Telephone system

Abstract

Properly pair the base unit and handset of multiple cordless telephone devices. [Solution] The display processing unit 412 of the master unit CS1 notifies the user of available slots via the LCD unit 47, LED and LK unit 48 based on the notification of available slots from the main unit. The LED and LK unit 48 accept input for selecting a slot to be used for pairing from among the available slots. The notification providing unit 411 notifies the main unit 1 of the selection result. In response to the notification of available slots from the main unit 1, the display control unit 412 displays information on the LCD unit 47 indicating the slot to be used for pairing. The beacon providing unit 4423 transmits a beacon signal through the slot to be used for pairing. The slave unit confirms the slot to be used for pairing with the target master unit by looking at the master unit's display and inputs it into its own unit, and performs pairing with the master unit that has transmitted the beacon signal through that slot.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a telephone system configured by connecting a cordless telephone device in which a master unit and a slave unit are wirelessly connected to a telephone control device such as a main device or a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server, for example.

Background Art

[0002] In recent years, a business phone system (push-button phone system) has been configured by connecting a cordless telephone device to a network control device such as a main device or a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server. The cordless telephone device functions as a single telephone device with a master unit and a slave unit wirelessly connected. For example, a communication method of the DECT (Digital Enhanced Cordless Telecommunication) standard may be used between the master unit and the slave unit constituting the cordless telephone device.

[0003] In the DECT standard, it is defined that the communication method in the downlink from the master unit to the slave unit is a time-division multiplexing method using a time-division multiple access method, and the communication method in the uplink from the slave unit to the master unit is a time-division multiple access method. Also, in the DECT standard, the use frequency band is the "1.9 GHz band". Further, in the DECT standard, as shown in FIG. 16, the number of channels is a maximum of five channels, and one channel is divided into frames in units of 10 milliseconds (ms), and each frame is divided into 24 time slots. Hereinafter, the time slots will be simply referred to as slots. And 12 slots S0 to S11 in the first half 1 / 2 frame period of one frame are used for the downlink from the master unit to the slave unit, and 12 slots S12 to S23 in the second half 1 / 2 frame period are used for the uplink from the slave unit to the master unit.

[0004] In DECT standard cordless telephone systems used in business phone systems, unless the power is off, a single cordless telephone unit uses one of its 12 slots in standby (idle) mode to transmit various control information, including synchronization signals, from the base unit to the handset. This slot is called a dummy bearer. Normally, multiple handsets can be connected to the base unit. However, whether only one handset is connected to the base unit or multiple handsets are connected, in standby mode, control information is transmitted to each handset using one slot (dummy bearer). In this case, no information is transmitted from the handset to the base unit.

[0005] From this standby state, for example, if an incoming call is received and the telephone control unit notifies the base unit of the incoming call, the base unit uses a dummy bearer to notify each slave unit of a data session connection request. The slave units then search for an available slot and contact the base unit to attempt to acquire a slot for communication. The data session connection request is a request to create an environment in which the base unit and slave units can communicate with each other, and it does not result in an incoming call notification. Then, in response to the data session connection request, once a slot for mutual communication between the base unit and slave units has been acquired, the base unit releases the dummy bearer and uses the acquired downlink slot to notify the base unit of the incoming call. At the same time, the base unit also identifies an uplink slot so that it can receive information from the slave units.

[0006] Thus, a pair of downlink and uplink slots acquired for mutual communication between a master unit and a slave unit are called a traffic bearer. Various control information, including synchronization signals, is transmitted through the traffic bearer, and after a voice line is established with the communication partner, voice information is also transmitted. Since various control information is transmitted through the traffic bearer, the process of identifying (acquiring) a traffic bearer and releasing a dummy bearer is called merging the dummy bearer into a traffic bearer.

[0007] Thus, in order for a base unit and a handset to work together, a so-called pairing process is necessary to associate the base unit and handset that will work together. In DECT standard cordless telephone systems, a pairing method is often used in which the same PIN (Personal Identification Number) code is set on the base unit and handset during shipment or installation at the point of use. However, traditionally, the PIN code was not made public to the user, so the user could not set it themselves. As a result, even if only the handset was broken, it became necessary to replace the entire base unit and handset set, or if only the handset was replaced, the pairing settings had to be redone from scratch, which was troublesome and inconvenient.

[0008] Therefore, Patent Document 1, which will be described later, discloses an invention relating to a cordless telephone that allows for easy pairing of both devices even when the base unit and handset set is changed. In the cordless telephone invention disclosed in Patent Document 1, the automatic registration control units provided in the base unit and handset respectively function to change the normal identification code to an automatic registration identification code and use it for temporary pairing. After this, the handset notifies the base unit that it has the permanent registration identification code, the base unit and handset are disconnected, the automatic registration identification code is changed to the permanent registration identification code in each, and the base unit and handset are connected as a permanent pair based on the permanent registration identification code. As a result, if re-pairing of the base unit and handset becomes necessary after the cordless telephone has been installed, re-pairing can be done without bothering the user. [Prior art documents] [Patent Documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2018-46469 [Overview of the project] [Problems that the invention aims to solve]

[0010] However, at installation sites, it is sometimes necessary to pair multiple base units and handsets of cordless telephone systems simultaneously. In such cases, if the PIN code used for authentication conflicts with another base unit, it may become impossible to connect to the desired base unit. For example, suppose at an installation site, near the person setting up the system, there is cordless telephone system A consisting of base unit A and handset A, and cordless telephone system B consisting of base unit B and handset B. In this case, the goal is to pair handset A with base unit A and handset B with base unit B. However, if the PIN codes for both base unit A and base unit B are, for example, "1111", then handset B may be paired with base unit A, and handset A may be paired with base unit B, which can be problematic.

[0011] In view of the above, the purpose of this invention is to enable reliable pairing between a base unit and a handset when pairing a base unit and a handset in multiple cordless telephone devices located in the vicinity. [Means for solving the problem]

[0012] To solve the above problems, the telephone system of the invention described in claim 1 is In a telephone system in which multiple cordless telephone devices, each consisting of a base unit and a handset, are connected to a telephone control device, and between the base unit and the handset, the unit communication period is divided into multiple slots on a selected communication channel, and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication is performed using at least one slot for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit, The aforementioned telephone control device, A usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of multiple slots, A usage status update means updates the usage status information in the usage status storage means based on the information regarding the use of the slot provided by the master unit, When a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit, the available slot notification means forms an available slot notification that notifies of one or more available slots based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means and notifies the master unit, A selection slot notification means that, when a slot selection notification is received from the master unit, forms a selection slot notification indicating the slot selected for use and notifies the master unit of it. Equipped with, The aforementioned master unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, activation notification providing means for forming the activation notification of pairing mode and providing it to the telephone control device, When an available slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, the available slots notified by the available slot notification are displayed on the display unit, When the display unit receives an input to select an available slot to be used from the available slots displayed on the display unit, the selection notification providing means forms a used slot selection notification and provides it to the telephone control device, A selection slot display control means that, when a selection slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, displays the selected slot on the display unit, When the master unit receives input of authentication information for pairing, the master unit has an authentication information storage means that stores and retains the authentication information of the master unit. When the master unit accepts the input of authentication information for pairing, a carrier sense means searches for a communication channel in which the slot notified by the selected slot notification is available, A beacon signal providing means that provides a beacon signal to the slave device through the slot of the communication channel discovered by the carrier sense means, A master unit pairing execution means executes a pairing process to pair the master unit with a slave unit when authentication information for the slave unit corresponding to the authentication information for the master unit stored in the master unit's authentication information storage means arrives from the slave unit. Equipped with, The slave unit Slot input receiving means for receiving an instruction input of a target slot from the available slots displayed on the display unit of the master unit when an activation of pairing mode is instructed; Pairing request means for forming and providing a pairing request including the slave unit side authentication information to the master unit that has transmitted the beacon signal through the slot received by the slot input receiving means when an input of the slave unit side authentication information for pairing is received; Slave unit pairing execution means for cooperating with the master unit that has provided the pairing request and executing a pairing process to pair with the master unit characterized by comprising.

Effect of the Invention

[0013] According to this invention, in a plurality of cordless telephone devices existing in the vicinity, when pairing a master unit and a slave unit, even if the same authentication information (PIN code) is used, pairing can be surely performed between the target master unit and slave unit.

Brief Description of the Drawings

[0014] [Figure 1] It is a diagram for explaining a configuration example of a business phone system according to an embodiment. [Figure 2] It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a main device used in the business phone system according to the embodiment. [Figure 3] It is a diagram for explaining an example of stored data in a usage status memory of the main device according to the embodiment. [Figure 4] It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a master unit of a cordless telephone device used in the business phone system according to the embodiment. [Figure 5] It is a block diagram for explaining a configuration example of a slave unit of a cordless telephone device used in the business phone system according to the embodiment. [Figure 6]This is a diagram for explaining an example of the appearance of the master unit and the slave unit of the cordless telephone apparatus used in the business phone system according to the embodiment. [Figure 7] This is a sequence diagram for explaining the operation during the pairing process performed in the business phone system according to the embodiment. [Figure 8] This is a sequence diagram following FIG. 7. [Figure 9] This is a sequence diagram following FIG. 8. [Figure 10] This is a sequence diagram following FIG. 9. [Figure 11] This is a sequence diagram following FIG. 10. [Figure 12] This is a diagram for explaining an example of the display on the master unit during the pairing process. [Figure 13] This is a diagram for explaining an example of the display on the slave unit during the pairing process. [Figure 14] This is a diagram for explaining another example of the display on the master unit during the pairing process. [Figure 15] This is a diagram for explaining another example of the display on the master unit during the pairing process. [Figure 16] This is a diagram for explaining the communication method of the DECT standard. [Embodiment for Carrying Out the Invention]

[0015] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the telephone system according to this invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the embodiment described below, the case where the telephone system according to this invention is applied to a so-called business phone system formed in, for example, a company office will be described as an example.

[0016] [Configuration Example of Business Phone System (Telephone System)] Figure 1 is a diagram illustrating an example configuration of the business phone system in this embodiment. In this embodiment, for the sake of simplicity, the explanation will focus on three sets of cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 connected to the main unit 1, as shown in Figure 1. However, in reality, many cordless telephone devices are connected to the main unit 1, and a large-scale business phone system is constructed.

[0017] Each of the cordless telephone systems 21, 22, and 23 consists of a base unit (Cell Station) CS1, CS2, and CS3, and a handset (Personal Station) PS1, PS2, and PS3, respectively. Hereafter, Cell Stations CS1, CS2, and CS3 will be referred to as Base Units CS1, CS2, and CS3, and Personal Stations PS1, PS2, and PS3 will be referred to as Handsets PS1, PS2, and PS3. Each of the Base Units CS1, CS2, and CS3 and each of the Handsets PS1, PS2, and PS3 are connected wirelessly.

[0018] It is also possible to wirelessly connect multiple handsets to each of the master units CS1, CS2, and CS3. However, in this embodiment, one handset is assumed to be connected to one master unit. Although not shown in the diagram, the internal telephone equipment connected to the main unit 1 can include not only cordless telephones 21, 22, and 23, but also digital key telephone terminals, similar to a typical business phone system.

[0019] In this embodiment, the wireless connection between the base units CS1, CS2, and CS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 and the handset PS1, PS2, and PS3 is performed using the TDMA / TDD method based on the DECT standard (method) for digital cordless telephones described above. The main unit 1 can accommodate one or more telephone lines L1 to Lm (where m is an integer of 2 or more). The base units CS1, CS2, and CS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 are connected to the main unit 1. In the example in Figure 1, the base units CS1, CS2, and CS3 and the main unit 1 are connected by wire, but wireless connection is also possible.

[0020] The main unit 1 controls call and circuit switching, as well as other business phone functions, for multiple cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23, and also has the function of supplying a reference synchronization signal SYNC to each of the multiple cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23. In this example, the reference synchronization signal SYNC is a signal with a period of 130 milliseconds (ms).

[0021] Each of the base units CS1, CS2, and CS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 generates a frame synchronization signal, which is a synchronization signal with a period of 1 frame (10 milliseconds (ms)), the unit communication period of a DECT standard digital cordless telephone, in synchronization with the reference synchronization signal SYNC from the main unit 1. Based on the generated frame synchronization signal, they perform TDMA / TDD wireless communication using the DECT standard with the slave units PS1, PS2, and PS3. Therefore, all of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 operate in synchronization with the reference synchronization signal SYNC from the main unit 1.

[0022] As shown in Figure 1, each of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 is a telephone terminal connected to the main unit 1, constituting a business phone system. Therefore, call control signals such as incoming call notification and outgoing call request, as well as other control signals, are sent and received between them and the main unit 1. Other control signals include, for example, control signals for controlling the LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and LED (Light Emitting Diode) of cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 in order to notify the user of the operating status of other cordless telephone devices connected to the main unit 1.

[0023] Typically, the master units CS1, CS2, and CS3 are installed in designated locations within the office. As shown in Figure 1, this allows master unit CS1 to communicate with slave unit PS1 within the wireless communication area Ar1, master unit CS2 to communicate with slave unit PS2 within the wireless communication area Ar2, and master unit CS3 to communicate with slave unit PS3 within the wireless communication area Ar3.

[0024] In this way, an environment for making calls through cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 is established. However, when installing the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 in the office, a pairing process must be performed between the base unit and the handset. By performing the pairing process, as shown in Figure 1, the handset PS1 becomes capable of making calls through the base unit CS1, the handset PS2 becomes capable of making calls through the base unit CS2, and the handset PS3 becomes capable of making calls through the base unit CS3.

[0025] However, at installation sites for business phone systems, the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 are almost always located near the worker during the pairing process. Also, considering the effort required from the worker, it is common to use a common PIN code for pairing rather than using different PIN codes for each cordless telephone device. In this case, if the pairing process is performed on each of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 at the same time, problems may arise, such as pairing handset PS2 with base unit CS1 when the intention is to pair handset PS1 with base unit CS1.

[0026] Therefore, in this embodiment of the business phone system, the main unit 1 manages the slots used by the base units CS1, CS2, CS3, ... of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, 23, ... connected to the main unit 1. Then, during the pairing process, the slot to be used for pairing is set through the base units CS1, CS2, CS3, ... and notified to the operator. The operator specifies the slot that the target base unit has set to be used for pairing to the handset PS1, PS2, PS3, ... and performs pairing through that slot. By specifying the slot to be used and performing pairing in this way, it is possible to reliably prevent the handset PS1, PS2, PS3, ... from being paired with an unintended base unit.

[0027] The configuration examples of the main unit 1, cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23, consisting of base units CS1, CS2, and CS3, and handset PS1, PS2, and PS3, which constitute the business phone system of this embodiment that realizes such functions will be described in detail.

[0028] [Example configuration of main unit 1] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of the main unit 1 used in the business phone system of the embodiment. As shown in Figure 2, the main unit 1 is configured to include a line I / F (Interface) 11 to which telephone lines L1 to Lm are connected, a control unit 12 equipped with a computer for controlling the entire main unit 1, a line LSI (Large Scale Integration) unit 13, and a reference oscillator 14.

[0029] The line interface 11, under control from the control unit 12, supplies voice signals (received voice signals) from lines L1 to Lm to the line LSI unit 13, and supplies control signals such as call control signals from the lines to the control unit 12. Furthermore, the line interface 11, under control from the control unit 12, transmits voice signals (transmitted voice signals) from the line LSI unit 13 to the other party via lines L1 to Lm, and also transmits control signals such as call control signals from the control unit 12 to the other party via lines L1 to Lm.

[0030] The line LSI unit 13 includes n extension processing circuits 131, 132, ..., 13n and a timing signal generation unit 130, corresponding to n extension telephone devices. The subscript character n basically represents an integer of 1 or greater. However, in Figure 2, since extension processing circuits 131 and 132 already exist, the character n in Figure 2 represents an integer of 3 or greater.

[0031] The timing signal generation unit 130 generates a transmission clock signal CK and a multiplexing / splitting timing signal TM from a reference clock signal from a high-precision reference oscillator 14 using a crystal oscillator, and supplies them to n internal processing circuits 131 to 13n. The n internal processing circuits 131 to 13n have exactly the same configuration and consist of an audio signal processing unit 31, a control signal processing unit 32, a synchronization signal processing unit 33, and a multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34, respectively.

[0032] The audio signal processing unit 31 is connected to the line interface 11 and also to the multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34, and is a processing circuit for the received audio signal from the line interface 11 and the transmitted audio signal from the multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34. The audio signal processing unit 31 is supplied with a transmission clock signal CK from the timing signal generation unit 130.

[0033] The control signal processing unit 32 is connected to the control signal input / output terminal of the control unit 12 and also to the multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34. It is a control signal processing circuit that handles call control signals during outgoing and incoming calls, as well as call termination. In other words, the control signal processing unit 32 is a processing circuit that handles both control signals from the main unit 1 to the cordless telephone device and control signals from the cordless telephone device to the main unit 1. The control signal processing unit 32 is also supplied with a transmission clock signal CK from the timing signal generation unit 130.

[0034] The synchronization signal processing unit 33 is connected to the synchronization signal output terminal of the control unit 12 and also to the multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34. It is a processing circuit for the reference synchronization signal SYNC having a predetermined synchronization signal pattern from the control unit 12. Similarly, the transmission clock signal CK from the timing signal generation unit 130 is also supplied to this synchronization signal processing unit 33.

[0035] The multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 is connected to the voice signal processing unit 31, the control signal processing unit 32, and the synchronization signal processing unit 33, as well as to each of the base stations CS1 to CSn of the cordless telephone devices 21 to 2n. The multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 processes based on the timing signal TM from the timing signal generation unit 130. The multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 generates a multiplexed signal by multiplexing (time-division multiplexing) the voice signal from the voice signal processing unit 31, the control signal from the control signal processing unit 32, and the reference synchronization signal SYNC from the synchronization signal processing unit 33. The multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 supplies the generated multiplexed signal to each of the base stations CS1 to CSn.

[0036] Furthermore, the multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 splits (separates) the multiplexed signals from each of the master units CS1 to CSn into audio signals and control signals based on the timing signals TM from the timing signal generation unit 130. The multiplexing / splitting processing unit 34 supplies the split (separated) audio signals to the audio signal processing unit 31 and the split (separated) control signals to the control signal processing unit 32.

[0037] As shown in Figure 2, the control unit 12 of the main unit 1 in this embodiment includes a usage status memory 121, a usage status update unit 122, an available slot notification unit 123, and a selected slot notification unit 124. The usage status memory 121 functions as a usage status storage means and stores and holds information indicating the usage status of multiple slots that can be used in the downlink from the master unit to the slave unit. Figure 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of data stored in the usage status memory 121 of the main unit 1.

[0038] In the DECT standard, a maximum of 5 channels are available. Each channel is divided into frames of 10 milliseconds (ms), and each frame is divided into 24 slots. The first 12 slots (slots 1 to 11) of these 24 slots are used for downlinks from the master unit to the slave unit, and the remaining 12 slots (slots 12 to 23) are used for uplinks from the slave unit to the master unit. In this embodiment, the usage memory 121 of the main unit 1, as shown in Figure 3, allows for the determination of whether each downlink slot (0 to 11) of each frame in each of the 5 channels (Ch1 to Ch5) is currently in use.

[0039] In Figure 3, it is managed that slot 1 of channel Ch1 is used by master unit CSa, slot 1 of channel Ch1 is used by master unit CSb, and slot 2 of channel Ch1 is used by master unit CSc. Similarly, slot 10 of channel Ch1, slots 4, 7, 9, and 11 of channel Ch2, and slot 8 of channel Ch3 are managed to be used by the master units indicated in their respective columns. Therefore, in this embodiment, in the example shown in Figure 3, it can be determined that slots 3, 5, and 6 are unused slots on any channel.

[0040] In this example, we have identified slots that are not being used on any channel. However, this is not the only approach; even if a slot is being used on some channels, if there are other slots that are not being used on other channels and are therefore free, those slots may also be considered free slots. According to this approach, in the case of the data stored in the usage memory 121 shown in Figure 3, all slots from 0 to 11 will be considered free slots.

[0041] The usage status update unit 122 updates the usage status information in the usage status memory 121 based on information regarding slot usage provided by the master unit. In this embodiment, when the master units CS1, CS2, CS3, ... identify a slot they are using or release an identified slot, they notify the main unit 1 of their own identification information and information indicating the identified or released slot and channel. Based on this notification from the master unit, the usage status update unit 122 performs an update process on the usage status memory 121.

[0042] This makes it possible to know in real time which slots on which channels are being used, that is, which slots on which channels are available, as explained using Figure 3. The slots used by the user can be identified, for example, by acquiring a dummy bearer, acquiring a traffic bearer, or by specifying the slot to be used during the pairing process, as will be described later. Therefore, a slot is released when a slot that has been acquired or specified for use, as described above, is released.

[0043] The available slot notification unit 123, as will be described in more detail later, functions when a pairing mode activation notification arrives from the master unit. This activation notification includes, for example, the identification information of the sending master unit and information indicating that pairing mode has been activated. Based on the information indicating the usage status of the usage status memory 121, the available slot notification unit 123 forms an available slot notification that notifies of one or more available slots, and implements the function of notifying (providing) this to the master unit that sent the activation notification. In other words, the available slot notification unit 123 implements the function of notifying the master unit that has notified it that pairing mode has been activated of candidate slots that can be used for the pairing process.

[0044] The selected slot notification unit 124, upon receiving a slot selection notification from the master unit, forms a selected slot notification indicating the slot selected for use and notifies the master unit that sent the slot selection notification of this notification. The slot selection notification from the master unit notifies the master unit's identification information and the slot that the master unit has selected to use for the pairing process. The selected slot notification from the main unit 1 to the master unit notifies the master unit that it has also become aware of the slot selected by the master unit that sent the slot selection notification to be used for the pairing process. Therefore, as will be described later, once the channel to be used is determined, the slot selected for the pairing process as notified by the slot selection notification from the master unit will be updated in the usage status memory 121 as a slot in use.

[0045] In this way, the main unit 1 manages the slots used by each master unit connected to it in the usage status memory 121. As a result, when a pairing mode activation notification arrives from a master unit, it notifies the master unit that sent the activation notification of candidate slots available for pairing processing, and notifies the operator performing the pairing processing which slot to actually use via the master unit. When a slot to be used for pairing processing is selected from the notified candidate slots available for pairing processing, the main unit 1 can know which slot has been selected for pairing by the master unit through the slot selection notification from the master unit.Therefore, the main unit 1 notifies the master unit that sent the slot selection notification that it has known which slot has been selected for pairing by the master unit via a selected slot notification.This allows the operator performing the pairing processing to be notified of the slot to be used for pairing processing on the master unit via the master unit.

[0046] At the stage when the master unit provides the main unit 1 with a notification of selected slot usage, the channel for which the selected slot is available has not yet been identified, and therefore the usage status memory 121 cannot be updated. However, as will be explained later, once the master unit performs carrier sense processing and determines which channel to use, the selected slot for the determined channel will be updated to an "in use" state based on the information from the master unit.

[0047] Although not shown in Figure 2, the main unit 1 is equipped with a connection master unit memory unit that functions as a so-called address management unit. The connection master unit memory unit stores and maintains the correspondence between the identification information of master units such as extension numbers and MAC addresses of cordless telephone devices 21, 22, 23, etc., connected to the main unit 1, and the extension processing circuits 131 to 13n.

[0048] [Example configurations of cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23] Next, we will describe the configuration examples of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 of this embodiment, which consist of a base unit and a handset. Note that the base units CS1, CS2, and CS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 are configured similarly, so below we will use base unit CS1 as an example to specifically describe its configuration. Similarly, the handsets PS1, PS2, and PS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, and 23 are configured similarly, so below we will use handset PS1 as an example to specifically describe its configuration.

[0049] <Example of a master unit configuration> Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating an example configuration of the base unit CS1 of the cordless telephone device 21 used in the business phone system of this embodiment. As shown in Figure 4, the base unit CS1 is configured to include a control circuit 41 for controlling the entire base unit CS1, a line LSI unit 42, a synchronization signal generation circuit 43, a wireless communication circuit 44, and oscillators 45 and 46. The control circuit 41 is configured to incorporate a computer and realizes functions such as call control in the base unit CS1. The control circuit 41 also includes a notification provision unit 411, a display control unit 412, an authentication information storage unit 413, and a pairing processing unit 414, and is connected to an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) 47, an LED (Light Emitting Diode) and an LK (Line Key) unit 48, and an operation unit 49. Details of the control circuit 41 will be described later.

[0050] The line LSI unit 42 is a circuit for exchanging audio signals, control signals, and synchronization signals with the main unit 1. The line LSI unit 42 consists of a division / multiplexing processing unit 421, a control signal processing unit 422, an audio signal processing unit 423, a synchronization signal detection unit 424, and a PLL (Phase Locked Loop) unit 425. The PLL unit 425 is supplied with an oscillation signal of a reference frequency from the oscillator 45, as well as a multiplexing signal from the main unit 1. In this example, the frequency of the oscillation signal from the oscillator 45 is, for example, 2048 MHz (0.488 nanoseconds (ns)).

[0051] The PLL unit 425 extracts the clock signal CK component from the timing signal generation unit of the main unit 1 from the multiplexed signal from the main unit 1 by so-called self-clocking. The PLL unit 425 compares the phase of the extracted clock signal CK component with the oscillation signal from the oscillator 45, and based on the comparison result, generates the system clock signal SCK of the master unit CS1 synchronized with the clock signal CK component from the oscillation signal of the oscillator 45. The PLL unit 425 supplies the generated system clock signal SCK as a clock signal for signal processing to the splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421, the control signal processing unit 422, the audio signal processing unit 423, and the synchronization signal detection unit 424, respectively, and also supplies it to the synchronization signal generation circuit 43.

[0052] The splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421 is connected to the main unit 1, as well as to the control signal processing unit 422, the audio signal processing unit 423, and the synchronization signal detection unit 424. The splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421 splits (separates) the control signal, audio signal, and reference synchronization signal SYNC from the multiplexed signal from the main unit 1. The control signal, separated in the splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421, is supplied to the control signal processing unit 422, the audio signal to the audio signal processing unit 423, and the reference synchronization signal SYNC to the synchronization signal detection unit 424.

[0053] Furthermore, the splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421 multiplexes the control signals from the control signal processing unit 422 and the voice signals from the voice signal processing unit 423 to generate a multiplexed signal, and supplies the generated multiplexed signal to the main unit 1. The control signal processing unit 422 is connected to the control signal input / output terminal of the control circuit 41 and is also connected to the splitting / multiplexing processing unit 421. The control signal processing unit 422 is a processing circuit for control signals such as call control signals during outgoing calls, incoming calls, and call termination (both control signals from the main unit 1 to the cordless telephone device 21 and control signals from the cordless telephone device 21 to the main unit 1).

[0054] The audio signal processing unit 423 is connected to the wireless communication circuit 44 and also to the division / multiplexing processing unit 421. It is a processing circuit for the transmitted audio signal received from the slave unit PS1 via the wireless communication circuit 44 and the received audio signal from the division / multiplexing processing unit 421. The synchronization signal detection unit 424 receives a reference synchronization signal SYNC from the division / multiplexing processing unit 421 and detects a predetermined synchronization signal pattern provided by the reference synchronization signal SYNC. As a result, the synchronization signal detection unit 424 generates a reference synchronization pulse PS as the signal at the time of detection, which is synchronized with the reference synchronization signal SYNC and has the same period (130ms) as the reference synchronization signal SYNC. The synchronization signal detection unit 424 supplies the generated reference synchronization pulse PS to the synchronization signal generation circuit 43.

[0055] The synchronization signal generation circuit 43 consists of a counter 431 and a synchronization signal generation unit 432. The counter 431 receives a reference synchronization pulse PS with a period of 130ms from the synchronization signal detection unit 424 of the line LSI unit 42 to the preset terminal PRE, and a system clock signal SCK from the PLL unit 425 as the count input. The output count value CNT of the counter 431 is supplied to the synchronization signal generation unit 432. The synchronization signal generation unit 432 generates a synchronization signal FL with a frame period (10ms) according to the DECT standard from the output count value CNT of the counter 431. The synchronization signal generation circuit 43 supplies the frame synchronization signal FL generated by the synchronization signal generation unit 432 to the wireless communication circuit 44.

[0056] The wireless communication circuit 44 comprises a control unit 441, a TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442, and a wireless communication unit (labeled "RF" in Figure 4) 443. The wireless communication unit 443 is a circuit unit for performing wireless communication with the slave unit PS1. The control unit 441 is connected to the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 and the wireless communication unit 443, as well as to the control circuit 41. The control unit 441 also has the function of supplying control signals to the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 based on control signals obtained from the control circuit 41, and supplying information obtained from the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 to the control circuit 41.

[0057] The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 is connected to the control unit 441 and the audio signal processing unit 423 of the line LSI unit 42, as well as to the wireless communication unit 443. It modulates the control signals from the control unit 441 and the audio signals from the audio signal processing unit 423 in order to transmit them to the slave unit PS1. The signals modulated by this TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 are transmitted to the slave unit PS1 via the wireless communication unit 443. The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 also demodulates the audio signals and control signals from the signals received from the slave unit PS1 by the wireless communication unit 443. The demodulated audio signals are supplied to the audio signal processing unit 423, and the demodulated control signals are supplied to the control unit 441.

[0058] The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 includes a PLL unit 4421 for clock generation. The PLL unit 4421 is supplied with an oscillation signal from the oscillator 46 and a frame synchronization signal FL from the synchronization signal generation circuit 43. The PLL unit 4421 performs a phase comparison between the frame synchronization signal FL from the synchronization signal generation circuit 43 and the oscillation signal from the oscillator 46, and based on the comparison result, generates a timing signal and a clock signal synchronized with the frame synchronization signal FL from the oscillation signal of the oscillator 46. The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 uses the timing signal and clock signal synchronized with the frame synchronization signal FL to generate a transmission signal to the slave unit PS1 for a period corresponding to the downlink slot that is available for allocation, and uses the uplink slot to process the received signal from the slave unit PS1.

[0059] Furthermore, the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 includes a carrier sense unit 4422. The carrier sense unit 4422 receives one frame of signal through each channel in response to control of the control circuit 41 via the control unit 441 and performs carrier sense processing (scan processing) to check whether a signal (radio wave) is present in each slot. In addition, the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 4422 includes a beacon provider unit 4423. The beacon provider unit 4423, in response to control of the control circuit 41 via the control unit 441, implements the function of forming a beacon signal that includes the identification information of the unit itself and notifies the slave unit of the presence of the unit, and transmitting it through the wireless communication unit 443. This beacon signal may also include various control information.

[0060] As mentioned above, when the master unit CS1 is connected to the main unit 1 and in standby mode, it starts the synchronization process for communication with the paired slave unit PS1, and constantly sends synchronization signals and control information to the slave unit PS1 through the dummy bearer, maintaining a state where communication is possible. When the master unit CS1 is notified of an incoming call, it forms a link connection request and sends it to the slave unit PS1 through the dummy bearer. When the slave unit PS1 receives the link connection request, it performs a search process for an available slot, identifies the slot (traffic bearer) to be used for communication, and notifies the master unit CS1. The master unit CS1 acquires the identified slot and uses it to connect the master unit CS1 and the slave unit PS1, creating a state where a call can be made.

[0061] To enable actual communication, the base unit CS1 and the slave unit PS1 must be paired. During this pairing process, the system is designed to perform a slot-specific pairing process to prevent the slave unit PS1 from pairing with other nearby base units. This function is mainly achieved by the control circuit 41 and the carrier sense unit 4422 and beacon provider unit 4423 of the wireless communication circuit 44.

[0062] In other words, the notification provision unit 411 of the control circuit 41 provides various notifications to the main unit 1 through the control signal processing unit 422 and the division / multiplexing processing unit 421. Specifically, the notification provision unit 411 provides a notification to the main unit 1 by forming a pairing mode activation notification when the activation of pairing mode is instructed via the operation unit 49. Furthermore, the notification provision means provides a selection notification to the main unit 1 by forming a slot selection notification when it receives a selection input for a slot to be used from the available slots displayed via the LCD unit 47 and the LED and LK unit 48.

[0063] The display control unit 412 performs display control on the LCD unit 47, LEDs, and LK unit 48 in response to notifications (control information) from the main unit 1. Specifically, when a notification of available slots arrives from the main unit 1, the display control unit 412 functions as an available slot display control means, displaying the available slots notified by the notification through the LCD unit 47, LEDs, and LK unit 48. Furthermore, when a notification of selected slots arrives from the main unit 1, the display control unit 412 functions as a selected slot display control means, displaying the selected slot through the LCD unit 47.

[0064] The authentication information storage unit 413 functions as an authentication information storage means that stores and holds the PIN code, which is authentication information received through the operation unit 49. Then, when the pairing processing unit 414 receives a PIN code (authentication information) from a slave device that corresponds to the PIN code (authentication information) of the master device stored in the authentication information storage unit 413, it performs a pairing process to pair with the slave device. In other words, the pairing processing unit 414 functions as a means for executing master device pairing. In the pairing process performed by the various parts of the control circuit 41, the functions of the carrier sense unit 4422 and the beacon provider unit 4423 of the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 are important.

[0065] Specifically, the carrier sense unit 4422, as will be described in more detail later, performs the process of identifying a channel where the selected slot is available when the execution of pairing mode is instructed, a slot to be used for pairing processing is selected, and a PIN code is entered. The beacon provider unit 4423, when the execution of pairing mode is instructed and a PIN code is entered, works in cooperation with the carrier sense unit 4422 to form a beacon signal and transmit it to the slave device. In this case, the beacon provider unit 4423 functions as a beacon signal provider means that forms and provides a beacon signal that notifies the presence of the device through the selected slot of the channel where the slot has been confirmed by the carrier sense unit 4422. This notifies the slave device that pairing processing is possible through the slot selected by the master device, and if the slave device instructs to perform pairing processing through that slot, pairing processing can be performed.

[0066] <Example configuration of the handset> Figure 5 is a block diagram showing an example configuration of the slave unit PS1. As shown in Figure 5, the slave unit PS1 is composed of a wireless communication circuit 51, a control circuit 52, a codec circuit 53, an oscillator 54, a microphone 56, a speaker 55, a display unit 57, and an operation unit 58. The control circuit 52 is configured as a microprocessor equipped with a CPU (Central Processing Unit), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), non-volatile memory, etc., and realizes the function of controlling each part of the slave unit PS1. The control circuit 52 includes a slot input receiving unit 521, a pairing request unit 522, and a pairing processing unit 523 as functional units for performing pairing processing in cooperation with the master unit. Details of each of these units will be described later.

[0067] The microphone 56 constitutes the transmitter, and the speaker 55 constitutes the receiver. The wireless communication circuit 51 comprises a control unit 511, a TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512, and a wireless communication unit (labeled "RF unit" in Figure 5) 513. The wireless communication unit 513 is a circuit unit for performing wireless communication with the master unit CS1. The control unit 511 is connected to the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 and the wireless communication unit 513, and is also connected to the control circuit 52. The control unit 511 controls the overall operation of the wireless communication circuit 51 and supplies control signals to the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 based on control signals obtained from the control circuit 52.

[0068] The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 is connected to the control unit 511 and the wireless communication unit 513, as well as the codec circuit 53. It modulates the control signals from the control unit 511 and the audio signals from the codec circuit 53 in order to transmit them to the master unit CS1. The signals modulated by the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 are transmitted to the master unit CS1 via the wireless communication unit 513. The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 also demodulates the audio signals and control signals from the signals received from the master unit CS1 by the wireless communication unit 513. The demodulated audio signals are supplied to the codec circuit 53, and the demodulated control signals are supplied to the control unit 511.

[0069] The TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 includes a PLL unit 5121 for clock generation. The PLL unit 5121 is supplied with an oscillation signal from the oscillator 54 and a demodulated signal from the received signal from the wireless communication unit 513. The PLL unit 5121 generates a clock signal synchronized with the clock component of the demodulated signal from the oscillation signal from the oscillator 54. The clock signal from the PLL unit 5121 is used as the processing clock signal in the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512.

[0070] The codec circuit 53 decodes the audio signal demodulated by the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512, converts it into an analog audio signal, and supplies this analog audio signal to the speaker 55 to emit it as received audio. The codec circuit 53 also encodes the analog audio signal picked up by the microphone 56 and supplies it to the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512. When a call is made from the slave unit PS1, the control circuit 52 transmits the call control signal for the call to the master unit CS1 via the wireless communication circuit 51. When it receives a call control signal from the master unit CS1 for an incoming call, it performs processing such as emitting an incoming call tone from the speaker 55.

[0071] Furthermore, the control unit 511 of the wireless communication circuit 51 controls the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 512 in response to a control signal from the master unit CS1 corresponding to itself, and searches for and identifies slots to be used for communication in both the downlink and uplink, enabling reception / transmission processing. For example, when a mass call occurs and a mass call notification is sent from the main unit 1 to the slave unit PS1 via the master unit CS1, the slave unit PS1 performs a search for an available slot and obtains an available slot to be used for the call. Then, the slave unit PS1 works in cooperation with the master unit CS1 to use the obtained available slot as a traffic bearer to make the call.

[0072] As mentioned above, when in standby mode, the PS1 slave unit can receive synchronization and control signals from the master unit through a predetermined slot (dummy bearer) on the downlink. When an incoming or outgoing call occurs, as described above, the dummy bearer is merged into the traffic bearer, and the slots to be used for communication are determined for the downlink and uplink, allowing the call to proceed.

[0073] To enable calls through the PS1 handset, it is necessary to first perform a pairing process with the CS1 base station. In this process, the PS1 handset is prevented from pairing with another nearby base station, such as CS2, instead of the intended base station CS1. Specifically, as mentioned above, pairing is performed only with the intended base station CS1 through the slot selected for use by that base station CS1. The various parts of the control circuit 52 shown in Figure 5 function to realize this pairing functionality.

[0074] In other words, the slot input receiving unit 521 of the control circuit 52 functions when the activation of pairing mode is instructed via the operation unit 58. The slot input receiving unit 521 functions as a slot input receiving means that receives instruction input for the target slot from the available slots displayed on the display unit of the target master unit via the operation unit 58. Furthermore, when the pairing request unit 522 receives input of the slave unit's PIN code (authentication information) for pairing, it forms and provides a pairing request to the master unit that is transmitting the beacon signal through the slot received by the slot input receiving unit 521. This pairing request includes the PIN code. In other words, the pairing request unit 522 functions as a pairing request means. Furthermore, the pairing processing unit 523 functions as a slave unit pairing execution means that works in cooperation with the master unit that provided the pairing request and executes a pairing process to pair with the master unit.

[0075] As each part of the control circuit 52 functions, during pairing, the pairing process is performed only between the target base unit and the target base unit through the slot selected for use on the target base unit, thereby enabling pairing with the target base unit. After the pairing process, as described above, it becomes possible to receive and make phone calls in cooperation with the paired base unit.

[0076] The above description concerns the base unit CS1 and handset PS1 of the cordless telephone device 21. As mentioned above, the base units CS2 and CS3 and handset PS1 and PS2 of the other cordless telephone devices 22 and 23 have a similar configuration and function in the same way.

[0077] [External configuration of the base unit and slave unit] Figure 6 is a diagram illustrating examples of the external appearance of the base units CS1, CS2, CS3 and handset PS1, PS2, PS3 of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, 23 used in the business phone system (telephone system) of this embodiment. In Figure 6, Figure 6(A) is an external view of the base units CS1, CS2, CS3 as seen from the front, and Figure 6(B) is an external view of the handset PS1, PS2, PS3 as seen from the front. Here again, we will explain using the case of base unit CS1 and handset PS1 as an example. As shown in Figure 6(A), in standby mode, handset PS1 is placed on the front left side of base unit CS1. When receiving or making a call, handset PS1 is held in the user's hand.

[0078] As shown in Figure 6(A), the master unit CS1 is equipped with an LCD section 47, an LED and LK section 48, and an operation section 49 on the front left side. The LCD section 47 is a display section configured using an LCD as the display element, and is mainly used to display characters, symbols, simple figures, etc. The LED and LK section 48 is configured with multiple line keys (LK (Line key)) integrated with LEDs, and can notify the user, for example, that a line key whose LED is lit is ready to be pressed. In this embodiment of the master unit CS1, 24 line keys are provided in a 4x6 grid. The operation section 49 is equipped with a so-called numeric keypad (dial key) and several function keys.

[0079] In the master unit CS1, notification and selection of available slots are performed via LEDs and the LK unit 48. The display of available slots and selected slots is performed via the LCD unit 47. It is also possible to configure the system so that the selection of available slots is performed via the numeric keypad on the operation unit 49.

[0080] As shown in Figure 6(B), the PS1 sub-unit has a speaker 55, a display unit 57, an operation unit 58, and a microphone 56 on its front. The display unit 57 is a part that uses an LCD as its display element and is mainly used to display characters, symbols, and simple shapes. Below the display unit 57, there are eight line keys arranged in two rows and four columns. The operation unit 58 is a part that has a so-called numeric keypad (dial key) and several function keys. In the PS1 sub-unit, the selection input of the slot to be used by the target master unit is performed using the numeric keypad on the operation unit 58, and the input result is displayed on the display unit 57.

[0081] [Explanation of the operation during the pairing process] This section describes the operation of the business phone system described using Figure 1 when pairing is performed. In the following description, we will use the case where the master unit CS1 and master unit CS2 are in pairing mode, and the slave unit PS2 performs pairing with the master unit CS2 as an example. Figures 7 to 11 are sequence diagrams to explain the operation during pairing in the business phone system (telephone system) of this embodiment. Figure 12 is a diagram to explain an example of the display on the master units CS1 and CS2 during pairing, and Figure 13 is a diagram to explain an example of the display on the slave unit PS2 during pairing.

[0082] As shown in Figure 7, first, an operator inputs a pairing mode activation command to the master unit CS1 via the operation unit 49 (step S101). In this case, the control circuit 41 of the master unit CS1 activates the pairing mode (step S102), controls the notification provision unit 411 to form a pairing mode activation notification, and provides (transmits) it to the main unit 1 (step S103).

[0083] When the main unit 1 receives a notification to start pairing mode, the available slot notification unit 123 of the control unit 12 functions and checks for unused slots by referring to the usage status memory 121 (step S104). Here, let's assume that slots 3, 5, and 6 are confirmed as available slots, as explained using Figure 3. In this case, the available slot notification unit 123 forms an LED illumination control signal to illuminate the LEDs of line keys LK1, LK2, and LK3, which correspond to slots 3, 5, and 6, and provides this to the master unit CS1 that provided the startup notification (step S105). Furthermore, the available slot notification unit 123 forms an LCD display control signal to display information indicating the line keys and the corresponding available slots, and provides this to the master unit CS1 that provided the startup notification (step S106).

[0084] The LED illumination control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1 in step S105 and the LCD display control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1 in step S106 correspond to the available slot notification, which notifies the available slots. As a result, in the master unit CS1, the display control unit 412 illuminates the LEDs of line keys LK1, LK2, and LK3 in response to the LED illumination control signal (step S107). Furthermore, the display control unit 412 displays information indicating the line keys and the corresponding available slots on the LCD unit 47 in response to the LCD display control signal (step S108).

[0085] As a result of the processing in steps S107 and S108, as shown in Figure 12(A), the LEDs and the LEDs of the line keys LK1, LK2, and LK3 on the LK unit 48 light up to indicate that they are operable line keys. Also, as shown in Figure 12(A), the correspondence between the line keys and the available slots is displayed on the LCD unit 47 of the master unit CS1. Specifically, it is displayed that line key LK1 is associated with available slot 3, line key LK2 is associated with available slot 5, and line key LK3 is associated with available slot 6. This allows the user to select the slot to be used for pairing by pressing any of the line keys LK1, LK2, or LK3.

[0086] Suppose an operator, having determined the available slots from the display on the LCD unit 47 and the lighting status of the LEDs on the LK unit, decides on the master unit CS1 to use slot 3 for the pairing process. The operator presses the line key LK1 to select slot 3 as the slot to be used for the pairing process (step S109). The master unit CS1 accepts this selection input from the operator (step S110). In this case, the control circuit 41 controls the notification provision unit 411 to form a slot selection notification to notify that slot 3 has been selected as the slot to be used, and provides this to the main unit 1 (step S111).

[0087] Next, the process shown in Figure 8 proceeds. When the main unit 1 receives a notification of a slot in use from the master unit CS1, the selected slot notification unit 124 functions and forms an LED off control signal, which it provides to the master unit CS1 (step S112). Furthermore, the selected slot notification unit 124 forms an LCD display control signal, which it also provides to the master unit CS1 (step S113). The LED off control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1 in step S112 and the LCD display control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1 in step S113 correspond to the selected slot notification that notifies the selected slot. As a result, in the master unit CS1, the display control unit 412 turns off the LEDs of line keys LK1, LK2, and LK3 in response to the LED off control signal (step S114). Furthermore, the display control unit 412 displays on the LCD unit 47 an indication that slot 3 has been selected as the slot to be used for pairing processing, in response to the LCD display control signal (step S115).

[0088] As a result of the processing in steps S112 and S113, the LEDs and the LEDs of the line keys LK1, LK2, and LK3 on the LK unit 48 are turned off, as shown in Figure 12(B). Also, as shown in Figure 12(B), the LCD unit 47 of the master unit CS1 displays that slot 3 has been selected as the slot to be used for the pairing process. The display in Figure 12(B) allows the operator to objectively understand that the master unit CS1 has been configured to use slot 3 for the pairing process, without having to remember it themselves.

[0089] Next, the operator will enter a PIN code through the operation unit 49 of the master unit CS1 (step S116). In step S116, assume that the PIN code "1111" is entered. The control circuit 41 of the master unit CS1 receives this and records it in the authentication information storage unit 413 (step S117). As a result, the authentication information storage unit 413 of the master unit CS1 stores and retains the PIN code "1111" used for the pairing process. Furthermore, the control circuit 41 controls the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 through the control unit 441, and first uses the carrier sense unit 4422 to perform carrier sense processing to detect channels in which the selected slot 3 is empty (step S118).

[0090] After this, the beacon provider unit 4423 of the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 functions to identify a channel with an empty slot 3 and starts transmitting a beacon signal through the slot 3 of the identified channel (step S119). The beacon signal includes the identification information of the master unit CS1 (for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address). In the example explained using Figure 3, all channels are empty for slot 3, so in this case, the higher channel Ch1 is identified as an empty channel, and the beacon signal is transmitted through the slot 3 of the identified channel Ch1. The beacon provider unit 4423 notifies the control circuit 41 of the slot and channel on which the beacon signal is to be transmitted via the control unit 441.

[0091] In this case, the notification provision unit 411 forms usage information for the slot and channel, indicating that slot 3 of channel Ch1 was used to transmit a beacon signal, and provides this to the main unit 1. Upon receiving this usage information, the control unit 12 of the main unit 1 activates the usage status update unit 122 to update the usage status memory 121 to indicate that slot 3 of channel Ch1 is being used by the master unit CS1.

[0092] Next, proceed to the process shown in Figure 9, where the operator has input a pairing mode activation command to the master unit CS2, which is the other master unit to be paired, via the operation unit 49 (step S120). In this case, the control circuit 41 of the master unit CS2 activates the pairing mode (step S121), controls the notification provision unit 411 to form a pairing mode activation notification, and performs the process of providing (transmitting) it to the main unit 1 (step S122).

[0093] In the main unit 1, upon receiving a notification to activate pairing mode, the available slot notification unit 123 of the control unit 12 activates and checks for unused slots by referring to the usage status memory 121 (step S123). In this case, as described above, since slot 3 of channel Ch1 has already been selected by the master unit CS1 and is being used to transmit the beacon signal, slots 5 and 6 are confirmed to be available slots. In this case, the available slot notification unit 123 forms an LED illumination control signal to illuminate the LEDs of line keys LK1 and LK2, which correspond to slots 5 and 6, and provides this to the master unit CS2, which provided the activation notification (step S124). Furthermore, the available slot notification unit 123 forms an LCD display control signal to display information indicating the line keys and the corresponding available slots, and provides this to the master unit CS2, which provided the activation notification (step S125).

[0094] The LED illumination control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2 in step S124 and the LCD display control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2 in step S125 correspond to the available slot notification, which notifies the available slots. As a result, in the master unit CS2, the display control unit 412 illuminates the LEDs of line keys LK1 and LK2 in response to the LED illumination control signal (step S126). Furthermore, the display control unit 412 displays information indicating the line keys and the corresponding available slots on the LCD unit 47 in response to the LCD display control signal (step S127).

[0095] As a result of the processing in steps S126 and S127, as shown in Figure 12(C), the LEDs and the LEDs of line keys LK1 and LK2 on the LK unit 48 light up to indicate that they are operable line keys. Also, as shown in Figure 12(C), the correspondence between line keys and available slots is displayed on the LCD unit 47 of the master unit CS1. Specifically, it is displayed that line key LK1 is associated with available slot 5 (slot 5), and line key LK2 is associated with available slot 6 (slot 6). This allows the user to select the slot to be used for pairing by pressing line keys LK1 and LK2.

[0096] Suppose the operator, having determined the available slots from the display on the LCD unit 47 and the lighting status of the LEDs on the LK unit, decides on the master unit CS2 to use slot 5 for the pairing process. The operator presses the line key LK1 to select slot 5 as the slot to be used for the pairing process (step S128). The master unit CS2 accepts this selection input from the operator (step S129). In this case, the control circuit 41 controls the notification provision unit 411 to form a slot selection notification to notify that slot 5 has been selected as the slot to be used, and provides this to the main unit 1 (step S130).

[0097] Next, the process shown in Figure 10 proceeds. When the main unit 1 receives a notification of a slot in use from the master unit CS2, the selected slot notification unit 124 functions and forms an LED off control signal, which it provides to the master unit CS2 (step S131). Furthermore, the selected slot notification unit 124 forms an LCD display control signal, which it also provides to the master unit CS2 (step S132). The LED off control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2 in step S131 and the LCD display control signal provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2 in step S132 correspond to the selected slot notification that notifies the selected slot. As a result, in the master unit CS2, the display control unit 412 turns off the LEDs of line keys LK1 and LK2 in response to the LED off control signal (step S133). Furthermore, the display control unit 412 displays on the LCD unit 47 an indication that slot 5 has been selected as the slot to be used for pairing processing, in response to the LCD display control signal (step S134).

[0098] As a result of the processing in steps S133 and S134, the LEDs and the LEDs of line keys LK1 and LK2 on the LK unit 48 are turned off, as shown in Figure 12(D). Also, as shown in Figure 12(D), the LCD unit 47 of the master unit CS2 displays that slot 5 has been selected as the slot to be used for the pairing process. The display in Figure 12(D) allows the operator to objectively understand that the master unit CS2 has been configured to use slot 5 for the pairing process, without having to remember it themselves.

[0099] Next, the operator will enter a PIN code through the operation unit 49 of the base unit CS2 (step S135). In step S135, the PIN code "1111" is used. In other words, considering the effort required of the operator, the PIN code "1111" is used in common for all cordless telephone devices. The control circuit 41 of the base unit CS1 receives this and records it in the authentication information storage unit 413 (step S136). As a result, the authentication information storage unit 413 of the base unit CS2 stores the PIN code "1111" used for the pairing process. Furthermore, the control circuit 41 controls the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 through the control unit 441, and first uses the carrier sense unit 4422 to perform carrier sense processing to detect a channel in which the selected slot 3 is empty (step S137).

[0100] After this, the beacon provider unit 4423 of the TDMA modulation / demodulation unit 442 functions to identify a channel with an available slot 5 and starts transmitting a beacon signal through the slot 5 of the identified channel (step S138). The beacon signal includes the identification information of the master unit CS2 (for example, the MAC (Media Access Control) address). In the example explained using Figure 3, all channels are available for slot 5, so in this case, the higher channel Ch1 is identified as an available channel, and the beacon signal is transmitted through the slot 5 of the identified channel Ch1. The beacon provider unit 4423 notifies the control circuit 41 of the slot and channel on which the beacon signal is to be transmitted via the control unit 441.

[0101] In this case, the notification unit 411 forms usage information for the slot and channel, indicating that slot 5 of channel Ch1 was used to transmit a beacon signal, and provides this to the main unit 1. Upon receiving this usage information, the control unit 12 of the main unit 1 activates the usage status update unit 122 to update the usage status memory 121 to indicate that slot 5 of channel Ch1 is being used by the master unit CS2.

[0102] Next, the process proceeds as shown in Figure 11, and it is assumed that the operator has entered a command to activate pairing mode on the slave unit PS2, which is the target of the pairing process, through the operation unit 58 of the slave unit PS2 (step S139). In this case, the control circuit 52 of the slave unit PS2 controls the slot input reception unit 521 to form an input screen for the slot selected on the target master unit and displays it on the display unit 57 (step S140), and accepts slot input from the operator through the operation unit 58. The input screen displayed on the display unit 57 in step S140 consists of an indication that the unit (slave unit PS2) has entered pairing mode and an input field for the search slot, as shown in Figure 13(A). The search slot is the slot that should be searched for as the slot to be used in the pairing process, and means the slot selected on the master unit that will be the pairing partner.

[0103] After the processing in step S140, the operator inputs the slot selected on the target master unit, which will be paired with the slave unit PS2, through the operation unit 58 of the slave unit PS2 (step S141). In step S141, the operator checks the number of the selected slot displayed on the LCD unit 47 of the target master unit CS2 (Figure 12(D)), and in this example, "5" is input as the number to identify the slot. After this, the slot input receiving unit 521 of the control circuit 52 of the slave unit PS2 receives the number to identify the slot input through the operation unit 58 and displays it on the display unit 57 (step S142). Specifically, as shown in Figure 13(B), the number "5" to identify the slot input in step S141 is displayed as the search slot number. This indicates that pairing processing should be performed with the master unit CS2, which is transmitting a beacon signal through slot 5.

[0104] In step S142, the display screen for the search target slot is provided in the lower right corner, prompting the operator to enter a PIN code. In response, the operator enters a PIN code (4 digits) through the operation unit 58 of the slave unit PS2, which is the target of the pairing process (step S143). In this embodiment, the PIN code is "1111" as mentioned above. The pairing request unit 522 of the control circuit 52 of the slave unit PS1 receives this (step S144). Through the received slot (slot 5 in this example), it requests pairing from the master unit CS2, which is transmitting the beacon signal.

[0105] In other words, the master units CS1 and CS2, which are in pairing mode, are transmitting beacon signals through the selected slot as described above. Specifically, the master unit CS1 is transmitting a beacon signal through slot 3 (step S145). Therefore, the pairing request unit 522 of the slave unit PS2 checks the slot position of the beacon signal provided through the control unit 511 of the wireless communication circuit 51 (step S146). In step S146, the target slot that was received in step S142 and displayed on the display unit 57 is slot 5, and the transmission slot for the beacon signal from master unit CS1 is slot 3, so the two do not match, and it is confirmed that pairing with master unit CS1 is not possible.

[0106] Furthermore, a beacon signal is being transmitted from the master unit CS2 through slot 5 (step S147). Therefore, the pairing request unit 522 of the slave unit PS2 checks the slot position of the beacon signal provided through the control unit 511 of the wireless communication circuit 51 (step S148). In step S148, the target slot received in step S142 and displayed on the display unit 57 is slot 5, and the transmission slot of the beacon signal from the master unit CS2 is also slot 5, so the two match and it is confirmed that pairing with the master unit CS2 is possible.

[0107] The pairing request unit 522 forms a pairing request including the PIN code received in step S144, identifies the uplink slot from its own unit to the master unit CS2, and sends the pairing request to the master unit CS2 to start the pairing operation (step S149). Accordingly, the pairing processing unit 414 of the control circuit 41 of the master unit CS2 and the pairing processing unit 523 of the control circuit 52 of the slave unit PS2 function, and the pairing process is performed between the master unit CS2 and the slave unit PS2. As a result, the master unit CS2 registers that the slave unit PS2 has been paired, and the slave unit PS2 registers that it has been paired with the master unit CS2, and a communication relationship is established between the two (step S150).

[0108] After this, the pairing processing unit 414 of the master unit CS2 forms a pairing completion notification that has been paired with the slave unit PS2, and provides this to the main unit 1 (step S151), completing the pairing process between the master unit CS2 and the slave unit PS2. In this case, as shown in Figure 13(C), the display unit 57 of the slave unit PS2 displays "Pairing COMPLETE" to indicate that the pairing process using slot 5 has been completed, notifying the user that the pairing has been successfully completed.

[0109] In this way, each of the cordless telephone devices 21, 22, 23, ... uses a different downlink slot for pairing. This ensures that even if the same PIN code is used and pairing is performed simultaneously on all cordless telephone devices 21, 22, 23, ..., the operator can properly pair the base unit and handset as intended without mistakenly selecting the wrong base unit.

[0110] [Other examples of the display on the master unit during the pairing process] In the pairing process described using Figures 7 to 11, as explained using Figure 12, the system is designed to select a slot to be used for pairing by focusing only on available slots. However, this is not the only option. It is also possible to consider the usage status of other slots as well, notify the system of available slots, and select a slot to be used for pairing. In this case, a master unit with 12 line keys available, corresponding to the number of downlink slots, is sufficient. Furthermore, in the following explanation, each line key will be described as having a red LED and a green LED.

[0111] In the following, referring to Figures 7 to 11, we will describe examples of the LED and LK section 48 and LED 47 displays on the master units CS1 and CS2 when notifying of an available slot and selecting a slot to be used for pairing, taking into account the usage status of other slots. Figures 14 and 15 are diagrams illustrating other display examples on the master unit during pairing. In this example as well, it is assumed that the usage status of slots and channels is known in the usage memory 121 of the main unit 1, as shown in Figure 3.

[0112] In the example shown in Figure 3, focusing only on the slots, slots 3, 5, and 6 are empty, while the other slots are in use. In this example, slots 0 to 11 are associated with line keys LK1 to LK12. In this case, in step S105 shown in Figure 7, an LED illumination control signal is provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1. This LED illumination control signal turns off the line key LK4 associated with slot 3, line key LK6 associated with slot 5, and line key LK7 associated with slot 6, while illuminating the other line keys, for example, with a red LED. This LED illumination control signal is generated by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1. Also, in step S106 of Figure 7, an LCD display control signal is provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS1 to display a message prompting the user to select a slot to use, along with an indication that the empty slots are slots 3, 5, and 6. This LCD display control signal is also generated by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1.

[0113] As a result, in the master unit CS1, the LED and LK section display control is performed by the process in step S107 of Figure 7, as shown in Figure 14(A). Specifically, the line key LK4 associated with slot 3, the line key LK6 associated with slot 5, and the line key LK7 associated with slot 6 are turned off, and the red LEDs of the other line keys are turned on. In Figure 14, the line keys indicated by the diagonal lines are the line keys with the red LEDs turned on. The line keys LK4, LK6, and LK7 that are turned off become the run keys that can be pressed. Furthermore, in step S108 of Figure 7, as shown in Figure 14(A), the LCD section 47 of the master unit CS1 displays a message prompting the user to select a slot to use, along with an indication that the available slots are slots 3, 5, and 6.

[0114] Subsequently, in step S109 of Figure 7, slot 3 associated with line key LK4 is selected, which is accepted by the master unit CS1 in step S110 and notified to the main unit 1 in step S111. In this case as well, in step S112 of Figure 8, an LED illumination control signal, formed by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1, is provided to the master unit CS1. In this case, the LED illumination control signal first illuminates the green LED of line key LK4 associated with the selected slot 3. For line key LK6 associated with slot 5 and line key LK7 associated with slot 6, the LEDs remain off, and for line keys other than line keys LK4, LK6, and LK7, the red LEDs are illuminated. Also, in step S113 of Figure 8, an LCD display control signal, which displays that slot 3 has been selected as a slot for use, is formed by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1 and provided to the master unit CS1.

[0115] As a result, in the master unit CS1, the LED and LK section display control is performed by the process in step S114 in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 14(B). Specifically, the line key LK4 associated with slot 3 will have its green LED lit. In addition, the line key LK6 associated with slot 5 and the line key LK7 associated with slot 6 will be turned off, and the red LEDs of the other line keys will light up. In Figure 14, the line keys that are blacked out are the line keys with the green LED lit. Furthermore, in step S115 in Figure 8, as shown in Figure 14(B), the LCD section 47 of the master unit CS1 will display an indication that slot 3 has been selected as the slot to be used.

[0116] As described above, slot 3 was selected by the master unit CS1 and became the slot in use. Therefore, the display control in the master unit CS2 is as follows. Specifically, in step S124 of Figure 9, an LED illumination control signal is provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2, which turns off the line key LK6 associated with slot 5 and the line key LK7 associated with slot 6, and illuminates the other LEDs, for example, a red LED. This LED illumination control signal is generated by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1. Also, in step S125 of Figure 9, an LCD display control signal is provided from the main unit 1 to the master unit CS2, which displays a message prompting the user to select a slot to use, along with an indication that the available slots are slots 5 and 6. This LCD display control signal is also generated by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1.

[0117] As a result, in the master unit CS1, the LED and LK section display control is performed by the process in step S126 of Figure 9, as shown in Figure 14(C). In this case, the line key LK6 associated with slot 5 and the line key LK7 associated with slot 6 are turned off, and the red LEDs for the other line keys are lit. The line keys LK6 and LK7 that are turned off are the line keys that can be pressed. Furthermore, in step S127 of Figure 9, as shown in Figure 14(C), the LCD section 47 of the master unit CS2 displays a message prompting the user to select a slot to use, along with an indication that the available slots are slots 5 and 6.

[0118] Subsequently, in step S128 of Figure 9, slot 5 associated with line key LK6 is selected, which is accepted by the master unit CS2 in step S129 and notified to the main unit 1 in step S130. In this case, in step S131 of Figure 10, instead of an LED off control signal, an LED on control signal formed by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1 is provided to the master unit CS2. In this case, the LED on control signal first lights up the green LED of line key LK6 associated with the selected slot 5. For line key LK7 associated with slot 6, the LED remains off, and for line keys other than line keys LK6 and LK7, the red LED lights up. Also, in step S132 of Figure 10, an LCD display control signal that indicates that slot 5 has been selected as a slot for use is formed by the available slot notification unit 123 of the main unit 1 and provided to the master unit CS2.

[0119] As a result, in the master unit CS2, the LED and LK section display control is performed by the process in step S134 of Figure 10, as shown in Figure 14(D). Specifically, the green LED of line key LK6, to which slot 5 is associated, lights up. In addition, the line key LK7, to which slot 6 is associated, turns off, and the red LEDs of the other line keys light up. Furthermore, in step S134 of Figure 8, as shown in Figure 14(D), the LCD section 47 of the master unit CS2 displays an indication that slot 5 has been selected as the slot to be used.

[0120] Furthermore, in the process shown in the sequence diagrams of Figures 7 to 11, the slave unit PS2 is paired with the master unit CS2, and the LEDs and LK section 48 of the master unit CS1 change according to this situation. That is, when slot 5 is selected as the slot to be used in the master unit CS2, the LEDs and the LEDs of the LK section 48 in the master unit CS1 are controlled to light up, as shown in Figure 15(A). In this case, since slot 3 is selected as the slot to be used in the master unit CS1, the green LED of line key LK4 corresponding to slot 3 lights up, and the red LEDs of the line keys other than line key LK7 corresponding to the empty slot 6 light up. The red LED of line key LK6 lights up because it has been selected as the slot to be used in the master unit CS2.

[0121] After the master unit CS2 and the slave unit PS2 are paired, slot 5, which was selected as the slot to be used for pairing on the master unit CS2, is released. As a result, the LEDs and LK section 48 indicators on the master unit CS1 will be as shown in Figure 15(B). Specifically, on the master unit CS1, slot 3 is selected as the slot to be used, so the green LED of line key LK4 corresponding to slot 3 will light up. In addition, the red LEDs of all line keys except LK6, which corresponds to the now-empty slot 5, and LK7, which corresponds to the empty slot 6, will light up. This allows the operator to be notified that the master unit CS1, which has not yet completed the pairing process, is maintaining a state of performing the pairing process through slot 3. Therefore, after the pairing process between the master unit CS2 and the slave unit PS2 is completed, the operator can perform the pairing process between the master unit CS1 and the slave unit PS1 without making any mistakes.

[0122] As mentioned above, the selected slot will be used for pairing on a channel where that slot is available. Therefore, it is possible that the same slot may be used for communication on different channels. However, in this embodiment, the slave device detects when a beacon signal is being transmitted on the selected slot, so even if communication is taking place on the same slot on different channels, it will not cause any problems. If necessary, information indicating that it is a pairing beacon signal can be added to the beacon signal transmitted from the master device to the slave device.

[0123] [Effects of the embodiment] In the business phone system (telephone system) of the above-described embodiment, when pairing a base unit and a handset with multiple cordless telephone devices located nearby, reliable pairing can be achieved between the target base unit and handset. In this case, in addition to entering a PIN code, both the base unit and handset only need to specify the slot to be used for pairing, and pairing can be performed only through the specified slot. Therefore, the burden on the worker during pairing is not increased. Rather, since reliable pairing can be achieved between the target base unit and handset, the burden on workers performing pairing processing at cordless telephone installation sites can be reduced.

[0124] [Differentiation] In the embodiment described above, the PIN code is a four-digit number, but it is not limited to this. It can be a variety of types, such as a number with two or more digits, or an alphanumeric code with two or more digits.

[0125] Furthermore, although the cordless telephone equipment used to construct the business phone system in the above-described embodiment was described as employing the DECT method, it is not limited to this. For example, this invention can also be applied when constructing a telephone system using cordless telephone equipment employing the PHS (Personal Handy-phone System) method or cordless telephone equipment employing the SXGP (Shared eXtended Global Platform) method. In other words, this invention can be applied when pairing is performed between various communication devices that use the TDMA method as the communication method and communicate using multiple slots.

[0126] Furthermore, in the above-described embodiment, the slot used for pairing is selected by the master unit, and the slave unit instructs the master unit to select the desired slot (slot selection method). However, this is not the only configuration. The channel used for pairing can also be selected by the master unit, and the slave unit instructs the master unit to select the desired channel (channel selection method). Alternatively, the slot and channel used for pairing can be selected by the master unit, and the slave unit instructs the master unit to select the desired slot and channel (slot and channel selection method).

[0127] <Example of channel selection method configuration> In the case of the channel selection method, similar to the slot selection method described above, multiple cordless telephone devices, each consisting of a base unit and a handset, are connected to the telephone control device. Between the base unit and the handset, the selected communication channel divides the unit communication period into multiple slots, and at least one slot is used for TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit.

[0128] In this case, the telephone control device comprises: usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of a plurality of communication channels; usage status update means for updating the usage status information in the usage status storage means based on information regarding the use of the communication channels provided by the master unit; available channel notification means for forming an available channel notification that notifies the master unit of one or more available channels based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means when a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit; and selected channel notification means for forming a selected channel notification that notifies the master unit of the communication channels selected for use when a channel selection notification is received from the master unit.

[0129] Furthermore, the master unit includes: an activation notification providing means for forming and providing the activation notification for the pairing mode to the telephone control unit when the activation of the pairing mode is instructed; an available channel display control means for displaying the available channel notified by the available channel notification on the display unit when the available channel notification arrives from the telephone control unit; a selection notification providing means for forming and providing the channel selection notification to the telephone control unit when the input for selecting an available channel to be used from the available channels displayed on the display unit is received; and a selection channel display control means for displaying the selected communication channel on the display unit when the selected channel notification arrives from the telephone control unit. The system comprises: a master-side authentication information storage means that stores and holds the master-side authentication information when it receives input of the master-side authentication information for pairing; a carrier sense means that searches for a slot in which the communication channel notified by the selected channel notification is available when it receives input of the master-side authentication information for pairing; a beacon signal providing means that provides a beacon signal to the slave device through the communication channel of the slot searched by the carrier sense means; and a master-side pairing execution means that executes a pairing process to pair with the slave device when authentication information for the slave device corresponding to the master-side authentication information stored in the master-side authentication information storage means arrives from the slave device.

[0130] Furthermore, the slave unit includes a channel input receiving means that, when instructed to activate pairing mode, receives an instruction input for the target communication channel from the available channels displayed on the display unit of the master unit; a pairing request means that, when the slave unit receives an input of authentication information for pairing, forms and provides a pairing request including the authentication information of the slave unit to the master unit that is transmitting the beacon signal through the communication channel received by the channel input receiving means; and a slave unit pairing execution means that cooperates with the master unit that provided the pairing request and executes a pairing process to pair with the master unit. It will be equipped with these features.

[0131] In this channel selection method, unlike the slot selection method in the embodiment described above, once the master unit selects a channel, it uses carrier sensing to detect available slots on the selected channel and then identifies the slot.

[0132] <Configuration of slot and channel selection method> In the case of the slot and channel selection method, similar to the slot selection method described above, multiple cordless telephone devices consisting of a base unit and a handset are connected to the telephone control device, and between the base unit and the handset, the unit communication period is divided into multiple slots on the selected communication channel, and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication is performed using at least one slot for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit.

[0133] In this case, The telephone control device comprises: usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of a plurality of communication channels and a plurality of slots; usage status update means for updating the usage status information in the usage status storage means based on information regarding the use of the communication channels and slots provided by the master unit; available channel and slot notification means for forming an available channel and slot notification that notifies the master unit of one or more available channels and available slots based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means when a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit; and selected channel and slot notification means for forming a selected channel and slot notification that notifies the master unit of the communication channels and slots selected for use when a channel and slot selection notification is received from the master unit.

[0134] Furthermore, the master unit includes: an activation notification providing means that, when instructed to activate pairing mode, forms an activation notification for pairing mode and provides it to the telephone control unit; an available channel display control means that, when an available channel and slot notification arrives from the telephone control unit, displays the available channel and slot notified by the available channel and slot notification on the display unit; a selection notification providing means that, when an input for selecting an available channel and slot to be used from the available channels and slots displayed on the display unit is received, forms a channel and slot selection notification and provides it to the telephone control unit; and a selection channel and slot notification that, when an selected channel and slot notification arrives from the telephone control unit, displays the selected communication channel on the display unit. The system comprises: a display control means; a master unit authentication information storage means that stores and holds the master unit authentication information when it receives input of the master unit authentication information for pairing; a carrier sense means that checks whether the communication channel and slot notified by the selected channel and slot notification are available when it receives input of the master unit authentication information for pairing; a beacon signal providing means that provides a beacon signal to the slave unit through the communication channel and slot when the carrier sense means confirms that they are available; and a master unit pairing execution means that executes a pairing process to pair with the slave unit when the slave unit authentication information corresponding to the master unit authentication information stored in the master unit authentication information storage means arrives from the slave unit.

[0135] Furthermore, the slave unit includes a channel and slot input receiving means that, when instructed to activate pairing mode, receives instruction input for the desired communication channel and slot from the available channels and slots displayed on the display unit of the master unit; a pairing request means that, when the slave unit receives input of authentication information for pairing, forms and provides a pairing request including the authentication information of the slave unit to the master unit that is transmitting the beacon signal through the communication channel and slot received by the channel and slot input receiving means; and a slave unit pairing execution means that cooperates with the master unit that provided the pairing request and executes a pairing process to pair with the master unit.

[0136] In this slot and channel selection method, a slot and channel are selected. Therefore, if the communication path specified by the selected slot and channel is in use or has a lot of noise, it cannot be used for pairing. In this case, the master unit should send a pairing activation notification to the main unit 1 again, restarting the process from the beginning. [Explanation of Symbols]

[0137] 1...Main unit, 11...Line I / F, 12...Control circuit, 121...Usage status memory, 122...Usage status update unit, 123...Available slot notification unit, 124...Selected slot notification unit, 13...Line LSI unit, 14...Reference transmitting device, 21, 22, 23...Cordless telephone device, CS1, CS2, CS3...Master unit, 41...Control circuit, 411...Notification provision unit, 412...Display control unit, 413...Authentication information storage unit, 414...Pairing processing unit, 42...Line LSI unit, 43...Synchronization signal generation circuit, 44...Wireless communication circuit, 441...Control unit, 442...TDMA modulation / demodulation unit, 4421...PLL circuit 4422...Carrier Sense Unit, 4423...Beacon Provider Unit, 443...RF (Radio Wave Communication Unit), 47...LCD Unit, 48...LED and LK Unit, 49...Operation Unit, PS1, PS2, PS3...Slave Unit, 51...Radio Wave Communication Circuit, 511...Control Unit, 512...TDMA Modulation / Demodulation Unit, 5121...PLL Unit, 513...RF Unit (Radio Wave Communication Unit), 52...Control Circuit, 521...Slot Input Reception Unit, 522...Pairing Request Unit, 523...Pairing Processing Unit, 53...Codec Circuit, 54...Transmitter, 55...Handset (Microphone), 56...Handset (Speaker), 57...Display Unit, 58...Operation Unit

Claims

1. In a telephone system in which multiple cordless telephone devices, each consisting of a base unit and a handset, are connected to a telephone control device, and between the base unit and the handset, the unit communication period is divided into multiple slots on a selected communication channel, and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication is performed using at least one slot for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit, The aforementioned telephone control device, A usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of multiple slots, A usage status update means updates the usage status information in the usage status storage means based on the information regarding the use of the slot provided by the master unit, When a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit, the available slot notification means forms an available slot notification that notifies the master unit of one or more available slots based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means, and notifies the master unit. A selection slot notification means that, when a slot selection notification is received from the master unit, forms a selection slot notification that notifies the master unit of the slot selected for use, and notifies the master unit of the selection slot notification. Equipped with, The aforementioned master unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, activation notification providing means for forming the activation notification of pairing mode and providing it to the telephone control unit, When an available slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, the available slot display control means displays the available slot notified by the available slot notification on the display unit, When the display unit receives an input to select an available slot to be used from the available slots displayed, the selection notification providing means forms a used slot selection notification and provides it to the telephone control device, A selection slot display control means that, when a selection slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, displays the selected slot on the display unit, When the master unit receives input of authentication information for pairing, the master unit has an authentication information storage means that stores and retains the authentication information of the master unit. When the master unit accepts the input of authentication information for pairing, a carrier sense means searches for a communication channel in which the slot notified by the selected slot notification is available, A beacon signal providing means that provides a beacon signal to the slave device through the slot of the communication channel discovered by the carrier sense means, A master unit pairing execution means executes a pairing process to pair the master unit with a slave unit when authentication information for the slave unit corresponding to the authentication information for the master unit stored in the master unit's authentication information storage means arrives from the slave unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned sub-unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, the slot input receiving means receives an instruction input for the target slot from the available slots displayed on the display unit of the master unit, When the input of authentication information from the slave device for pairing is received by the slot input receiving means, a pairing request means forms and provides a pairing request including the authentication information from the slave device to the master device that is transmitting the beacon signal through the slot received by the slot input receiving means, A slave unit pairing execution means that cooperates with the master unit that provided the pairing request and performs a pairing process to pair with the master unit. A telephone system characterized by having the following features.

2. In a telephone system in which multiple cordless telephone devices, each consisting of a base unit and a handset, are connected to a telephone control device, and between the base unit and the handset, the unit communication period is divided into multiple slots on a selected communication channel, and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication is performed using at least one slot for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit, The aforementioned telephone control device, A usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of multiple communication channels, A usage status update means updates the usage status information of the usage status storage means based on the information regarding the use of the communication channel provided by the master unit, When a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit, the available channel notification means forms an available channel notification that notifies the master unit of one or more available channels based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means, and notifies the master unit. When a channel selection notification is received from the master unit, a channel selection notification is formed to notify the master unit of the selected communication channel, and a channel selection notification means is provided to notify the master unit of the selected channel. Equipped with, The aforementioned master unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, activation notification providing means for forming the activation notification of pairing mode and providing it to the telephone control unit, When an available channel notification arrives from the telephone control device, the available channel display control means displays the available channel notified by the available channel notification on the display unit, When the display unit receives an input to select an available channel to be used from the available channels displayed on the display unit, the selection notification providing means forms a channel selection notification and provides it to the telephone control unit, A selection channel display control means that, when the selection channel notification arrives from the telephone control device, displays the selected communication channel on the display unit, When the master unit receives input of authentication information for pairing, the master unit has an authentication information storage means that stores and retains the authentication information of the master unit. When the master unit receives the input of authentication information for pairing, a carrier sense means searches for a slot in which the communication channel notified by the selected channel notification is available, A beacon signal providing means that provides a beacon signal to the slave device through the communication channel of the slot discovered by the carrier sense means, A master unit pairing execution means executes a pairing process to pair the master unit with a slave unit when authentication information for the slave unit corresponding to the authentication information for the master unit stored in the master unit's authentication information storage means arrives from the slave unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned sub-unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, the channel input receiving means receives an instruction input for the target communication channel from the available channels displayed on the display unit of the master unit, When the input of authentication information from the slave device for pairing is received by the channel input receiving means, a pairing request means forms and provides a pairing request including the authentication information from the slave device to the master device that is transmitting the beacon signal via the communication channel received by the channel input receiving means, A slave unit pairing execution means that cooperates with the master unit that provided the pairing request and performs a pairing process to pair with the master unit. A telephone system characterized by having the following features.

3. In a telephone system in which multiple cordless telephone devices, each consisting of a base unit and a handset, are connected to a telephone control device, and between the base unit and the handset, the unit communication period is divided into multiple slots on a selected communication channel, and TDMA (Time Division Multiple Access) / TDD (Time Division Duplex) wireless communication is performed using at least one slot for both communication from the base unit to the handset and communication from the handset to the base unit, The aforementioned telephone control device, A usage status storage means for storing information indicating the usage status of multiple communication channels and multiple slots, A usage status update means updates the usage status information of the usage status storage means based on the information regarding the use of the communication channel and slot provided by the master unit, When a pairing mode activation notification is received from the master unit, the available channel and slot notification means forms an available channel and slot notification that notifies the master unit of one or more available channels and available slots based on the usage status information in the usage status storage means, When a notification of channel and slot selection for use is received from the master unit, a selection channel and slot notification is formed to notify the master unit of the selected communication channel and slot for use, and a selection channel and slot notification means is provided to notify the master unit of the selected channel and slot for use. Equipped with, The aforementioned master unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, activation notification providing means for forming the activation notification of pairing mode and providing it to the telephone control device, When an available channel and slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, the available channel display control means displays the available channel and slot notified by the available channel and slot notification on the display unit. When the display unit receives an input for selecting an available channel and slot to be used from the available channels and slots displayed on the display unit, the selection notification providing means forms a channel and slot selection notification and provides it to the telephone control device, A selection channel and slot display control means that, when a selection channel and slot notification arrives from the telephone control device, displays the selected communication channel on the display unit. When the master unit receives input of authentication information for pairing, the master unit has an authentication information storage means that stores and retains the authentication information of the master unit. When the master unit receives the input of authentication information for pairing, a carrier sense means confirms whether the communication channel and slot notified by the selected channel and slot notification are available, A beacon signal providing means provides a beacon signal to the slave device through the communication channel and the slot when the carrier sense means confirms that it is available, A master unit pairing execution means executes a pairing process to pair the master unit with a slave unit when authentication information for the slave unit corresponding to the authentication information for the master unit stored in the master unit's authentication information storage means arrives from the slave unit. Equipped with, The aforementioned sub-unit is When the activation of pairing mode is instructed, the channel and slot input receiving means receives an instruction input for the desired communication channel and slot from the available channels and slots displayed on the display unit of the master unit, When the input of authentication information from the slave device for pairing is received by the channel and slot input receiving means, a pairing request means forms and provides a pairing request including the authentication information from the slave device to the master device that is transmitting the beacon signal through the communication channel and slot received by the channel and slot input receiving means, A slave unit pairing execution means that cooperates with the master unit that provided the pairing request and performs a pairing process to pair with the master unit. A telephone system characterized by having the following features.

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