Abstract:
A system includes a memory which stores first identification information necessary to use the telephone terminal and second identification information correlated with the first identification information to regulate usage of the telephone terminal, and a controller which controls the usage of the telephone terminal in accordance with the second identification information by reading from the memory the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information included in a usage request, when the usage request has occurred in the telephone terminal.

Description:
CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS  
       [0001]     This application is based upon and claims the benefit of priority from prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2003-337752, filed Sep. 29, 2003, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.  
       BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION  
       [0002]     1. Field of the Invention  
         [0003]     The present invention relates to a network telephony system that performs voice communication between telephone terminals via, for example, a LAN (local area network) and regulates the use of individual telephone terminals. The invention further relates to a control method for use in the network telephony system.  
         [0004]     2. Description of the Related Art  
         [0005]     In recent years, there have been proposed systems of the type in which network telephone terminals (IP (Internet Protocol) telephone terminals) each having a communication processing function and a media information processing function are connected to a LAN. In this case, the LAN is connected to an external communication network, such as a public network, via a main apparatus, and processes such as protocol conversion and data format conversion are performed at IP telephone terminals and a main apparatus whereby to enable communication between IP telephone terminals and between the IP telephone terminals and the external communication network.  
         [0006]     In a system of this type, a user is allowed to use various functions set in an IP telephone terminal of his (or her) own by using another IP telephone terminal serving as a migration destination. In addition, the user is allowed to receive information services from an information service provider on the Internet simply by carrying out a log-in process with a user ID being input to the migration destination IP telephone terminal (refer to, for example, Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2001-352411 and Jpn. Pat. Appln. KOKAI Publication No. 2002-101091).  
         [0007]     The system described above provides no regulations regarding locations where the user uses the IP telephone terminal. In addition, the system allows individual users to use various functions set in migration destination IP telephone terminals at same conditions. Further, the system allows the individual users to receive information services from information service providers on the Internet in same conditions in the migration destination IP telephone terminals. As such, precise services corresponding to the individual users cannot be provided, and processes such as accounting processes regarding per-user telephone terminal usage cannot be elucidated.  
       BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION  
       [0008]     Accordingly, the present invention is to provide a network telephony system capable of controlling telephone-terminal usage locations, usage services, and the like, for individual users, and a control method for use in the network telephony system.  
         [0009]     According to an aspect of the present invention, there is provided a network telephony system comprising a plurality of telephone terminals, and a telephone exchange apparatus accommodating the plurality of telephone terminals via a communication network and causing the plurality of telephone terminals to be interconnected and to perform communication, comprising: a memory which stores first identification information necessary to use the telephone terminal and second identification information correlated with the first identification information to regulate usage of the telephone terminal; and a controller which controls the usage of the telephone terminal in accordance with the second identification information by reading from the memory the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information included in a usage request, when the usage request has occurred in the telephone terminal.  
         [0010]     According to another aspect of the present invention, there is provided a control method for a network telephony system comprising a plurality of telephone terminals, and a telephone exchange apparatus accommodating the plurality of telephone terminals via a communication network and causing the plurality of telephone terminals to be interconnected and to perform communication, the control method comprising: storing into a memory first identification information necessary to use the telephone terminal and second identification information correlated with the first identification information to regulate usage of the telephone terminal; reading from the memory the second identification information corresponding to the first identification information included in a usage request, when the usage request has occurred in the telephone terminal, and controlling the usage of the telephone terminal in accordance with the second identification information.  
         [0011]     Additional objects and advantages of the invention will be set forth in the description which follows, and in part will be obvious from the description, or may be learned by practice of the invention. The objects and advantages of the invention may be realized and obtained by means of the instrumentalities and combinations particularly pointed out hereinafter. 
     
    
     BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWING  
       [0012]     The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of the specification, illustrate presently preferred embodiments of the invention, and together with the general description given above and the detailed description of the preferred embodiments given below, serve to explain the principles of the invention.  
         [0013]      FIG. 1  is a diagram showing a configuration a network telephony system according to the present invention.  
         [0014]      FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the functions showing the main apparatus shown in  FIG. 1 .  
         [0015]      FIG. 3  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a first embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0016]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the first embodiment;  
         [0017]      FIG. 5  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a second embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0018]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the second embodiment;  
         [0019]      FIG. 7  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a third embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0020]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the third embodiment;  
         [0021]      FIG. 9  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a fourth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0022]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the fourth embodiment;  
         [0023]      FIG. 11  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a fifth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0024]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the fifth embodiment;  
         [0025]      FIG. 13  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a sixth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0026]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the sixth embodiment;  
         [0027]      FIG. 15  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a seventh embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0028]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the seventh embodiment;  
         [0029]      FIG. 17  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a eighth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0030]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the eighth embodiment;  
         [0031]      FIG. 19  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a ninth embodiment of the present invention;  
         [0032]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the ninth embodiment;  
         [0033]      FIG. 21  is a view to explain memory contents of a storage section according to a tenth embodiment of the present invention; and  
         [0034]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section according to the tenth embodiment. 
     
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION  
       [0035]     Embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail below with reference to the drawings.  
         [0036]      FIG. 1  is a schematic configuration view showing a network telephony system according to the present invention.  
         [0037]     The system has local area networks (LANs)  1  and  3 . A plurality of telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  (i=natural number) and T 21  are connected to the LAN  1 . The telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  are each an IP telephone terminal having a communication processing function and a media information processing function. Similarly, a plurality of telephone terminals T 31  to T 3   j  (j=natural number) are each an IP telephone terminal having a communication processing function and a media information processing function.  
         [0038]     In addition, a main apparatus  2  and a router RT 1  are connected to the LAN  1 . The main apparatus  2  has a function of establishing interconnection between the plurality of individual telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  connected to LAN  1 ; between the plurality of telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  and a public network NW; and between the plurality of telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  and the router RT 1 . The main apparatus  2  has a function of establishing interconnection of the plurality of individual telephone terminals T 31  to T 3   j  connected to the LAN  3 ; between the plurality of telephone terminals T 31  to T 3   j  and the public network NW; and between the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  and the telephone terminals T 31  to T 3   j . Further, the main apparatus  2  has conversion functions for communication protocols and signal formats between the LAN  1  and the public network NW.  
         [0039]     The router RT 1  connects between the LAN  1  and an IP network VPN, and has conversion functions for communication protocols and signal formats between the LAN  1  and an IP network VPN. In addition, a router RT 3  is connected to the IP network VPN. The router RT 3  connects between the LAN  3  and the IP network VPN, and has conversion functions for communication protocols and signal formats between the LAN  3  and the IP network VN.  
         [0040]     The main apparatus  2  has functions related to the present invention, as described below.  FIG. 2  is a block diagram of the functions.  
         [0041]     The main apparatus  2  has a authorization information storage section  21  (hereafter, “storage section  21 ”), a authorization processing section  22  (hereafter, “processing section  22 ”), and a authorization result transmitting section  23  (hereafter, “transmitting section  23 ”). The storage section  21  stores first identifiers necessary to use the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j , and second identifiers to regulate the usage of the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j  in correspondence with the first identifiers.  
         [0042]     Suppose that at, for example, the telephone terminal T 21 , when a usage request including a first identifier has occurred following a log-in entered by a user. In this case, the processing section  22  reads a second identifier corresponding to the first identifier included in the usage request from the storage section  21 , and performs control regarding the usage of the telephone terminal T 21  in accordance with the second identifier.  
         [0043]     The transmitting section  23  transmits a determination result output from the processing section  22  to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
       First Embodiment  
       [0044]     A first embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0045]      FIG. 3  shows an example case according to the first embodiment, where user identifiers and location identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other. More specifically, the user identifier is an identifier preliminarily assigned to each user. The location identifier is an identifier, such as an IP address, representing a setup location of each of the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j . “Group A” included “user names” represents a plurality of users in a company.  
         [0046]      FIG. 4  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0047]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has performed a log-in process by inputting “User A” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “User A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0048]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 4   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “User A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 4   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0049]     On the other hand, if “User A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a location identifier set corresponding to “User A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 4   c ), and acquires the location identifier “192.168.1.4” from the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 4   d ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the location identifier stored in the storage section  21  and the location identifier acquired from the telephone terminal T 21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 4   e ).  
         [0050]     If having found a match between the location identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits “User A” to use the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 4   f ). If, on the other hand, not having found a match (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of “User A” for the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 4   g ).  
         [0051]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0052]     As described above, according to the first embodiment, “user names” and “IP addr esses” are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, locational regulation can be precisely carried out in units of the user in such a manner that authorization for the usage of the telephone terminal T 21  in a meeting room is granted to a user having a high security level, but on the other hand usage of the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  by an ordinary user is refused.  
       Second Embodiment  
       [0053]     A second embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0054]      FIG. 5  shows an example case according to the second embodiment, where location identifiers and service identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other. The service identifiers are identifiers representing services usable at the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j . “Function Index A” included the service identifiers represents abridged service identifiers including “Function A to Function M”.  
         [0055]      FIG. 6  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0056]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including the IP address “192.168.1.4” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0057]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 6   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “192.168.1.4” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 6   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0058]     On the other hand, if “192.168.1.4” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a service identifier set corresponding to “192.168.1.4” from the storage section  21  (step ST 6   c ). In the event that the service is requested for being used at the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 6   d ), the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the service identifier to be used and the service identifier stored in the storage section  21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 6   e ).  
         [0059]     If having found a match between the service identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits the user to use, for example, “Function A” (step ST 6   f ). However, for a mismatch service, such as “Function E” (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of the user for “Function E” (step ST 6   g ).  
         [0060]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0061]     As described above, according to the second embodiment, the location identifiers and the service identifiers are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, service usage regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the location in such a manner that while the service such as “Function A” is permitted to be used in a specific location, the service such as “Function E” is permitted to be used in a different location.  
       Third Embodiment  
       [0062]     A third embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0063]      FIG. 7  shows an example case according to the third embodiment, where user identifiers and service identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other.  
         [0064]      FIG. 8  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0065]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “User A” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “User A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0066]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 8   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “User A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 8   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0067]     On the other hand, if “User A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a service identifier set corresponding to “User A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 8   c ). In the event that the service is requested for being used at the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 8   d ), the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the service identifier to be used and the service identifier stored in the storage section  21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 8   e ).  
         [0068]     If having found a match between the service identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits the user to use, for example, “Function A” (step ST 8   f ). However, for a mismatch service, such as “Function E” (No), the processing section  22  refuses a usage request of the user for “Function E” (step ST 8   g ).  
         [0069]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0070]     As described above, according to the third embodiment, the user identifiers and the service identifiers are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, service usage regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the user in such a manner that while the service such as “Function A” is permitted to be used by a specific user, the service such as “Function E” is permitted to be used by a different user.  
         [0071]     In addition, in a case where, for example, users, sections, or groups having different security levels share one system, services to be used in units of each of the users or sections can be regulated, whereby processes such as an accounting processing in units of the user or section can be elucidated.  
       Fourth Embodiment  
       [0072]     A fourth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0073]      FIG. 9  shows an example case according to the fourth embodiment where user identifiers, location identifiers, and service identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with one another.  
         [0074]      FIG. 10  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0075]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “User A” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “User A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0076]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 10   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “User A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 10   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0077]     On the other hand, if “User A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a location identifier set corresponding to “User A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 10   c ), and thereby acquires the location identifier “192.168.1.3” from the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 10   d ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the location identifier stored in the storage section  21  and the location identifier acquired from the telephone terminal T 21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 10   e ).  
         [0078]     If having found a match between the location identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits “User A” to use the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 10   f ). However, in the event of a mismatch case (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of “User A” for the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 10   g ).  
         [0079]     In the event that the above-described usage has been permitted and the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  uses a service (step ST 10   h ), the processing section  22  performs a comparison between an identifier of the service to be used and a service identifier stored in the storage section  21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 10   i ).  
         [0080]     If having found a match between the service identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits the user to use, for example, “Function A” (step ST 10   j ). However, for a mismatch service, such as “Function E” (No), the processing section  22  refuses a usage request of the user for “Function E” (step ST 10   k ).  
         [0081]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0082]     As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, the user identifiers, the location identifiers and the service identifiers are stored in correlation with one another into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, locational regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the user in such a manner that usage of the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  is permitted, but on the other hand the usage of the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  by an ordinary user is refused. In addition, services usable at telephone terminals T 21  can be regulated in units of the user, whereby processes such as an accounting processing in units of the user can be elucidated.  
       Fifth Embodiment  
       [0083]     A fifth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0084]      FIG. 11  shows an example case according to the fifth embodiment where user identifiers and terminal type identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other. The individual terminal type identifiers are identifiers representing types of the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j.    
         [0085]      FIG. 12  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0086]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “User A” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “User A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0087]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 12   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “User A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 12   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0088]     On the other hand, if “User A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a terminal type identifier set corresponding to “User A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 12   c ), and thereby acquires the terminal type identifier “terminal type A” from the requesting-source storage section  21  (step ST 12   d ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the terminal type identifier stored in the storage section  21  and the terminal type identifier acquired from the telephone terminal T 21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 12   e ).  
         [0089]     If having found a match between the terminal type identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits “User A” to use the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 12   f ). However, in the event of a mismatch case (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of “User A” for the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 12   g ).  
         [0090]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0091]     As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, the user identifiers and the terminal type identifiers are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j  usable in units of the user can each be designated in such a manner that usage of the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  by a user having a high security level is permitted, but on the other hand the usage of the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  by an ordinary user is refused.  
       Sixth Embodiment  
       [0092]     A sixth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0093]      FIG. 13  shows an example case according to the sixth embodiment where user identifiers and time information are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other. The individual time information are information representing usable time zones of the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , T 21 , and T 31  to T 3   j.    
         [0094]      FIG. 14  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0095]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “User A” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “User A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0096]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 14   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether “User A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 14   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0097]     On the other hand, if “User A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads time information corresponding to “User A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 14   c ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a determination whether or not the time is a usable time zone (step ST 14   d ).  
         [0098]     If the time is a usable time zone (Yes), the processing section  22  permits “User A” to use the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 14   e ). However, if the time is other than a usable time zone (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of “User A” for the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 14   f ).  
         [0099]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0100]     As described above, according to the sixth embodiment, the user identifiers and the time information are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, time regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the user in such a manner while a user having a high security is permitted to use the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  for 24 hours, an ordinary user is permitted to use the meeting-room telephone terminal T 21  in office hours.  
         [0101]     Thereby, in a case where, for example, users, sections, or groups having different security levels share one system, services to be used in units of each of the users or sections can be regulated, whereby processes such as an accounting processing in units of the user or section can be elucidated.  
       Seventh Embodiment  
       [0102]     A seventh embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0103]      FIG. 15  shows an example case according to the seventh embodiment where location identifiers and terminal type identifiers are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other.  
         [0104]      FIG. 16  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0105]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “192.168.1.1” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “192.168.1.1” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0106]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 16   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “192.168.1.1” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 16   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0107]     On the other hand, if “192.168.1.1” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads a terminal type identifier set corresponding to “192.168.1.1” from the storage section  21  (step ST 16   c ), and thereby acquires a terminal type identifier from the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 16   d ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a comparison between the terminal type identifier acquired from the telephone terminal T 21  and the terminal type identifier stored in the storage section  21  whereby to determine whether or not the two identifiers match each other (step ST 16   e ).  
         [0108]     If having found a match between the terminal type identifiers (Yes), the processing section  22  permits the user to use the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 16   f ). However, in the event of a mismatch case (No), the processing section  22  refuses the usage request of the user for the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 16   g ).  
         [0109]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0110]     As described above, according to the seventh embodiment, the location identifiers and the terminal type identifiers are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, the types of the telephone terminals T 11  to T 1   i , and T 21  usable in units of the location can each be precisely designated in such a manner that while “terminal type A” is permitted to be used in a specific location, and “terminal type E” is permitted to be used in a different location. Thereby, illegal terminal exchange or the like can be prevented.  
       Eighth Embodiment  
       [0111]     An eighth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0112]      FIG. 17  shows an example case according to the eighth embodiment where location identifiers and time information are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other.  
         [0113]      FIG. 18  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0114]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out a log-in process by entering “192.168.1.1” on the telephone terminal T 21  set for a meeting room. In response, a usage request including “192.168.1.1” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0115]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 18   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “192.168.1.1” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 18   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0116]     On the other hand, if “192.168.1.1” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads time information corresponding to “192.168.1.1” from the storage section  21  (step ST 18   c ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a determination whether or not the time is a usable time zone (step ST 18   d ).  
         [0117]     If the time is a usable time zone (Yes), the processing section  22  permits usage of the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 18   e ). However, if the time is other than a usable time zone (No), the processing section  22  refuses the request for usage of the telephone terminal T 21  (step ST 18   f ).  
         [0118]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0119]     As described above, according to the eighth embodiment, the location identifiers and the time information are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, time regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the location in such a manner that while the telephone terminal  11  in a specific location is permitted to be used for 24 hours, the telephone terminal T 21  set for a different location such as a meeting-room is permitted to be used in office hours.  
       Ninth Embodiment  
       [0120]     A ninth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0121]      FIG. 19  shows an example case according to the ninth embodiment where service identifiers and time information are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other.  
         [0122]      FIG. 20  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0123]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has carried out key operations on the telephone terminal T 11  to use “Function A”. In response, a usage request including “Function A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0124]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether a usage request has arrived (step ST 20   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether or not “Function A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 20   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0125]     On the other hand, if “Function A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads time information corresponding to “Function A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 20   c ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a determination whether the time is a usable time zone (step ST 20   d ).  
         [0126]     If the time is a usable time zone (Yes), the processing section  22  permits usage of “Function A” (step ST 20   e ). However, for “Function E,” if the time is other than a usable time zone (No), the processing section  22  refuses usage of “Function E” (step ST 20   f ).  
         [0127]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0128]     As described above, according to the ninth embodiment, the service identifiers and the time information are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, time regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the service in such a manner that while a high-fee service is permitted to be used in office hours, a low-fee service is permitted to be used for 24 hours.  
       Tenth Embodiment  
       [0129]     A tenth embodiment of the present invention is related to the storage section  21  and the processing section  22 .  
         [0130]      FIG. 21  shows an example case according to the tenth embodiment where terminal type identifiers and time information are stored in the storage section  21  in correlation with each other.  
         [0131]      FIG. 22  is a flowchart representing the processing operation of the processing section  22  of the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0132]     By way of example, a case is now assumed in which a user has performed an off-hook operation on the telephone terminal T 11 . In response, a usage request including “Terminal Type A” is transmitted to the main apparatus  2 .  
         [0133]     The processing section  22  is all time monitoring whether or not a usage request has arrived (step ST 22   a ). If a usage request has arrived (Yes), the processing section  22  determines whether “Terminal Type A” included in the usage request is registered in the storage section  21  (step ST 22   b ). If not registered (No), the processing section  22  returns an error report to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0134]     On the other hand, if “Terminal Type A” is registered (Yes), the processing section  22  reads time information corresponding to “Terminal Type A” from the storage section  21  (step ST 22   c ). Then, the processing section  22  performs a determination whether or not the time is a usable time zone (step ST 22   d ).  
         [0135]     If the time is a usable time zone (Yes), the processing section  22  permits usage of “Terminal Type A” (step ST 22   e ). However, for “Terminal Type C,” if the time is other than a usable time zone (No), the processing section  22  refuses usage of “Terminal Type C” (step ST 22   f ).  
         [0136]     At this event, the transmitting section  23  transmits the determination result to the requesting-source telephone terminal T 21 .  
         [0137]     As described above, according to the tenth embodiment, the terminal type identifiers and the time information are stored in correlation with each other into the storage section  21  of the main apparatus  2 . Thereby, time regulation can be carried out precisely in units of the type of each of the T 11  to T 1   i  and T 21  in such a manner that while the telephone terminal T 12  of a high-fee type is permitted to be used in office hours, the telephone terminal T 11  of a low-fee type is permitted to be used for 24 hours.  
       Other Embodiments  
       [0138]     The present invention is not limited to the individual embodiments described above. For example, in the first embodiment, while the user identifier is set as being the “user name,” it may be anything specific to a user, such as a pass-code or telephone number. In addition, while the location identifier is set as being the “IP address,” it may be anything with which the location can be designated.  
         [0139]     The first embodiment has been described with reference to the example where the location identifier is read based on the user identifier as a key. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, but the user identifier may be read based on the location identifier as a key. Similarly, the second to tenth embodiments may each be enforced in the manner that, for example, the location identifier or the user identifier be read based on the service identifier as a key, the location identifier or the user identifier be read based on the terminal type identifier as a key, or the location identifier or the user identifier be read based on the time information as a key.  
         [0140]     The fourth embodiment has been described with reference to the example where the location identifier and service identifier are associated with each other in correlation with the user identifier. Alternatively, two or more of the time information, the location identifier, the service identifier, and the terminal type identifier may be associated with one another. Still alternatively, identifiers other than the time information, the location identifier, the service identifier, and the terminal type identifier may be used.  
         [0141]     The embodiments have each been shown and described with reference to the example where the storage section, the processing section, and the transmitting section are provided in the main apparatus. However, these sections may be provided in each of the telephone terminals or in a specific telephone terminal, thereby enabling the processing burden of the main apparatus to be reduced. Alternatively, the storage section, the processing section, and the transmitting section may be provided in, for example, a server connected to the LAN.  
         [0142]     The embodiments have each been shown and described with reference to the example where the telephone terminals are connected to the LANs, they may be, for example, personal computers each having telephony functionality.  
         [0143]     Further, the embodiments may each be enforced by modifying the system configuration and type, the main apparatus configuration, the identifier types, the telephone terminal types, the telephone-terminal usage regulation procedure, and the like to various types without departing from the spirit or scope the invention.  
         [0144]     Additional advantages and modifications will readily occur to those skilled in the art. Therefore, the invention in its broader aspects is not limited to the specific details and representative embodiments shown and described herein. Accordingly, various modifications may be made without departing from the spirit or scope of the general inventive concept as defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.