JP2001177641A - Network system and concentrated receiving method of its incoming call - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To obtain a network system capable of minimizing the time for waiting an incoming call from a user and also utilizing the lines between exchange stations effectively. SOLUTION: Exchange stations 2 to n receive the incoming call from the user. For example, the station 1 houses receiving terminals 21 for concentrate- receiving the incoming call transferred from the stations 2 to n receiving the incoming call from the user. When the terminals 21 cannot receive the call because all of them are speaking, etc., another receiving terminal set in advance is provided. For example, the station 4 has receiving terminals 24. Usually, the terminals 21 housed in the station 1 are judged to be available for call reception, and the station 2, e.g. transfers the incoming call from the user through a flow (a). When the terminal 21 is judged to be unavailable for reception, the station 2, e.g. transfers the incoming call to the terminal 24 of another station 4 through a flow (b).

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a network system and a method for centrally accepting incoming calls, and more particularly to a network system including a switching center and a method for centrally accepting incoming calls.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. H11-122357.
As described in the publication, when each switching center installed in the network receives an incoming call from a user (subscriber), the incoming call is sent to a predetermined centralized reception switching office. It may be forwarded and centralized reception may be centrally received at the central reception exchange.

[0003]

However, as described in, for example, JP-A-11-122357, an incoming call from a user is transferred and concentrated from each exchange to a centralized exchange in a network. In the case of receiving, there is a problem that there is no means to know the acceptability state of the accepting terminal accommodated in the centralized receiving exchange in each switching center of the transfer source.
Therefore, even in a situation where centralized reception is not possible, the incoming call from the user is unconditionally transferred to the centralized reception exchange, so that the transferred incoming call can be accepted by the reception terminal at the centralized reception exchange. , And during this time, the trunk line between each exchange and the central reception exchange is also held. As a result, there arises a problem that the user is made to wait more than necessary.

There is also a problem that the trunk line between the exchanges is occupied while the user is waiting. That is, at each exchange that has accepted an incoming call from a user,
Since the call is unconditionally transferred to the centralized reception exchange, if the reception terminal accommodated in the centralized reception exchange encounters a state where it cannot be accepted, it will be in a waiting (congestion) state. Therefore, since the trunk line is held while a meeting is being made, it becomes difficult to design a line in the network.

It is an object of the present invention to provide a network system which minimizes the waiting time of an incoming call from a user and which can effectively use a line between exchanges, and a method for receiving incoming calls centrally.

[0006]

A network system according to the present invention includes a plurality of exchanges for accepting an incoming call from a subscriber, and the exchange which serves as an incoming call centralized reception exchange for an incoming call from the subscriber. A centralized incoming call reception allocating means for allocating priority to the plurality of exchanges as the incoming call centralized reception exchange, and Priority distribution means for distributing the priorities of the plurality of exchanges to be the incoming call centralized reception exchanges; and the incoming call centralized reception exchanges transmits congestion information on the received incoming calls to the plurality of exchanges. Congestion information distributing means for distributing, priority order to be the incoming call centralized receiving exchanges of all of the plurality of exchanges distributed to the plurality of exchanges, and respective incoming call concentration Priority / congestion information storing means for storing incoming call congestion information of the attached exchange; and incoming calls of the incoming call centralized reception exchange having a higher priority based on the information stored in the priority / congestion information storing means. When the call is congested, there is provided an incoming call centralized reception exchange changing means for transferring an incoming call to the next incoming call centralized reception exchange.

[0007] Further, the congestion information distribution means periodically distributes the congestion information. Furthermore, the congestion information distribution means distributes the congestion information when the congestion information changes. Still further, the incoming call centralized reception exchange receives the incoming call at a plurality of receiving terminals to which it belongs.

The method for centrally accepting incoming calls according to the present invention includes a plurality of exchanges for accepting an incoming call from a subscriber, and transfers an incoming call from the subscriber to the exchange serving as the centralized incoming call exchange. Assigning a priority order for the plurality of exchanges to be the incoming call centralized reception exchanges, and all of the plurality of exchanges to the plurality of exchanges. Distributing the priorities of the exchanges to be the incoming call centralized reception exchange, and distributing the received congestion information of the received call to the plurality of exchanges, In the plurality of exchanges, the priorities to be the incoming call centralized reception exchanges of all the plurality of exchanges distributed and the incoming call congestion information of each of the incoming call centralized reception exchanges are displayed. And transferring the incoming call to the incoming call centralized reception exchange of the next priority when the incoming call of the high-priority incoming call centralized reception exchange is congested. Features.

The operation of the present invention is as follows. A means for distributing the reception acceptability status (congestion) information of the reception terminal from the centralized reception exchange to each exchange accepting an incoming call from the user is provided by forming a trunk line between the exchanges using a common line signal. Next, each exchange that has received this information stores the information so that when an incoming call from the user is transferred to the centralized reception exchange, it cannot be accepted by the stored information ( (Congestion) state is determined. In this case, means is provided for stopping the transfer to the centralized reception exchange, and for example, enabling the transfer to a predetermined next acceptable location (exchange).

Thus, when an incoming call from the user is transferred to the centralized reception exchange, the state of being unacceptable (congestion) is determined by the stored information on whether or not the reception terminal of the centralized reception exchange can accept (congestion). If it is determined, the transfer to the centralized reception exchange is stopped and, for example, the transfer to the next receivable location (exchange office) is enabled. As a result, it is possible to avoid the waiting state of the user and avoid the invalid hold of the trunk line.

[0011]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of an embodiment of a network system according to the present invention.
2 to 7 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 1, a network system according to the present invention is a (public) user (subscriber) network 1 composed of a large number of subscribers.
0, a user network 10, and exchanges (machines) 1 to n connected via connection (subscriber) lines 31 to 3n and connection terminals 31a to 3na.

Further, the exchanges 1 to n are connected to each other to form connection (relay) lines 20, 11 to 1n based on a common channel signaling system constituting a network, and receiving terminals 21 to 2n for receiving an incoming call from a user. Have. Further, a connection (subscriber) line 3 for connecting the user network 10 and the exchanges 1 to n.
1 to 3n and connection terminals 31a to 3na.

The common channel signaling system has a control channel separately from the voice channel, and performs control by sharing the control channel. One of the common channel signaling systems is called the Dpch common channel system, and the Domestic Telegraph and Telephone Commission (TTC)
It is defined by the standard JT-Q931-a. In this case, the common line is a 23-channel audio channel (BCH;
B channel) and one control (for use) channel (DCH; D channel). Therefore, the signal on the control channel is a data signal having a complicated configuration for simultaneously controlling the 23 audio channels.

For example, the exchange 1 accommodates a reception terminal 21 that collectively accepts incoming calls transferred from the exchanges 2 to n that accept incoming calls from users. In the exchanges 2 to n which accept incoming calls from the user, the user network 10
And connection lines 31 to 3n and connection terminals 31a to 3na. When the centralized reception terminal 21 is in a state of being unable to receive (congestion) during a busy state or the like, another reception terminal that is set in advance is provided. For example, the exchange 4 has a reception terminal 24. Normally, it is determined that the reception terminal 21 accommodated in the centralized reception exchange 1 can accept, and, for example, the exchange 2 transfers an incoming call from the user in the flow a. On the other hand, if it is determined that the reception terminal 21 cannot accept (congestion) state, for example, the exchange 2 sends an incoming call to another reception exchange, for example, 4 reception terminals 24 in the flow b. Forward.

FIG. 7 shows the details of (connection of) the exchanges (machines) 1 to n. As shown in FIG. 7, exchanges 1 and 2 constituting a network are respectively composed of circuit networks (exchanges) 1a and 2a for exchanging (connecting) subscriber lines, central control units (computers) 1b and 2b for controlling the whole. Central control device 1a,
It is composed of a main storage device 1c and 2c of 2a. A voice communication path (AL; BCH) is connected between the circuit networks 1a and 2a via the trunk line 11a and the trunk terminals 1d and 2d, and a common (control) signal path (CL; DCH) is connected to the trunk line. 11
b and the common line signal devices 1e and 2e.

The operation of the embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. Usually, the exchange 2 that has received an incoming call from the user
.About.n are premised on transferring the incoming call to the centralized exchange 1. First, in FIG. 2, when there is a change c, d in the acceptability state of the centralized reception terminal 21 in the centralized reception exchange 1, this information e, f is sent to the corresponding exchanges 2 to 4 as a common (control line) signal. Send and distribute. The signal format of the common (line) signal (DCH) to be distributed is, as schematically shown in FIG.
It includes a centralized reception station, for example, one station identification code 42, a predetermined reception terminal code 43, and information 44 indicating a reception terminal, for example, a 21 reception acceptability state.

In such distribution processing, the general operation of the centralized reception exchange, for example, 1 will be described with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. First, when the acceptability state changes, it is determined whether or not the corresponding accepting terminals 2 to n are terminals to be collectively accepted (step S1). If the terminal is a target terminal (step S1
Is YES), a destination station information table (see FIG. 4B, which is set in advance, and a destination station code (51, 52 to 5n stored therein) corresponding to each of the exchanges 1 to n is searched). (Step S2) Based on the destination station information read from the table (see FIG. 4B), a common line signal to be distributed (see FIG. 3) is created (step S4), and the signal is transmitted (step S2). S5) The processing of steps S2 to S5 is repeated in a range where information is present in the table (see FIG. 4B) (NO in step S3).

Next, at the exchanges that receive incoming calls (calls) from the users, for example, 2-n, information distributed from the centralized reception exchange, for example, 1 is assembled into information as shown in FIG. 2c to nc. The memory 60 is a memory for recording a terminal state for each reception terminal (for example, 21) code based on common line signal information distributed from a centralized reception station, for example, 1. When there are a plurality of centralized reception exchanges, for example, 1, 4,..., Information shown in the memory 60 is provided for each centralized reception exchange code. The memory 61 stores data 51, 5 indicating priorities of a plurality of centralized reception exchanges, for example, 1, 4,... When transferring an incoming call from a user.
4,... Are preset memories. Naturally, it is a memory that can be rewritten by changing the network or the like.

Next, processing for accepting an incoming call from an exchange that accepts an incoming call from a user, for example, from 2 to n users will be described with reference to a flowchart shown in FIG. In FIG. 6, when an incoming call from a user is received, it is determined whether or not the user is a user who is a target for centralized reception (step S6). If step S6 is YES, the first priority centralized reception station, for example, 1
The (code of) is read (step S7). Further, it is determined whether the read centralized reception destination is the own station or another station (step S8). When the centralized reception destination is transferred to the own station, for example, 2 to n reception terminals 22 to 2n (step S8 is NO), The incoming call processing to the own station, for example, 2 to n reception terminals 22 to 2n is executed (step S16).

If it is determined from the information read from the memory 61 that the data is to be transferred to the centralized reception office of another station (YES in step S8), the centralized reception exchange, for example, one reception terminal, For example, 21 situations are read (step S9). As a result of reading, if it is determined that the centralized reception station, for example, one terminal, for example, 21 is not accepted (congestion state) (NO in step S10),
The information of the next transfer destination station, for example, 4 is read from the memory 61 (step S13). Also, in the range where the transfer destination information exists (YES in step S14), steps S8 to S8 are performed.
The processing of S10, S13, S14 is repeated.

If it is determined that there is a terminal, eg, 24, that can be accepted by the centralized reception exchange, eg, 4, at step S10 (YES at step S10),
The transfer processing to the centralized reception station, for example, 4 is executed (step S11). Thereafter, normal processing is executed (step S12).

In the process of distributing the receiving terminal status (congestion) information from the central exchange, for example, 1 to each of the exchanges, for example, 2 to n, the information may be distributed periodically or a change in the terminal (congestion) status may occur. It is also possible to distribute each time. In either method, there is a possibility that an incoming call from a user may be transferred to the centralized reception exchange, for example, 1 due to a delay in transmission timing of distribution or a factor such as inconsistency of information. As a countermeasure against this, if a common line signal such as rejection of the reception is returned as a result of transferring to the centralized reception exchange, for example, 1, the processing shown in FIG. 4 can be transferred.

[0023]

As described above, according to the present invention, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid waiting for an incoming call from a user. In other words, by distributing the reception acceptability status (congestion) information of the accepting terminal in advance from the centralized reception exchange to each exchange that once accepts an incoming call from the user, each exchange receives the incoming call based on the information. Can be transferred to another reception station or the like.

Further, there is an effect that it is possible to avoid a state in which the trunk line between each exchange and the centralized reception exchange is invalidated. Therefore, the line design of the trunk line is facilitated. That is, when the reception terminal accommodated in the centralized reception exchange is in a state of being unable to accept (congestion), each exchange can prevent the incoming call from the user from being transferred to the central reception exchange. The trunk line will not be suspended in an invalid state.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a distribution sequence diagram of reception terminal state information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 is an explanatory diagram of a delivery signal format of reception terminal state information according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is a flowchart in the centralized reception exchange according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a configuration diagram of a management memory in the user called station according to the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a flowchart in a user called station of the embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is a detailed block diagram of an exchange.

[Explanation of symbols]

 1 to n exchange 10 user network 11 to 1n, 20 relay line 21 to 2n reception terminal 31 to 3n connection line 31a to 3na connection terminal

Claims (6)

[Claims] 1. A network system including a plurality of exchanges for receiving an incoming call from a subscriber, transferring an incoming call from the subscriber to the exchange serving as an incoming call centralized exchange and receiving the incoming call centrally. An incoming call centralized reception allocating means for assigning priorities to the plurality of exchanges to be the incoming call centralized reception exchanges, and the incoming call concentration of all the plurality of exchanges to the plurality of exchanges. A priority distribution means for distributing a priority order serving as a receiving exchange; and a congestion information distributing means for distributing the congestion information of the received incoming call to the plurality of exchanges. Further, the plurality of exchanges store the priorities of all of the plurality of exchanges to be the incoming call centralized exchanges and the incoming call congestion information of each of the incoming call centralized exchanges. Priority / congestion information storage means, and the next priority when the incoming call of the incoming call centralized reception exchange having a higher priority is congested based on the information stored in the priority / congestion information storage means. A network system, further comprising: an incoming call centralized reception exchange changing means for transferring an incoming call to the incoming call centralized reception exchange of the order. 2. The network system according to claim 1, wherein said congestion information distribution means distributes said congestion information periodically. 3. The network system according to claim 1, wherein the congestion information distribution unit distributes the congestion information when the congestion information changes. 4. The network system according to claim 1, wherein said incoming call centralized reception exchange receives said incoming call at a plurality of reception terminals to which said exchange belongs. 5. The network system according to claim 4, wherein the state of accepting the incoming call of the plurality of accepting terminals belonging thereto is the congestion information. 6. A network system including a plurality of exchanges for receiving an incoming call from a subscriber, and transferring an incoming call from the subscriber to the exchange serving as a centralized incoming call receiving exchange to collectively receive an incoming call. Assigning a priority order to be the incoming call centralized reception exchange in the plurality of exchanges, and all of the plurality of exchanges to a plurality of exchanges in the plurality of exchanges. Distributing the priority order of the incoming call centralized reception exchanges, and distributing the received congestion information of the received call to the plurality of exchanges; and The priority order and the incoming call congestion information of each of the incoming call centralized reception exchanges of all the plurality of exchanges distributed to the station are described below. Transferring the incoming call to the incoming call centralized reception switching office having the next priority when the incoming call of the incoming call centralized reception switching office having a higher priority in the plurality of exchanges is congested. And receiving the incoming call concentration.