JPH0226459A - Automatic board system - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE:To offer various services to a transmitter by giving a voice message sending function and a selection signal receiving function to a private branch exchange. CONSTITUTION:By making the contents of a voice message sent from a voice message recording and reproducing means 1 into the contents to urge an extension number, the transmitter sends the extension number by sending a selection signal 9 from a transmitting terminal 6. A relay control means 4 receives the selection signal 9 within a prescribed time through a selection signal receiving means 2 and when the extension number shown by the selection signal 9 is the one corresponding to one of plural extensions 8 connected to a channel switch 3, the extension corresponding to the extension number is called automatically by controlling the channel switch 3. Thus, the various services can be offered to the transmitter.

Description

[Detailed Description of the Invention] [Summary] This invention relates to an automatic relay system in which a calling terminal from outside is exchanged and connected to multiple extensions using a call route switch in a private branch exchange, and a caller can directly dial in to an extension. , and in that case, for the purpose of making it possible to provide various services to the calling party, the central office line is connected to a central office line of a switched network that can relay the selection signal sent from the calling party to the receiving party. in a private branch exchange which is exchange-connected to a plurality of extension lines by means of a communication path switch, voice message recording and reproducing means connectable to the central office line for recording and reproducing voice messages, and a selection signal for receiving a manually input selection signal from the central office line. A receiving means detects an incoming call input through a station accommodating the central office line based on a calling operation from a calling terminal, and sends a response signal back to the station to connect the calling terminal and the calling terminal. At the same time, the voice message recording and reproducing means is connected to the central office line and the voice message stored in the means is sent to the calling terminal, and the voice message is transmitted to the calling terminal during or after sending the voice message. By manually analyzing the selection signal received by the selection signal receiving means via the station and the office line, the communication path switch is controlled to determine the connection terminal of the originating terminal. It is configured to have relay control means for performing ffU.

[Industrial application field]

The present invention relates to an automatic relay system for connecting a subscriber telephone line (office line) from the outside to a plurality of extension lines using a communication path switch in a private branch exchange.

[Conventional technology]

A private branch exchange is an exchange in a business office such as a government office, company, factory, or bank that uses a call path switch to connect extension telephones within the premises and between extension telephones and subscriber telephone lines (office lines).

Usually, an external office (
Incoming calls from a station (hereinafter simply referred to as a station) are transferred to an extension via a relay stand operated by a dedicated operator (switchboard).

In addition, as one of the conventional service functions provided by a private branch exchange, by assigning a -i telephone number to each extension of the private branch exchange and using the last few digits of the telephone number as the extension number, There is a direct dial-in method that allows calls to be received directly from outside lines to internal lines.

Alternatively, when a call arrives on a central office line to a private branch exchange, the private branch exchange sends out a signal tone prompting the caller to enter the extension number, and the caller dials the extension number based on this, and the call is automatically received at the extension. There is an additional number dial-in method.

[Problem to be solved by the invention]

However, among the conventional methods mentioned above, the method of receiving calls to an extension via a relay stand operated by an operator requires a dedicated operator, and there is a problem in that calls cannot be received to the extension if the operator is absent. It had a point.

In addition, the direct dial-in method or additional dial-in method has the advantage of not requiring a relay stand operated by an operator, but it can simply dial an extension, and it can also be used in cases where the extension is busy or absent after dialing. However, there was a problem in that it was not possible to provide advanced services.

An object of the present invention is to enable a caller to dial in directly to an extension, and to provide the caller with various services in this case.

[Means to solve the problem]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention.

First, the present invention provides an in-premises system which is connected to a central office line 7 of a switching network capable of relaying a selection signal 9 sent from a calling side to a called side, and which is exchange-connected to a plurality of extension lines 8 by a communication path switch 3. Assumes a switchboard.

The voice message recording and reproducing means 1 is a means for recording and reproducing voice messages that can be connected to the central office line 7 via a communication path switch 3, for example, and is realized by, for example, a voice message card using an IC memory.

The selection signal receiving means 2 is connected to a central office line 7 via, for example, a communication path switch 3, and receives a selection signal 9 input therefrom. Here, the selection signal 9 is, for example, PCM encoded (
MF multiplied signal (digitized) multi-frequency signal),
This is a signal that represents a number by combining two frequencies within the audio frequency band.

The selection signal receiving means 2 is realized, for example, by a group of filters for analyzing the MF multiplied signal.

Based on the calling operation from the calling terminal 6, the relay control means 4 detects an incoming call input through the station 5 that accommodates the central office line 7, and sends back a response signal to the station 5. to connect the calling terminal 6 and the central office line 7. Then, the voice message recording and reproducing means 1 is connected to the central office line 7 and the voice message 10 stored in the means is sent to the originating terminal 6. Furthermore, the communication path switch 3 is controlled by analyzing the selection signal 9 inputted from the calling terminal 6 via the station 5 and the central office line 7 and received by the selection signal receiving means 2 during or after sending the voice message. The connection control of the calling terminal 6 is performed using the terminal 6.

[For production]

With the above means, the caller who operates the calling terminal 6 can listen to the content of the voice message 10 sent from the voice message recording and reproducing means 1 without going through a relay stand.
You can receive various services.

That is, for example, by making the content of the voice message 10 prompt for an extension number, the caller can send the extension number by sending the selection signal 9 from the calling terminal 6, and thereby the relay control means 4 can , the selection signal 9 is received within a predetermined time via the selection signal receiving means 2, and the extension number indicated by the selection signal 9 is connected to the communication path switch 3.
If it corresponds to any one of the plurality of extensions 8 connected to, by controlling the call path switch 3,
The extension corresponding to that extension number can be automatically called.

In this case, if the extension responds within a predetermined time, the call path switch 3 may be controlled to connect the calling terminal 6 to the extension.

On the other hand, if the extension is busy or does not respond within a predetermined time (in the case of absence, etc.), the call route switch 3 is controlled to connect the calling terminal 6 to a relay stand or a specific extension (not shown) in a detour manner. can be done.

Furthermore, since the originating terminal 6 is of a type that cannot transmit a selection signal, the relay control means 4 transmits the selection signal 9 via the selection signal receiving means 2 within a predetermined period of time after sending out a voice message prompting for an extension number. or even if the selection signal 9 is received within a predetermined time, the extension number indicated by the selection signal 9 corresponds to any of the plurality of extensions 8 connected to the call path switch 3. If the number is invalid, the relay control means 4 can control the communication path switch 3 to connect the calling terminal 6 to the relay stand or a specific extension.

Further, the voice message recording and reproducing means 1 is capable of recording and reproducing a plurality of voice messages, and the relay control means 4 is configured to:
If different voice messages recorded in the voice message recording and reproducing means 1 are sent to the calling terminal 6 depending on the time of day, for example, daytime and nighttime, for example, at night, the caller is always required to make a detour connection to a specific extension. We can provide such services.

In addition, by changing the content of the voice message and providing various functions to the selection signal 9 sent from the calling terminal 6, the caller can receive various services without going through a relay stand, such as changing the number of an extension number. It becomes possible to provide guidance services, services that call multiple extensions in succession, services that call incoming calls to vacant extensions within a specific group, etc.

As described above, in the present invention, by providing a private branch exchange with a voice message sending function and a selection signal receiving function,
Various services can be provided to callers.

〔Example〕

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention. In the figure, a portion surrounded by a broken line 31 constitutes a private branch exchange.

A central office line 18 is connected to the communication path switch 13 via a central office line trunk 19, and the central office line 18 is accommodated in an external station (hereinafter simply referred to as a station) 17. A calling terminal 16, which is an outside line, is further connected to the station 17. Here, an incoming call made manually from the office 17 via the office line 18 is received by the office line trunk 19.
The central processing unit (
(the same applies hereafter) 14, and the CPU 14
Contrary to the above, the response signal from the office is sent to the office 17 from the office line trunk 19 via the office line 18. Note that it is also possible to time-division multiplex the call signals and control signals such as incoming calls, and input the incoming calls to the CPU 14 from the office line trunk 19 via the call path switch 13 without going through the control line. good.

Further, a plurality of extensions 23 are connected to the call path switch 13 via a plurality of extension circuits 24, a specific extension 21 is connected via an extension circuit 22, and a relay stand 20 is connected. Here, the extension circuits 22 and 24 are connected to the CPU 14 via control lines (not particularly shown), and are connected to the CPU 14 through control lines (not shown).
Call control for each extension 21 and 23 is performed by. In addition,
The call signal and the control signal for call control may be time-division multiplexed, and the CPU 14 may be connected to the extension line 22, 24 via the call path switch 13 instead of via the control line.

On the other hand, voice message card (VMC1 and below) 1
1 consists of 14 message blocks 27 made up of IC memories that can record multiple types of voice messages.
(#O to #13), and each message block can record a 4-second voice message. Here, the recording of the voice message to each message block 27 is as follows.
By specifying a special number from an extension, for example, a specific extension 21, it is possible to send messages from the call path switch 13 to the recording boat 25 for each message block 27. Conversely, the output from each message block 27 and the silence pattern 28 (described later) are transmitted via a boat control switch 29 (#1) to seven independent playback ports 26 (#0 to #6) to a communication path switch. Connection is controlled by 13. Here, the silent pattern 28 is a pattern that is output after the recorded contents of each message block 27 are outputted to create a silent state. Note that the audio message transmission is performed by the CPU.
14 performs control to arbitrarily connect each message block 27 to the playback boat 26 via a control line (not shown). At this time, each message block 27 (#O to #13) can be selected by 10 from the cpU 14.

Next, a DTMF signal 30 (described later) input via the communication path switch 13 is received by the DTMF receiving circuit (same for DMR1 and below) 12, and is manually inputted to the CPUL4 via a control line (not shown). Its contents will be analyzed. Here, the DTMF signal 30 is PCM encoded (
MF multiplied signal (digitized) multi-frequency signal),
This is a signal that represents a number by combining two frequencies within the audio frequency band. The DMR 12 is realized by a filter group that analyzes the DTMF signal 30.

In addition to performing the above-described controls, the CPU 14 also controls the connection of the communication path switch 13, and controls each process according to a control program stored in the main memory (MM) 14.

The operation of this embodiment having the above configuration will be explained in detail.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an operation flowchart of this embodiment;
FIG. 4 is a diagram showing a state transition diagram of this embodiment. Hereinafter, FIG. 3 will be referred to for the processes 31 to 313.

First, the calling terminal 16 in FIG. 2 makes a call, and when the calling signal and telephone number are transmitted to the office 17, the office 17 calls the private branch exchange 31 via the central office line 18. This results in
An incoming call is transmitted from the central office line trunk 19 to the CPU 14, where the incoming call is detected.

As a result, the CPU 14 transfers information from the office line trunk 19 to the office line 1.
A response signal is sent back to the station 17 via B, and the station 17 is made to connect the originating terminal 16 and the office line 18 (31). The above state is shown as STI in FIG.

Next, the CPU 14 determines whether the tenant mode to which the incoming trunk, ie, the office line trunk 19, belongs is day mode or night mode (S2).

Now, the message block 27 (
As described above, a plurality of types of voice messages can be recorded in #O to #13). In the present embodiment, for example, a voice message for a tatami volume and a voice message for a night time are recorded in advance in separate message blocks 27. This recording information is recorded in the MM 15 of FIG. 2 as a table as shown in FIG. 5(a). As can be seen from the figure, different IDs are assigned to the promotion message and the support message.

Therefore, if the current incoming call is in the daytime mode, the CPU 14 refers to the table in FIG. Message block 27 is accessed, and playback boat 26 and communication path switch 13 are accessed.
By controlling this, a connection state is established in which a tatami-sized message can be outputted from the communication path switch 13 to the office line 18 via the office line trunk 19 as one of the voice messages 27. As a result, the voice message 27 outputted from the VMCII is transmitted from the office line 18 to the calling terminal 16 via the office 17 (S2-33).

On the other hand, if the current incoming call is in the night mode, the CPU 4 accesses the message block 27 in the VMC 11 in which the night message is recorded, and further controls the playback port 26 and the call path switch 13. A connection state is established in which the message for the call is set as one of the voice messages 27 and can be output from the communication path switch 13 to the office line 18 via the office line trunk 19. As a result, the night voice message 27 output from the VMCII is transmitted from the office line 18 to the station 17 to the originating terminal 16 (S2→
S4).

The above state is shown as Sr2 in FIG. 4, and as a result, the caller who operates the calling terminal 16 can hear the voice message 27 corresponding to the day or night, and the caller can follow the instructions, such as Dial the extension.

Next, the CPU 14 controls the DMR 12 to make it ready to receive the DTMF signal 30 (S5).

Now, the calling terminal 16 is usually a telephone or the like, so when the caller dials an extension number by listening to the voice message 27, that information is transmitted to the station 17 as a PB (button button) signal, and the D T The MF' signal 30 is input from the office line 18 to the communication path switch 13 via the office line trunk 19, and is received by the DMR 12. The state of waiting for reception of this DTMF signal 30 is as shown in FIG.
1.

Here, if the calling terminal 16 is a terminal that cannot transmit the DTMF signal 30, for example, a telephone that is not a pushbutton type, the automatic extension number dialing operation as described above cannot be performed. Therefore, even if a certain period of time elapses after the CPU 14 sends the voice message 27, the DMR 12
Unable to receive signal 30. Therefore, CPU1
4 measures the elapsed time, and if it is detected that a certain period of time has elapsed (DTMF reception timeout), the CPU 14 calls the relay stand 20 or the specific extension 21 (S5-312). This state is from ST3 to ST8 in Figure 4.
Indicated by In Sr1, communication path switch 1
3 indicates a hold music trunk, and although not specifically shown in FIG.
Sends a hold tone to indicate that the call is in progress. Further, the ringing trunk 33 connected to the relay console 20 or the specific extension 21 sends a ringing tone to the relay console 20 or the specific extension 21, although it is not specifically shown in FIG. As a result, when the relay stand 20 or the specified extension 21 responds, the CPU 4 controls the call path switch 13 to connect the office line 18 and the relay stand 20 or the specified extension 21, and from now on, the calling terminal 16 20 or a specific extension 21 for normal exchange connection control. In this way, even if the call is received from the calling terminal 16 that is not a telephone,
You can use the central office line 18, and in this case, after being automatically answered with a voice message 27, you will be connected to a relay stand 20 or a specific extension 21 where someone is present, and then you will be transferred to the destination extension. Become. The above state is Sr in Figure 4.
1.

Contrary to the above operation, if the DMR 12 is able to receive the DTMF signal 30 from the originating terminal 16 within a certain period of time, the CP
U14 analyzes the contents (S5→S6). This state is shown as Sr1 in FIG.

Here, information regarding the extensions 21 and 23 connected to the communication path switch 13 in FIG. 2 is stored in the MM 15 in FIG. 2 as shown in FIG. 5 et al. That is, the extension number of each extension 21 or 23, the mounting position with respect to the call path switch 13, and its status (vacant state, in progress, outgoing, etc.) are stored.

Therefore, as a result of analyzing the contents of the DTMF signal 30, the CPU 14 determines that the extension number assigned by the signal is an invalid number that is not registered in the table shown in FIG. 5(b) in the MM 15 of FIG. If it is detected that such an extension cannot be called, the CPU 14 calls the relay console 20 or the specific extension 21 (S6-312).
. This state is shown by ST4→ST8 in FIG.
Thereafter, as in the case where the DTMF signal 30 could not be received, the calling terminal 16 performs normal switching connection control using the relay stand 20 or the specific extension 21.

This state is shown as Sr1 in FIG.

On the other hand, as a result of the CPU 14 analyzing the contents of the DTMF signal 30, the extension number specified by the signal is
If it is detected that the CP is registered in the table shown in FIG. 5(b) in MM15 in the figure (S6→S7),
U14 extracts information corresponding to the extension 23 of the specified extension number in the table of FIG. 5(b). As a result, if the specified extension 23 is busy, that extension cannot be called, so the CPU 14 calls the relay stand 20 or the specific extension 21, as in the case of receiving an invalid number (S7-
312).

On the other hand, if the designated extension 23 is vacant, the CPU 14 performs an operation of calling the designated extension 23 (S8). This state is indicated by Sr5 in FIG. In Sr5, H T 32 connected to the call path switch 13 indicates a hold music trunk similar to the case of ST8, and although not specifically shown in FIG. A hold tone indicating that 4% 23 of the designated numbers are currently being called is sent to the calling terminal 16. Further, the ringing trunk 33 connected to the designated extension 23 sends a ringing tone to the designated extension 23, although it is not specifically shown in FIG.

Here, the time of the above calling operation is measured by the CPU 14, and if the designated extension 23 does not respond even after performing this operation for a certain period of time or a timeout occurs, the calling of that extension is canceled. Then, the CPU 14
If the invalid number is received or (same as when the extension is busy, call the relay console 20 or the specified extension 21 (S9-
312).

In the above, if the designated extension 23 responds within a certain period of time, the CPU 14 controls the call path switch 13 to connect the central office line 18 and the designated extension 23 (S9-3IO). As a result, the calling terminal 16 can make a call to the specified extension 23. This state is S in Figure 4.
Denoted as r1.

Thereafter, when the call ends, the CPU 14 controls the call path switch 13 to disconnect the central office line 18 and the specified extension 23, and sends a disconnection request to the central office 17 from the central office line trunk 19 via the central office line 18. Send. As a result, station 1
7 disconnects the link between the central office line 18 and the private branch exchange 31 and ends the call (Sll). This state is shown as STY in FIG.

In addition to the operations described above, the caller at the calling terminal 16 not only specifies an extension number as the DTMF signal 30, but also uses the first digit number when specifying the DTMF signal 30 in the table shown in FIG. You can receive various services as shown.

This service includes the processing (S6) in which the CPU 14 analyzes the DTMF signal 30 in the operation flowchart of FIG.
), by determining the first digit access code when specifying DTMF signal 30 (36-313)
.

In the example of FIG. 6, for example, if the first digit is 2 to 4, the CPU 14 determines that the first digit of a normal extension number is specified, waits for the input of the next digit, and then calls the extension 2. performs the above-mentioned call control with.

On the other hand, if the first digit is O or 8, the second
It is possible to directly call the relay stand 20 or the specific extension 21 from the calling terminal 16 shown in the figure.

Also, if the first digit is 1, the call control with the corresponding extension 23 is performed according to the extension number input from the next digit onwards, but after the call with extension 1 ends, the automatic response message is displayed again. You can receive a series call service by connecting and specifying the next extension. This operation is performed by the CPU 1 at S13 in the operation flowchart of FIG.
After bringing 4 into a state compatible with the series call, perform the processing sequentially from 87 etc., and after the completion of the Sit processing, perform control to automatically return to the processing of 32, as shown by the broken line in the same figure. This is realized by

On the other hand, if the first digit is 5 to 7, ACD groups A to C are called. Here, the ACD group refers to a service in which incoming calls are preferentially dropped from the extensions that are free for the longest time within a group of a certain number of extensions 23. By specifying numbers 5 to 7 corresponding to groups A-C instead of the number, the user is automatically connected to an available extension.

In addition, if the first digit is 9, it is considered to be a call from a central office line, and the call is made from the call path switch 13 to an outside line again.
By connecting the originating station line trunk and the originating terminal 16, the DT from the station can be heard. The originating terminal 16 dials the originating number based on the DT listening, and the private branch exchange 31 can send the receiving number (DN) unchanged from the originating trunk to the office.

In order to receive the above services, DTMF signal 3
Information on what number to specify as the first digit when specifying 0 can be transmitted to the calling terminal 16 by the voice message 27, and the caller can use the voice message 29 to You can perform operations to receive the services described above. Also,
On the CPU 14 side, a correspondence table as shown in FIG. 6 may be stored in the MM 15 and referred to as necessary.

By changing the content of the guidance as different voice messages 27 for daytime and nighttime as described above, flexible exchange control can be performed.

Based on the operation flowchart in FIG. 3, in the embodiment, if the extension 23 specified by the calling terminal 16 is busy or there is no response, a detour connection is made to the relay stand 2 or a specific extension 21. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and in such a case, even if a busy or unresponsive voice message 27 is sent to the calling terminal 16 and instructions are given to re-designate another extension 23, In this embodiment, it is not necessary to provide the relay console 20 or the specific extension 21.

[Effects of the Invention] According to the present invention, the traffic to the actual relay console is reduced.
The operation and work required as a relay stand can be eased, and incoming calls from central office lines can be handled flexibly without the need to install a relay stand itself.

Further, by providing a private branch exchange with a voice message sending function and a selection signal receiving function, various services can be provided to callers.

This makes it possible to handle all types of incoming calls on a single office line, and it is also possible to reduce office line lease charges due to usage rates due to traffic concentration.

[Brief explanation of the drawing]

Fig. 1 is a block diagram of the present invention, Fig. 2 is a configuration diagram of an embodiment of the present invention, Fig. 3 is a diagram showing an operation flowchart of the embodiment, and Fig. 4 is a diagram of the embodiment of the present invention. State transition diagrams. FIGS. 5(a) and 5(b) are explanatory diagrams of data tables in the MM. FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a relationship table between the first digit of the received digit and service content. DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 1...Voice message recording/reproducing means, 2...Selection signal receiving means, 3...Call path switch, 4...Relay control means, 5...Station, 6...Calling terminal, 7 ... Office line, 8... Extension, 9... Selection signal, 10... Voice message. ■ MC 萱工聛 口 口 連 口 連 Ｇ Ｇ Ｇ Ｇ Ｇ Ｇ Ｇ ＾ ＾ φ - Funeral diagram name 5 digits 11 "T" and "" - B Translation of 1,000 files of M's letter of death

Claims (1)

[Claims] 1) Connected to a central office line (7) of a switching network capable of relaying the selection signal (9) sent from the calling side to the called side, and connecting the central office line to a plurality of telephone lines using a communication path switch (3). a private branch exchange connected to the extension (8) of the office, voice message recording/reproducing means (1) connectable to the office line (7) for recording and reproducing voice messages; and a selection input from the office line (7). a selection signal receiving means (2) for receiving the signal (9); and a selection signal receiving means (2) for receiving the signal (9);
) by detecting an incoming call input through the station (5) accommodating the station, a response signal is returned to the station to connect the calling terminal (6) and the station line (7), and , the voice message recording and reproducing means (1) is connected to the central office line (
7) to transmit the voice message (10) stored in said means to said originating terminal (6), and during or after said voice message transmission from said originating terminal (6) to said station (5) and By analyzing the selection signal (9) inputted via the central office line (7) and received by the selection signal receiving means (2), the communication path switch (3) is controlled and the calling terminal ( 6) An automated relay stand system characterized by having a relay control means (4) for controlling the connection. 2) The relay control means (4) includes the selection signal receiving means (2) after sending the voice message.
does not receive the selection signal (9) within a predetermined time,
Or, if the selection signal (9) is received within a predetermined time, the extension number indicated by the selection signal is one of the plurality of extensions (8).
), the call path switch (3) is controlled to connect the calling terminal (6) to a relay stand or a specific extension, and the selection signal (9) is sent within a predetermined time. When received, if the extension number indicated by the selection signal corresponds to any of the plurality of extensions (8), the extension is called, and if the extension responds to the calling operation within a predetermined time. control the call path switch (3) to connect the calling terminal (6) to the extension;
If the extension is busy or does not respond within a predetermined time, the call path switch (3) is controlled to connect the calling terminal (6) to the relay stand or a specific extension. The automated relay stand system according to claim 1. 3) The voice message recording and reproducing means (1) records and reproduces a plurality of voice messages, and the relay control means (4) records and reproduces different voice messages recorded in the voice message recording and reproducing means (1) depending on the time zone. The automated relay stand system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that it sends out to the calling terminal (6).