1 is a schematic configuration diagram of the communication system 1 according to the first embodiment. In the communication system 1 shown in Figure 1, when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range and wireless communication with the nearby radio base station 3 becomes difficult (impossible), the portable telephone 2 transmits an unavailable control signal (UnREGISTER) to the exchange 5 without performing a call termination operation. Further details will be described later.

[0028] <Configuration of the communication system according to the first embodiment> The communication system 1 comprises multiple portable telephones 2, a wireless base station 3, a gateway device 4, a switching system 5, and a fixed telephone 6. The communication system 1 enables communication between the portable telephones 2 and the fixed telephone 6.

[0029] Note that gateway device 4 is an example of a "processing device" and a "computer," and gateway device 4 is not the only example of a "processing device" and a "computer." Furthermore, the portable telephone 2 is an example of the "first communication terminal device," and the examples of the "first communication terminal device" are not limited to the portable telephone 2. Furthermore, exchange 5 is an example of a "first communication device," and the examples of a "first communication device" are not limited to exchange 5.

[0030] The portable telephone 2 is, for example, a smartphone, and is an information and communication terminal capable of running multiple applications. The portable telephone 2 has a function to release the communication link in order to reduce power consumption when it is not in use (for example, when the telephone communication application is placed in the background). The telephone communication application is an application that uses the IP (Internet Protocol) telephone service, which allows calls to be made via an internet connection. The telephone communication application may be, for example, an application that allows voice calls via a telecommunications carrier using a telephone number starting with "050", or an application that allows voice calls using an internet connection without using a telephone line or a mobile carrier's phone. The communication link is a data communication path established at Layer 3 (Network Layer) or below, and its configuration differs depending on the type of wireless, such as public wireless communication or IEEE 802.11, at Layer 1 (Physical Layer).

[0031] The wireless base station 3 terminates wireless communication (wireless link) with the portable telephone 2 and connects to the public mobile communication network or the internet via a LAN (Local Area Network). The wireless base station 3 may be managed by, for example, a mobile carrier, or by an individual or a corporation other than a mobile carrier.

[0032] The gateway device 4 is a device that enables the exchange of data using different communication protocols (it is a device that converts communication protocols). The gateway device 4 is placed between the portable telephone 2 and the exchange 5 and has the function of acting as a proxy for the presence status of the portable telephone 2 to the exchange 5. Even when the portable telephone 2 is not in use (for example, when a telephone communication application is running in the background) and has a function to release the communication link in order to reduce power consumption, the gateway device 4 operates to inform the exchange 5 of the presence of the portable telephone 2.

[0033] The fixed-line telephone 6 is connected to the exchange 5 via an analog or digital signal line, and is a typical desktop telephone found in companies or offices, for example. Note that the fixed-line telephone 6 is just one example, and the call system 1 may also have a PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) telephone or the like in place of or in conjunction with the fixed-line telephone 6.

[0034] The exchange 5 accommodates portable telephones 2, fixed telephones 6, public telephone networks, public IP networks, etc., and when a call is made from these, it performs switching processing based on the destination number and connects to the appropriate telephone. The exchange 5 is equipped with control signal schemes appropriate for each telephone and communication network.

[0035] (Gateway device configuration) The gateway device 4 will be described with reference to Figures 2 and 3 (and Figure 1 as appropriate). Figure 2 is a hardware configuration diagram of the gateway device 4 according to the first embodiment. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating the functions realized by the gateway device 4 according to the first embodiment, where (a) is a program configuration diagram and (b) is a data configuration diagram of state data.

[0036] As shown in Figure 2, the gateway device 4 comprises a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 11, a storage device 12, memory 13, and a LANC (LAN controller) 14. Note that the hardware configuration shown in Figure 2 is an example and is not limited to the configuration shown in Figure 2.

[0037] The CPU 11 operates the control programs on each hardware component and memory 13 in order to operate the gateway device 4.

[0038] The storage device 12 is, for example, flash memory or a hard disk, and stores control programs and various information related to communication and calls (including information related to proxy services). The programs and information stored in the storage device 12 can be stored and provided on a computer-readable recording medium (e.g., CD-ROM or external memory). Furthermore, these programs can also be provided via a network such as the Internet.

[0039] Memory 13 loads and operates the control program from storage device 12. LANC14 connects the gateway device 4 to each device connected to the gateway device 4 (such as the exchange 5 and the communication network).

[0040] As shown in Figure 3, the gateway device 4 includes a communication connection status monitoring unit 21, a communication connection management unit 22, an existence proxy unit 23, and status data 31.

[0041] The communication connection status monitoring unit 21 monitors the connection status of the communication connection between the mobile phone 2, which is connected via the public mobile communication network / Internet and the wireless base station 3, through the LANC 14 of the gateway device 4. The communication connection is established using TLS (Transport Layer Security) or TCP (Transmission Control Protocol), and the connection status monitored refers to the communication status of TLS or TCP, such as "not connected," "connecting," or "disconnecting."

[0042] The status data 31 is capable of storing data for more than the number of portable telephones 2 that can be accommodated by the gateway device 4, and its usage status can be checked using a unique internal ID. The information for each portable telephone 2 stored in the status data 31 includes, for example, the "identification information," "reception date and time," and "proxy status" of the portable telephone 2.

[0043] The identification information is information that can uniquely identify the portable telephone 2, and for example, a telephone number can be used as the identification number. The reception date and time is the date and time when the available control signal (REGISTER) was received from the mobile phone 2 (the date and time when the reception process was performed). The reception date and time is created based on date and time information obtained by the gateway device 4 using NTP (Network Time Protocol) communication, for example. NTP is a protocol for correctly synchronizing the system clock built into a computer over a network, and by enabling NTP, the device automatically communicates with an NTP server to synchronize the time.

[0044] The proxy status indicates whether the gateway device 4 will notify the exchange 5 on behalf of the mobile phone 2 that it is available to receive calls. In this embodiment, the mobile phone 2 performs an operation to release the communication connection when it is not using an application in order to reduce power consumption. When this communication connection is released, the proxy status "ON" (proxy continuation state) is set when the gateway device 4 will notify the exchange 5 on behalf of the mobile phone 2 that it is available to receive calls in order to indicate that it is available to receive calls. On the other hand, the proxy status "OFF" is set when the gateway device 4 will not notify the exchange 5 that the mobile phone 2 is available on behalf of the mobile phone 2.

[0045] The communication connection management unit 22 manages the telephone function usage status for each portable telephone 2. When the communication connection management unit 22 receives an available control signal (REGISTER) from a portable telephone 2, it determines that the telephone has become available and records the telephone's "identification number," "reception date and time," and "proxy status 'ON'" in the status data 31. After receiving the available control signal (REGISTER) from the portable telephone 2, the communication connection management unit 22 maintains the proxy status "ON" for a certain period of time (proxy duration).

[0046] Furthermore, the communication connection management unit 22 transitions the proxy state from "ON" to "OFF" when a communication connection abnormality occurs. The communication connection management unit 22 has a timer T1 to transition the proxy state back to "ON" after it has transitioned to "OFF" due to a communication connection abnormality. The communication connection management unit 22 performs an operation to transition the proxy state from "OFF" to "ON" when a certain period of time has elapsed using timer T1. Timer T1 is, for example, "10 seconds × n (where n is a natural number greater than or equal to 2)" (if n=2, timer T1 is "20 seconds"). Timer T1 is associated with a time timer T3 that is released during the health check of the portable telephone (for example, T1 = T3 + α, where the units of T1, T3, and α are "seconds").

[0047] When the substitute status of the status data 31 becomes "ON", the substitute unit 23 sends an available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 at regular intervals. The substitute unit 23 continues this operation as long as the substitute status remains "ON". When the substitute status is "ON", the substitute unit 23 has a timer T2 to trigger the next transmission cycle. The timer T2 is, for example, "600 seconds".

[0048] Note that the "ON" proxy state is an example of the "first state" where the mobile phone 2 is used as a proxy, and the "first state" is not limited to the "ON" proxy state. Furthermore, the "OFF" proxy state is an example of a "second state" in which the mobile phone 2 is not used as a proxy, and the "OFF" proxy state is not the only example of a "second state". Furthermore, the time set by Timer T1 is an example of the "first predetermined time" required to transition the substitute state from "OFF" to "ON," and the "first predetermined time" is not limited to the time set by Timer T1. Furthermore, the functions of the gateway device 4 (communication connection status monitoring unit 21, communication connection management unit 22, existence proxy unit 23) are examples of the "first processing unit," "second processing unit," and "third processing unit," and the examples of the "first processing unit," "second processing unit," and "third processing unit" are not limited to the functions of the gateway device 4 (communication connection status monitoring unit 21, communication connection management unit 22, existence proxy unit 23).

[0049] <Operation of the communication system according to the first embodiment> The operation of the call system 1 according to the first embodiment will be explained with reference to Figures 4 to 6. First, the basic operation of the call system 1 using the telephone communication application will be explained with reference to Figures 4 and 5, and then, with reference to Figure 6, the operation when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range and when it returns to the radio wave range will be explained.

[0050] (Operations related to making calls using a phone communication app) Figures 4 and 5 are sequence diagrams illustrating the operation of making a call using a telephone communication application. Figure 4 shows the process from when the mobile phone 2 starts using the telephone communication application until it notifies the exchange 5 that it is ready to make and receive calls. Figure 5 shows the process of making a call from the mobile phone 2 and receiving a call from the exchange 5.

[0051] As shown in Figure 4, when the power of the portable telephone 2 is turned "on", the portable telephone 2 wirelessly connects with the nearby wireless base station 3 and a communication link is established (step S11). Also, when the telephone communication application on the portable telephone 2 is launched, the portable telephone 2 establishes a communication connection with the gateway device 4 via the communication path established in step S11 (step S12). Once the portable telephone 2 has established a communication connection with the gateway device 4, it performs a health check to confirm the normality of the subsequent communication path. The health check is deemed normal if a response is received within the timer T3 time.

[0052] Next, to indicate to the exchange 5 that the telephone communication application is available, the portable telephone 2 uses the connected communication connection to send an available control signal (REGISTER) to the gateway device 4 (step S13). The communication connection management unit 22 of the gateway device 4 reads the identification number of the portable telephone 2 from the received available control signal (REGISTER) and determines whether the portable telephone 2 is an identification number already recognized by the gateway device 4.

[0053] The communication connection management unit 22 of the gateway device 4 registers the identification number and the date and time of reception processing in the status data 31 if it is a newly recognized identification number, and sets the proxy status to "ON". The communication connection management unit 22 also passes an available control signal (REGISTER) to the existence proxy unit 23 to notify it that there is a portable telephone 2 whose proxy status is "ON" (step S15). The communication connection management unit 22 also sends a reception completion signal (200-OK) back to the portable telephone 2 (step S16).

[0054] The presence substitute unit 23 of the gateway device 4 transmits an available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 in order to perform substitute processing for the exchange 5, and starts a timer T2 to trigger the next transmission cycle (step S17). Thereafter, each time the expiration of the timer T2 related to the transmission cycle is detected, the presence substitute unit 23 transmits an available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5. Upon receiving the available control signal (REGISTER), the exchange 5 sends a reception completion signal (200-OK) back to the gateway device 4 (step S18). However, if the substitute duration set in advance by the gateway device 4 has elapsed, the substitute status is set to "OFF", the timer T2 related to the transmission cycle is stopped, and the transmission of the available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5 is stopped.

[0055] Furthermore, when the communication connection management unit 22 of the gateway device 4 receives an available control signal (REGISTER) from the portable telephone 2 while the proxy status is "ON" (step S19), it does not send the received available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5, but instead sends a reception completion signal (200-OK) back to the portable telephone 2 (step S20).

[0056] Referring to Figure 5, the calling operation (from the time of the calling operation until the call is in progress) will be explained. When the user makes a calling operation, the portable telephone 2 sends a calling control signal (INVITE) to the gateway device 4 (step S31), and the transmitted calling control signal (INVITE) is relayed by the gateway device 4 and sent to the exchange 5 (step S32). From this point until the call is in progress, the gateway device 4 only forwards the control signals between the portable telephone 2 and the exchange 5 (steps S33 to S36).

[0057] Referring to Figure 5, the incoming call operation (the operation from the incoming call to the start of the call) will be explained. When the exchange 5 receives an incoming call on the mobile phone 2, the exchange 5 sends an outgoing control signal (INVITE) to the gateway device 4 (step S41). The gateway device 4 activates the telephone communication application on the mobile phone 2 by sending an application activation signal (push notification) to the mobile phone 2 that is receiving the call (step S42). An application activation server 7 exists on the internet, and for example, this application activation server 7 is used to send the application activation signal (push notification). All applications running on the mobile phone 2 can be activated remotely using the application activation server 7.

[0058] When the portable phone 2 receives an application launch signal from the application launch server 7, it launches the telephone communication application and establishes a communication connection with the gateway device 4 (step S43). The portable phone 2 also sends an available control signal (REGISTER) to the gateway device 4 to notify the gateway device 4 of the latest connection status (step S44).

[0059] When the communication connection management unit 22 of the gateway device 4 receives the available signal (REGISTER), it sends a reception completion signal (200-OK) back to the portable telephone 2 (step S45). The communication connection management unit 22 also sends an outgoing signal (INVITE) to the portable telephone 2 to initiate the incoming call operation (step S46). From this point until the call is in progress, the gateway device 4 only forwards the control signals between the portable telephone 2 and the exchange 5 (steps S47-S50). Through this operation, the portable telephone 2 can communicate with the call recipient connected to the exchange 5 (for example, a fixed telephone 6 (see Figure 1)).

[0060] (Control method when moving outside of radio wave coverage area and when returning to radio wave coverage area) Referring to Figure 6, the control methods for when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range and when it returns to the radio wave range will be explained. Figure 6 shows the operation when the portable telephone 2, which is recognized as available by the exchange 5, moves outside the radio wave range (out of range) and becomes unable to make calls, and when it moves back into the radio wave range (in range) and becomes available for wireless use again.

[0061] The portable telephone 2 has a function to determine whether or not the communication connection between the gateway device 4 is unavailable. One example of this function is the TCP health check function. As shown in step S61 of Figure 6, when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range, wireless communication with the nearby radio base station 3 becomes difficult (impossible). The portable telephone 2 transmits a health check request signal through the operation of the health check function, etc., but if wireless communication is interrupted as described above, it is determined that the communication connection is unavailable because it cannot receive a health check response signal within timer T3, and the portable telephone transitions from the call state to the idle state (standby state), enabling the next operation (step S62 (steps S62-1, S62-2)).

[0062] Similarly, the gateway device 4 also determines whether the communication connection with the portable telephone 2 is unavailable. The gateway device 4 detects the communication connection abnormality using a TCP health check error or the like in the communication connection status monitoring unit 21 included in its control program (step S63). The communication connection status monitoring unit 21 notifies the communication connection management unit 22 that it has detected an abnormality (step S64). When the communication connection management unit 22 receives the abnormality detection, it changes the proxy status of the portable telephone 2 in the status data 31 to "OFF" (step S65). At this time, the communication connection management unit 22 starts timer T1 (step S66).

[0063] In addition, the communication connection management unit 22 also sends an unregistered signal (UnREGISTER) to the presence substitute unit 23 (step S67). When the presence substitute unit 23 receives the unregistered signal (UnREGISTER), it turns its substitute function "OFF" and sends an unregistered signal (UnREGISTER) to the exchange 5 (step S68).

[0064] When the timer T1 expires, the communication connection management unit 22 changes the proxy status of the portable telephone 2 in the status data 31 to "ON" (step S69). In addition, the communication connection management unit 22 also sends a usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER) to the presence proxy unit 23 (step S70). When the presence proxy unit 23 receives the usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER), it sends a usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER) to the exchange 5, including information that if there is an active call on the exchange 5, the call reset flag indicating its release is set to "ON" (step S71).

[0065] Subsequently, when the portable telephone 2 moves within range of the radio waves (step S72), the portable telephone 2 establishes a wireless connection with a nearby radio base station 3 (step S73). The portable telephone 2 also establishes a communication connection with the gateway device 4 (step S74), transmits an available control signal (REGISTER), and notifies the gateway device 4 (step S75).

[0066] In the gateway device 4, the communication connection status monitoring unit 21 detects a communication connection and recognizes it as normal. The communication connection management unit 22 receives an available control signal (REGISTER) from the portable telephone 2, but since the proxy function is already "ON", it does not send the available control signal (REGISTER) to the exchange 5, and instead sends a reception completion signal (200-OK) back to the portable telephone 2 (step S76). If the proxy function is still "OFF", the communication connection management unit 22 sets the proxy function to "ON" and sets the proxy status to "ON" in the status data 31 according to the identification number of the portable telephone 2. In addition, the communication connection management unit 22 sends an available control signal (REGISTER) to the presence proxy unit 23 for notification.

[0067] Note that the processes and steps in steps S63 to S68 are examples of the "first processing unit" and "first processing step," and the examples of the "first processing unit" and "first processing step" are not limited to the processes and steps in steps S63 to S68. Furthermore, the processes and steps in steps S69 to S71 are examples of the "second processing unit" and "second processing step," and the examples of the "second processing unit" and "second processing step" are not limited to the processes and steps in steps S69 to S71. Furthermore, the processing and steps in step S76 are examples of the "third processing unit" and "third processing step," and the examples of the "third processing unit" and "third processing step" are not limited to the processing and steps in step S76.

[0068] Referring to Figure 7, the outgoing call operation from the exchange 5 when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range will be explained. As shown in step S81 of Figure 7, when the portable telephone 2 moves outside the radio wave range, wireless communication with the nearby radio base station 3 becomes difficult (impossible), and the wireless communication link is disconnected. The portable telephone 2 transmits a health check request signal through the operation of the health check function, etc., but as described above, if wireless communication is interrupted, the portable telephone cannot receive a health check response signal within timer T3, and therefore determines that the communication connection is unavailable, and the portable telephone transitions from the call state to the idle state (standby state), enabling the following operation (step S82 (steps S82-1, S82-2)).

[0069] If a call is received on the mobile phone 2 in this state, the exchange 5 sends an outgoing control signal (INVITE) to the gateway device 4 (step S83). The gateway device 4 sends an application activation signal (push notification) to the mobile phone 2 that is receiving the call (step S84). An application activation server 7 exists on the internet, and for example, this application activation server 7 is used to send the application activation signal (push notification). Since the mobile phone 2 is moving outside the wireless radio wave range, it does not receive the application activation signal (push notification), and therefore the telephone communication application on the mobile phone 2 does not start.

[0070] In this case, when the communication connection management unit 22 identifies a new portable telephone 2, it checks the usage status of internal IDs, assigns an unused internal ID, and uses the area of ​​the status data 31 indexed by that internal ID. The communication connection management unit 22 stores the availability status of the portable telephone 2 in the status data 31 (step S85).

[0071] The processing from step S63 onward is the same as that described in Figure 6, so a detailed explanation will be omitted. To explain part of the operation, the gateway device 4 detects a communication connection abnormality in the communication connection status monitoring unit 21 included in its control program, based on a TCP health check error or the like (step S63). The communication connection status monitoring unit 21 notifies the communication connection management unit 22 that an abnormality has been detected (step S64).

[0072] When the communication connection management unit 22 receives an abnormality detection, it transitions the proxy state of the portable telephone 2 to "OFF" (step S65). At this time, the communication connection management unit 22 starts timer T1 (step S66). In addition, the communication connection management unit 22 also sends an unavailable control signal (UnREGISTER) to the presence proxy unit 23 (step S67). When the presence proxy unit 23 receives the unavailable control signal (UnREGISTER), it turns the proxy function "OFF" and sends an unavailable control signal (UnREGISTER) to the exchange 5 (step S68).

[0073] When the timer T1 expires, the communication connection management unit 22 changes the proxy status of the portable telephone 2 in the status data 31 to "ON" (step S69). In addition, the communication connection management unit 22 also sends a usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER) to the presence proxy unit 23 (step S70). When the presence proxy unit 23 receives the usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER), it sends a usage reset control signal (iniREGISTER) to the exchange 5, including information that if there is an active call on the exchange 5, the call reset flag indicating its release is set to "ON" (step S71).

[0074] This eliminates the situation where, if the portable telephone 2 moves out of range of the radio waves during a call and communication becomes difficult, the exchange 5 remains in a call-in state, preventing it from accepting any further incoming or outgoing calls.

[0075] As described above, according to the first embodiment, the gateway device 4 is equipped with a communication connection status monitoring unit 21, which notifies the communication connection management unit 22 of any communication connection abnormality detected with the portable telephone 2 and stops the proxy function, and a timer T1 is provided to restart the proxy function for the exchange 5 after a predetermined time has elapsed. This makes it possible to detect call termination states that the exchange 5 cannot detect. As a result, even if the communication link with the wireless base station is disconnected, such as when moving outside the wireless range during a call, it is possible to prevent missing the opportunity to receive a call.

[0076] Although embodiments of the present invention have been described above, the present invention is not limited thereto and can be implemented without changing the spirit of the claims. [Explanation of symbols]

[0077] 1. Calling system 2. Portable telephone 3 Wireless base stations 4 Gateway device 5 Switchboard 6 Fixed telephone 7. Application launch server 11 CPU 12 Storage device 13 memory 14 LANC 21 Communication Connection Status Monitoring Unit 22 Communication Connection Management Department 23 Existence agency 31 Status Data T1, T2, T3 timers

Claims

1. Processing apparatus, When the first processing unit determines that the communication connection between the processing unit and the first communication terminal device is unavailable, it changes the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state where it performs the substitute function to a second state where it does not perform the substitute function, and transmits an unavailable control signal to the first communication device. A second processing unit, which, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the status information of the proxy function changed from the first state to the second state, changes the status information from the second state to the first state and transmits a usage reset control signal to the first communication device, The system includes a third processing unit that, after a communication connection is established with the first communication terminal device, receives an available control signal from the first communication terminal device and transmits a reception completion signal to the first communication terminal device. A processing apparatus characterized by the following:

2. The first processing unit is, When the status information is in the first state, a reception completion signal is sent back in response to the available control signal from the first communication terminal device, and an available control signal is periodically transmitted to the first communication device. The apparatus according to claim 1.

3. The first processing unit is, The system detects whether the communication connection between the processing unit and the first communication terminal device is unavailable by a TCP health check error, transmits the unavailable control signal to the first communication device, and then releases the call status from the first communication device. After the first predetermined time, the first communication device is sent the usage reset control signal, and the first communication terminal device is made capable of receiving calls at the first communication device. The apparatus according to claim 1.

4. Computers, When the first processing unit determines that the communication connection between the processing unit and the first communication terminal device is unavailable, it changes the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state where it performs the substitute function to a second state where it does not perform the substitute function, and transmits an unavailable control signal to the first communication device. A second processing unit, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the status information of the proxy function changed from the first state to the second state, changes the status information from the second state to the first state and transmits a usage reset control signal to the first communication device. After a communication connection is established with the first communication terminal device, the third processing unit, upon receiving an available control signal from the first communication terminal device, transmits a reception completion signal to the first communication terminal device. A program designed to function as such.

5. A processing method for a processing device, The aforementioned processing apparatus is When it is determined that the communication connection between the processing unit and the first communication terminal device is unavailable, the first processing step involves changing the substitute function related to the first communication terminal device from a first state where it is performing the substitute function to a second state where it is not performing the substitute function, and transmitting an unavailable control signal to the first communication device. A second processing step involves, after a first predetermined time has elapsed since the status information of the proxy function changed from the first state to the second state, changing the status information from the second state to the first state and transmitting a usage reset control signal to the first communication device. After a communication connection is established with the first communication terminal device, when an available control signal is received from the first communication terminal device, a third processing step is performed in which a reception completion signal is transmitted to the first communication terminal device. A processing method characterized by the following.

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