JPH1198262A - Conference speech aid equipment - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To make convocation of designated participants efficient and to improve the accuracy by providing a call control means which consists of a personal computer and sequentially dialing telephone numbers registered in a database, so as to allow the equipment to conduct the operation in place of a sponsor who is requesting a conference speech. SOLUTION: A personal computer PC 77 is connected to a digital line circuit 71 of an exchange 72 via a channel via an exchange interface section 73 and is installed in the vicinity of a terminal 96-1 to act line a dial control means. When a sponsor resident in the terminal 96-1 uses a keyboard 75 to instruct convocation of a meeting, the PC 77 outputs a list consisting of names, telephone numbers and addresses or the like registered in a database to a CRT 74 in a dialog box format. When the sponsor uses a mouse 76 to command 'dialing', a telephone numbers are sequentially dialed from a head record of the database. When a called party replies dialing, a voice message denoting participation in the conference speech and ancillary required items is sent to the called party in a form of a voice message.

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

[0001] 1. Field of the Invention [0002] The present invention relates to a conference call support device connected to a network provided with a conference call service and improving the convenience of a caller of a conference call.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, digital transmission technology and digital switching technology have advanced to a high degree, and a conference call service has been provided to a large number of terminals geographically separated. In addition, for such a conference call service,
Meetings can be held without having to go to the place where the meeting is to be held, so video conferences and image information can be shared as the capacity of the transmission line increases. Various types of conferences, such as various conferences, have been realized, and research and development have been promoted to improve convenience.

FIG. 13 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration of an exchange for providing a conference call service. In the figure, switch 9
Of the one plurality of ports, line circuits (LC) 92-1 to 92-M are individually connected to predetermined plural M ports, and k is connected to other plural (= kN) ports. N conference trunks (CT) 93-1 to 93-N each having one terminal
Is connected. Switch 91, line circuits 92-1 to 92
-M and conference trunks (CT) 93-1 to 93-N are connected to a communication port of a processor (CPU) 95 via a common communication link 94, and are joined to line circuits 92-1 to 92-M, respectively. M terminals 96-1 to 96-M via the subscriber line
Is connected.

In a conventional example having such a configuration, for example, a subscriber operating a terminal 96-1 (hereinafter, referred to as a "convener") has terminals 96-2 to 96-10 (hereinafter, for simplicity, The subscribers (hereinafter, referred to as “participant 2” to “participant 10”) of the respective dial numbers are referred to as D-2 to D-10, respectively, are conferred to conduct a conference by conference call. If so, the caller makes a call by designating the dial number D-2 of the first candidate for participation via the terminal 96-1. The line circuit 92-1 is connected to the communication link 9
4, the processor 95 is notified of the dial number D-2.

[0005] The processor 95 outputs the dial number D-2.
Is analyzed based on the call processing procedure (FIG. 14 (1)).
As a result, the line circuit 92-2 (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the call is not captured by any other call) accommodating the terminal 96-2, which is the destination, is captured (FIG. 14 ( 2)), an incoming call process is performed by linking with the line circuit 92 via the communication link 94 (FIG. 14).
(3)).

Further, in the course of the incoming call processing, the processor 95 detects by the line circuit 92-2 an event indicating that the destination terminal 96-2 has answered, and notifies the event via the communication link 94. Then, a communication path connecting the line circuit 92-2 and the line circuit 92-1 is formed in the switch 91 (FIG. 14 (4)). In the following, such a state is referred to as a “two-way call state”.

[0007] Further, the caller mutually talks with the first candidate for participation via the line circuit 92-1 and the above-mentioned communication path and the line circuit 92-2, and the first candidate for participation is given a message " Hook up via terminal 96-1 after requesting "to wait while calling subsequent participants".

The line circuit 92-1 detects the hooking and sends a "hooking notification" indicating the hooking to the communication link 94.
And, when the processor 95 recognizes the “hooking notification”, among the conference trunks 93-1 to 93-N,
Any available one (here, it is assumed that it is the conference trunk 93-1 for simplicity) is captured (FIG. 14 (5)), and the port of the switch 91 is connected to the conference trunk 93-1. A communication path is formed between any of the k connected ports and the line circuit 92-2 (FIG. 14 (6)).

[0009] Further, the convener performs an operation of designating the dial numbers D-2 to D-9 and hooking when the two-party call is made for all the remaining second to ninth participation candidates. (However, this does not apply to cases where a two-way call with the ninth participant was made.) Further, the processor 95 responds to the call made by the convener to the second to ninth participation candidates in this manner, and performs the processing described above (FIG. 14).
(1) to (4), (6)) are repeated.

When a two-way call with the ninth participant is realized, the convener operates the terminal 96 based on a predetermined procedure instead of the hooking described above (for example,
Double hooking). The line circuit 92-1 detects an event indicating that the operation has been performed as a line signal or a register signal applied via the subscriber line, and sends a "conference start request" indicating the event to the communication link 94. I do.

The processor 95 sends the "conference start request"
When it recognizes, the communication path is formed between the port connected to the specific terminal of the conference trunk 93-1 and the line circuit 92-1 among the ports of the switch 91 (FIG. 14 (7)). In such a state, the conference trunk 93-1 transmits the call signals individually given to the switch 91 via the ten communication paths formed as described above to all the other communication paths in parallel. I do.

[0012] Therefore, since a call signal emitted by any speaker is transmitted in parallel between the terminals 96-1 to 96-10, a conference call service is provided. In addition,
In the process of the above-described call processing, it is premised that all the participating candidates respond reliably.For example, when any of the participating candidates does not respond, (1) In the process of the incoming call processing, A process in which the time from which the ringing tone is transmitted until the response is awaited is cut off at a predetermined upper limit value, and the terminal 96-1 (the convenor) is urged to make a call to a subsequent candidate, (2) convening Interrupts the call from time to time,
A line circuit 92-1 to 92-10 and a switch 9 connected to each other through a communication link 94.
It may be performed in cooperation with 1.

In the above-described call processing procedure, the conference trunk 93-1 is captured when hooking is detected by the convener, but, for example, a conference call is used instead of the hooking. The conference trunk 93-1 may be captured in the same manner when a special number indicating the presence is given as a dial number. Further, in the above-described conventional example, the procedure of the conference call ending process (including the process in the case where the participation candidate or the participant goes on-hook) is not described at all. Since various known techniques can be applied and have no relation to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted here.

[0014]

By the way, in the above-mentioned conventional example, it is difficult for a specific candidate (participant) to cancel participation prior to or during a conference call. Candidates (participants) can notify the caller verbally, but the larger the number of candidates, the more the caller can actually participate in the meeting or who is participating. It was extremely difficult to proceed with the proceedings while accurately grasping the situation.

[0015] Further, when any of the participation candidates cannot participate due to a terminal failure or a line condition, the convener cannot grasp the state and the proceedings may be hindered. . Therefore, there was a high possibility that invalid proceedings would be carried out without grasping the existence of a participant who was closely related to the bill or could give important information and proposals on the bill.

Prior to the start of a conference, techniques for grasping whether or not all desired participation candidates are waiting or for efficiently detecting the presence or absence of participants in the conference include, for example, An audio signal such as a DTMF signal that can be transmitted and received via the communication path is allocated to each participant in advance, and an audio signal transmitted from the terminal of the participant who has stopped participating is detected by the terminal of the convenor. There is a technology to display.

However, in the case where such a technique is applied, if any participant stops participating, the above-mentioned audio signal is transmitted to the terminals used by all the remaining participants in a call related to the proceedings of the proceedings. Because it was transmitted along with the signal, the proceedings were likely to be hindered. Further, as another technology that replaces the above-described technology, a control signal indicating the status of each participant is transmitted to the convener via a line formed separately from a line used for transmitting a call signal. There is technology.

However, such a technique is operated by these callers as the cost required for providing the conference call service increases and the number of callers who call individual conference calls increases in parallel. In practice, it has been difficult to apply this method because line equipment corresponding to individual terminals is required.
SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION It is an object of the present invention to provide a conference call support device that efficiently and inexpensively and surely achieves the start of a conference call and the grasp of desired participation candidates and the status of participants.

[0019]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of the present invention;
3 is a principle block diagram of the invention described in FIG. According to the first aspect of the present invention, a database 11 in which telephone numbers and identification information of the candidates are individually registered in advance for terminals to be operated by the candidates who can participate in the conference call.
And a candidate selection that employs a man-machine interface for collective selection of individual nominated candidates who are candidates for participation in a conference call among the participation candidates whose telephone numbers and identification information are registered in the database 11. Means 12, a network in which a terminal to be operated by a candidate whose telephone number and identification information are registered in the database 11 is accommodated, as a specific terminal operated by a caller of a conference call, or as a specific terminal. Line interface means 1 which is connected in place and takes an interface adapted to the signal system of the network
3 and the telephone numbers registered in the database 11 for the individual nomination candidates selected via the candidate selection means 12 are sequentially designated as dial numbers, and the convener as a caller of the conference call requesting the conference call. A transmission control means for performing an operation to be performed on the specific terminal through the line interface means;

According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the conference call supporting apparatus according to the first aspect, the information provided together with the identifier of the nominated candidate from the network is supplied to the line interface means.
And an information notifying unit 21 that obtains information about the nominated candidate indicated by these identifiers and associates the information with the information and notifies the caller of the nominated candidate. According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the first or second aspect, the substitute information input by the convener in place of the information to be provided together with the identifier of the nominated candidate from the network is provided. A man-machine interface means 31 for taking a man-machine interface with the caller is provided, and either or both of the transmission control means 14 and the information notifying means 21 substitute the substitute information inputted through the man-machine interface means 31. It is characterized by having means for assuming information given from the network via the line interface means 13.

According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the conference call support device according to the second aspect, wherein
Has means for recognizing completion of the convocation of the nominated candidate when information indicating the status of the nominated candidate who can participate in the conference call is obtained from the network via the line interface means 13 as information. Features. According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the second aspect, the transmission control means 14 indicates the status of the nominated candidate who cannot participate in the conference call from the network via the line interface means 13. A feature is provided in which, when the unacceptable information is obtained as information, means for canceling the convocation of the nominated candidate is provided.

According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support apparatus according to the second aspect, the information is provided in a predetermined format as a call signal from a network, and the line interface means 13 transmits the call related to the conference call. It is characterized by having means for extracting information from a signal based on a predetermined format. According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the second aspect, the information notifying unit 21 is provided together with the identifier from the network, and includes a place or an area where the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier is located. It is characterized by notifying the convenor of information.

According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the third aspect, the man-machine interface means 31 is adapted to input the substitute information indicating that each nominated candidate has answered the request. It is characterized by an interface. According to a ninth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the third aspect, the man-machine interface means 31 is configured to input substitute information indicating that each nominated candidate does not respond or cannot respond. It features a man-machine interface.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, a conference call is performed based on an operation procedure performed by the transmission control means. It is characterized by comprising terminal interface means 41 for identifying the start and interfacing with a specific terminal a call signal to be transmitted / received via a network.

According to an eleventh aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects, an identifier provided from a network and identification information of a nominated candidate indicated by the identifier are provided. The transmission control means 14 and the information notification means 21 correspond to an identifier given from the network.
1 characterized by including means for specifying a nominated candidate based on the identification information accumulated in (1).

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the eleventh aspect, the storage means 51 includes a unique identifier indicating the conference call, wherein the identifier and the identification information of the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier. The transmission control means 14 and the information notifying means 21 are provided from the network together with the call identifiers and accumulate a combination of the call identifiers together with the identifiers and the identification information. Then, the nominated candidate is specified based on the identification information stored in the storage means 51.

According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, the identification information of the nominated candidate and the memo information indicating the content of the conference call are provided. Have fields to be recorded separately,
And a memo database 61 composed of a set of records corresponding to each of the nominated candidates, and a memo target specification which takes a man-machine interface for specifying any of the nominated candidates selected through the candidate selecting means 12. Means 62
A record of the memo database 61 is allocated to the nominated candidate specified via the memo target specifying means 62, and the identification information of the nominated candidate is automatically set in the identification information field of the fields of this record. And a memo recording means 63 for providing a man-machine interface for updating the memo information field.

In the conference call support device according to the first aspect of the present invention, the database 11 stores in the database 11 the telephone numbers and the telephone numbers of the terminals to be operated individually by the candidates who can participate in the conference call. Identification information is registered in advance. The candidate selecting means 12 takes a man-machine interface relating to the collective selection of individual nominated candidates who are candidates to participate in a conference call among these participating candidates. The line interface means 13 is connected to a network accommodating the terminals to be operated by these candidates, as a specific terminal operated by a convenor of the conference call, or in place of the specific terminal. Take an interface suitable for the system. Transmission control means 1
Reference numeral 4 designates telephone numbers registered in the database 11 for the individual nomination candidates selected via the candidate selection means 12 as sequential dial numbers, and calls the caller as a source of a conference call requesting a conference call. Performs the above-described operation to be performed on the specific terminal through the line interface unit 13.

That is, since the nomination candidates selected by the convener are automatically convened, the convener manually operates a specific terminal to convene these nomination candidates. Recruitment of desired participants is performed more efficiently and more accurately than in the conventional example. Claim 2
In the conference call support device according to the present invention, the information notification means 2 is provided.
1 obtains information provided along with the identifier of the nominated candidate from the network via the line interface means 13 and notifies the caller of the nominated candidate indicated by these identifiers in association with the information.

That is, since the convener can grasp the state of each nominated candidate, the convener is given an appropriate standard for the termination of the convocation, the start of the proceedings, and other judgments. According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conference call supporting apparatus according to the first or second aspect, wherein
1 takes a man-machine interface with the recruiter for input of alternative information instead of information to be provided from the network together with the identifier of the nominated candidate. The transmission control means 14
And / or one of the information notifying means 21 regards the substitute information input via the man-machine interface means 31 as the information provided from the network via the line interface means 13.

That is, even if there is a function of the above-mentioned network, an applied signal system and other restrictions, or a failure occurs in the network, a desired nomination is performed under the auxiliary work performed by the convener. Candidates are recruited with high accuracy and a conference call can be started. In the conference call support device according to the fourth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the second aspect, the outgoing call control means includes a status of the nominated candidate who can participate in the conference call via the line interface means. Is obtained as information from the network, the completion of the recruitment of the nominated candidate is recognized.

That is, for the nominated candidate whose response is detected and notified by the network, the operation performed by the caller in an auxiliary manner is identified, or the caller can be efficiently called without unnecessary waiting. Done. In the conference call support device according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the second aspect, the outgoing call control means 14 includes a status of the nominated candidate who cannot participate in the conference call via the line interface means 13. When the non-participation information indicating is obtained from the network as information, the convocation of the nominated candidate is stopped.

In other words, the nomination candidate whose response to the nomination is detected by the network and notified of the nomination is immediately discontinued, so that the time required for the recruitment of the desired nomination candidate is reliably reduced. According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the conference call support device according to the second aspect, wherein the information is provided from the network in a predetermined format as a call signal, and
Reference numeral 3 extracts individual information from a call signal related to a conference call based on the format.

That is, of the nominated candidates who respond to the call or participate in the conference call, the operation performed by the nominated candidate according to the intention of the nominated candidate or by the nominated candidate The caller is notified according to the information, or information which is a factor for which the procedure related to the call is to be changed is transmitted as a call signal by the transmission control means 14 or the information notification means 2.
1, the conference call can be flexibly conducted regardless of the network function or the signal system.

According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support apparatus according to the second aspect, the information notifying means 21 is provided together with the identifier from the network, and the nomination candidate indicated by the identifier is provided. Inform the convener of information, including the location or area where the person is located. That is,
Even in a situation where the nominated candidate responding to the call or the participant participating in the conference call uses a terminal accommodated in the mobile communication system or a terminal to which the call is transferred, such a nominated candidate or a nominated participant is used. Since the information indicating the location of the candidate is notified to the convener, the convener can determine the policy of the convergence and the conference call while taking this location into account.

In the conference call support device according to the eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call support device according to the third aspect, the man-machine interface means 31 includes alternative information indicating that each nominated candidate has answered. Input a man-machine interface. In other words, even if the nominated candidate does not receive a response from the network due to the function of the network, the applied signaling method or other restrictions, the desired candidate can be obtained under the auxiliary work performed by the recruiter. Nominated candidates are recruited with high accuracy.

According to the ninth aspect of the present invention, the man-machine interface means 31 does not respond or cannot respond to the individual nominated candidates. A man-machine interface is used for the input of alternative information indicating that That is, even if the nomination candidate is not notified from the network that it is unable to respond due to the function of the network, the applied signaling method or other restrictions, the nomination candidate will not be able to respond under the auxiliary work performed by the recruiter. The recruitment of the candidates is interrupted with high accuracy, and the conference call can be started by the participation of only the nominated candidates who can participate.

According to a tenth aspect of the present invention, in the conference call assisting apparatus according to any one of the first to ninth aspects, the terminal interface means 41 is controlled by the transmission control means 14. The start of the conference call is identified based on the procedure of the proxy operation, and an interface with a specific terminal is made for a call signal to be transmitted / received via the network.

That is, since the caller can make a call via a specific terminal provided separately from the terminal interface means 41, the conference call support device according to the present invention is used for transmission and reception. It is possible to apply a terminal that is configured without including any means and that has a standardized configuration together with a terminal that is operated by each participating candidate as a specific terminal.

According to the eleventh aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conference call support device according to any one of the first to tenth aspects.
In the conference call support device described in the paragraph, the storage means 51
Accumulates a combination of an identifier given from the network and identification information of the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier. The transmission control means 14 and the information notifying means 21 specify the nominated candidate based on the identification information stored in the storage means 51 corresponding to the identifier actually given from the network.

The identification information used for specifying such a nominated candidate is directly connected via the line interface means 13 and can participate in each conference call under the configuration of the exchange constituting the network. The smaller the maximum number of participants, the smaller the amount of information that can be expressed. Therefore, the amount of information to be delivered between the terminal interface means 41 and the network is compressed, and the efficiency of call and conference calls is increased. Is peeled off.

According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the conference call support device according to the eleventh aspect, wherein the identifier and the identification information of the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier indicate a unique conference call. The storage means 51 is provided from the network together with the call identifiers, and stores a combination of the call identifiers in accordance with the identifiers and the identification information. The transmission control means 14 and the information notification means 2
1 specifies a nomination candidate based on a call identifier provided from the network and identification information stored in the storage means 51 corresponding to the identifier.

In other words, even if the exchanges directly connected via the line interface means 13 and constituting the network can perform call processing for a plurality of conference calls in parallel, the first to eleventh aspects of the present invention can be applied. In the same manner as the conference call support device described in (1), the efficiency of the call and the conference call can be improved. According to a thirteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the conference call support device according to any one of the first to twelfth aspects, wherein the memo database 61 includes a record individually corresponding to the nominated candidate. Each time there is a field in which the identification information of the nominated candidate and the memo information indicating the content of the conference call are to be individually recorded. The memo target specifying means 62 has a man-machine interface for specifying one of the nominated candidates selected through the candidate selecting means 12. The memo recording means 63 allocates a record of the memo database 61 to the nominated candidate specified via the memo target specifying means 62, and automatically stores the identification information of the nominated candidate in the identification information field in the fields of this record. And a man-machine interface for updating the memo information field.

That is, a memo associated with a desired nominated candidate among the nominated candidates who have participated in or failed to participate in the conference call is recorded in the memo database 61 as intended by the convener. Information adapted to the process of calling and conference calls is stored flexibly and efficiently.

[0045]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings.

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment corresponding to the first to thirteenth aspects of the present invention. In the drawing, components having the same functions and configurations as those shown in FIG. 13 are denoted by the same reference numerals, and description thereof is omitted here. The feature of the configuration of this embodiment is that it is connected to the communication link 94,
And line circuits 92-1 to 92-M and conference trunk 93
13 except that a digital line circuit (DTLC) 71 connected to a corresponding port of the switch 91 and a processor 95A instead of the processor 95 are provided together with -1 to 93-N. The same exchange 72 and an exchange interface 73 connected to the digital line circuit 71 via a line are built in,
And a display device (CRT) 74 and a keyboard (KB) 75
And a mouse 76, and a personal computer 77 installed near the terminal 96-1.

The correspondence between the present embodiment and the block diagram shown in FIG.
Corresponds to the database 11, the storage means 51, the memo database 61 and the memo recording means 63, and the personal computer 77, the display device 74, the keyboard 75 and the mouse 76 are the candidate selecting means 12, the information notifying means 21, the man-machine interface means 31 The switch interface 73 corresponds to the line interface 13 and the terminal interface 4.
1, the personal computer 77 and the exchange interface unit 73 correspond to the transmission control means 14.

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of this embodiment according to the first, second and fourth aspects of the present invention. FIG.
Is an operation flowchart of the present embodiment corresponding to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1, 2 and 4 will be described with reference to FIGS.

As shown in FIG. 5, the personal computer 77 individually gives names and names, addresses, and the like to individual persons who can be candidates for the conference call (hereinafter referred to as “participation candidates”). And a telephone directory database 81 in which telephone numbers of terminals to be operated by the participation candidates are registered in advance. When the caller capable of operating the terminal 96-1 calls the meeting by designating the terminals 96-2 to 96-10 as the participation candidates in the same manner as in the conventional example, the personal computer 77 The telephone directory database 8 according to a predetermined operation (FIG. 3 (1)) performed by the convener.
1 and a list of combinations of names, addresses, addresses, and telephone numbers registered in the telephone directory database 81 is output as a dialog box in the format shown in FIG. 3 (2), FIG. 4 (1)).

The personal computer 77 has a graphical user interface for all the dialog boxes to be described later in addition to such a dialog box. In the process, the personal computer 77 operates the mouse 76 operated by the convener to display a button “index”. When recognizing that any one of "A", "KA",... Has been clicked (FIG. 3 (3)), the clicked character in the records registered in the telephone directory database 81 is replaced with the head of the name. A list of records having characters is extracted and displayed (FIG. 3 (4), FIG. 4)
(2)).

Further, the personal computer 77
When it is recognized that the display area of any of the records displayed in this manner is double-clicked, or that the button "Register Meeting" is clicked after the click (FIG. 3 (5)), the corresponding Along with the names and names and phone numbers contained in the records
The state of "not connected" indicating that the participation candidate indicated by the name and the telephone number has not responded to the call at all is registered in the participation candidate table 82 shown in FIG. 7 (FIG. 3).
Along with (6), FIG. 4 (3)), at a predetermined position (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed to be above the area where the above-mentioned list is displayed) in the display screen of the display 74. The image is displayed with the focus given (FIG. 3 (7), FIG. 4 (4)).

Further, the personal computer 77 operates the participation candidate table 8 for all the desired participation candidates.
When it is recognized that the name and name and the telephone number are registered in 2 and the caller clicks the button "telephone" shown in FIG. 6 (FIG. 3 (8)), as shown in FIG. A dialog box including all records (combinations of names and names, telephone numbers, and states) registered in the participation candidate table 82 is output to the display screen of the display 74 (FIGS. 3 (9) and 4). (Five)).

Further, the personal computer 77
The button “Call” shown in FIG. 8 was clicked (see FIG.
0)), an "outgoing request" indicating that fact is given to the exchange interface unit 73 (FIG. 3 (11), FIG. 4).
(6)). When the above-mentioned "transmission request" is given, the exchange interface unit 73 performs transmission based on the signal system of the line laid between the switching unit 73 and the digital line circuit 71 (FIG. 3 (12)). Exchange 7
2 recognizes that the call has been accepted (FIG. 3 (13)), the personal computer 7 sends an "outgoing call acceptance notice" indicating that fact.
7 (FIG. 3 (14)).

When the personal computer 77 recognizes the "outgoing call acceptance notification", the participation candidate table 82
The telephone number included in the first record among the records registered in advance is set as the dial number (FIG. 4).
(7)), the dialed number is entered into the exchange interface unit 73.
3 to the digital line circuit 71 (FIG. 3 (1
5), FIG. 4 (8)).

On the other hand, in the exchange 72, the processor 95A
Performs call processing for a call generated in the digital line circuit 71 as described above, analyzes the dial number given by the digital line circuit 71 via the communication link 94 based on the call processing procedure, and The “incoming process” based on the analysis result is performed in the same manner as in the conventional example (FIG. 3).
(16)).

In the course of such an incoming call process, when the processor 95A recognizes that the terminal 96-2 operated by the first candidate has answered (shifted to the off-hook state), the communication link 94 and the digital line A "callee response" indicating that fact is given to the exchange interface unit 73 via the circuit 71 (FIG. 3 (17)). When the personal computer 77 recognizes the "callee response" through the exchange interface 73 (FIG. 3 (18)), the "callee response" in the records registered in the participation candidate table 82 is displayed. The state of the record corresponding to "" and the corresponding state displayed on the display screen of the display 74 are "calling".
(FIG. 3 (19), FIG. 4 (9)), and in the exchange interface unit 73, (1) the convener's identification information, and (2) the user should participate in the conference call convened by the convener. A message is sent to the digital line circuit 71 indicating that it has been called as a candidate and (3) a request to wait until the recruitment of other candidates is completed.
(20), FIG. 4 (10)).

In the exchange 72, the above-mentioned message is transmitted via a conference trunk (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that the message is indicated by reference numeral "93-1") and a communication path. It is transmitted to the terminal 96-2 (see FIG. 3 (2
1)). Hereinafter, the above-described procedure (FIGS. 4 (7) to (10)) for the personal computer 77 to call each of the candidates for participation.
A series of processes performed on the basis of is referred to as “individual summoning process”.

The personal computer 77 transmits the hooking to be performed by the convener to the exchange interface unit 73.
(FIG. 3 (22), FIG. 4 (11)) and waits for a predetermined period of time, or after the exchange 72 detects the dial tone transmitted according to the hooking, Is updated to "participating" (FIG. 4 (12)). Further, the personal computer 77 gives the telephone number included in the subsequent record among the records registered in the participation candidate table 82 to the digital line circuit 71 as a dial number (FIG. 4 (7)). The same “individual recruitment process” is performed for all subsequent records among the records registered in the participation candidate table.

In the exchange 72, the processor 95A
Has recognized a state in which resources (for example, a trunk, a line, etc.) to be provided for the above-mentioned "call processing" cannot be secured, or that the "call processing" cannot be continued due to some failure. In this case, the personal computer 77 is notified via the communication link 94 and the digital line circuit 71 of "call rejection" indicating that fact.

The personal computer 77 recognizes this "call not possible" via the exchange interface unit 73, or recognizes the "call not possible" as the "callee response" described above.
If both are not given within the predetermined period, a request is made to the exchange 72 via the exchange interface 73 to suspend the convocation for the pertinent candidate (FIG. 4 (13)). At the same time, among the records registered in the participation candidate table 82, the state of the record corresponding to the “call not accepted” and the corresponding state displayed on the display screen of the display 74 are not updated at all, and Perform the "individual recruitment process" for the subsequent participation candidates.

In the state where the “individual recruitment process” is sequentially performed, a dialog box having a button “delete” is output on the display screen of the display 74 as shown in FIG. Of the participation candidates once selected as the participation candidates, the desired participation candidates displayed in the dialog box are excluded from the targets of the call (to delete the corresponding record from the participation candidate table 82). " The procedure is applied under the procedure of the graphical user interface performed by the personal computer 77.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, a plurality of candidates for participation in a conference call are reliably selected based on names and the like registered in advance in the telephone directory database, and these candidate candidates are selected. Since the recruitment of the participants is automatically performed, the work required to start the conference call is greatly improved and the recruitment of the desired participation candidate is performed with high accuracy as compared with the conventional example.

Further, according to the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, a state indicating whether or not the participation candidate has actually responded is displayed as a list on the display screen of the display 74.
The convener is given accurate information about whether or not to start a conference call or selection of an agenda item that can be advanced only by the participants. In the present embodiment,
In the process of selecting a candidate for participation, as shown in FIG. 6, a dialog box having buttons of “change”, “add” and “delete” is output on the display screen of the display 74, and each of these is displayed. The button is a personal computer 7
7 is provided for updating, adding, and deleting record units related to the contents of each field registered in the telephone directory database 81 under the graphical user interface performed by the telephone directory database 81. Since the related processing is not directly related to the present invention, the description thereof is omitted here.

In the present embodiment, a candidate for participation is selected by performing search processing of the telephone directory database 81 using a name and a search key as a search key. In the case where a person belonging to the department and having the same name and the same name may exist in a department other than the specific department, as shown by a dotted line in FIGS. 5 and 7, as fields of the telephone directory database 81 and the participation candidate table 82, “ A section name may be added and a dialog box shown in FIG. 9 may be displayed in place of the dialog box shown in FIG. 6 in the process of “individual recruitment processing”.

The operation of this embodiment according to the third, eighth, and ninth aspects will be described below. "Individual recruitment process"
In the process, the recruiter confirms that the candidate participating in the "individual recruitment process has responded" as a two-party call state with the candidate, and engages in the subsequent participating candidate. When the "individual recruitment process" is to be performed, first information indicating that is given to the personal computer 77 via the keyboard 75 or the mouse 76.

After the recruiter determines that “candidates for participation in the“ individual recruitment process ”do not respond”, if “individual recruitment process” for subsequent participants is to be performed, The second information indicating this is the keyboard 7
5 or to a personal computer 77 via a mouse 76. The personal computer 77 recognizes the first information and the second information as the above-mentioned “callee response” and “call cannot be received”.
Subsequent processing is continued in the same manner as in the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in Item 4.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the exchange 72 performs the above-mentioned "callee response" or "call rejection" due to the signaling system, the call processing procedure or other restrictions, or the occurrence of a failure. Even if the notification cannot be made to the address 77, the recruitment of desired participation candidates is efficiently performed under a simple operation performed by the recruiter. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 5 will be described.

In exchange 72, processor 95A identifies a candidate for participation in the "individual recruitment process" performed by personal computer 77 as a result of the number analysis described above, and the candidate is accommodated in its own station. When the terminal recognizes that the terminal is a terminal, it refers to the service order of the terminal as station information. Further, the processor 95A determines whether or not the service order includes information indicating "a state in which a conference call cannot be participated" such as "absent", "away" or the like. If the result is true, the communication link 94 and the digital line circuit 71
The information (hereinafter, referred to as “participation non-permission notification”) is transmitted to the personal computer 77 via the PC and the “reception processing” for the corresponding terminal is omitted.

When the personal computer 77 fetches and recognizes the “participation impossible notice” via the exchange interface 73, it writes the state indicated by the “participation impossible notice” into the state field of the participation candidate table 82, and The status of the corresponding candidate is displayed in the dialog box shown in FIG.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the caller does not needlessly wait for the above-mentioned “call unreceivable”.
It is possible to quickly grasp that each candidate is not able to actually participate, and to give the convenor efficient information that is useful for deciding whether to start a meeting and for selecting agenda. Can be In the present embodiment, information indicating that a candidate cannot participate in a conference call is given as a service order of a terminal to be operated by the candidate. For example, the exchange 72 is a private branch exchange. In that case, the information of "absence registration" obtained by the private branch exchange managing the state of each extension terminal may be applied. Further, when the exchange 72 is an exchange constituting the ISDN, The “call acceptance / rejection” function provided by the ISDN may be applied.

The operation of this embodiment according to the sixth aspect will be described below. This embodiment and claim 1,
The difference from the embodiments corresponding to the inventions described in 2 and 4 is that the personal computer 77 has a built-in sound card (not shown) and is connected to the sound card as shown by a dotted line in FIG. In that a microphone 78 and a receiver 79 are provided.

When the personal computer 77 completes the "individual convocation process" for all the candidates, the personal computer 77 gives a notice to that effect to the digital line circuit 71 via the exchange interface 73. On the other hand, in the exchange 72, the digital line circuit 71 gives the notification to the processor 95A via the communication link 94. When the processor 95A recognizes the notification, the terminals 95-2 to 96-1
0, the switch 9 is connected between all the terminals operated by the responding candidates and the digital line circuit 71.
1 and a conference trunk (here, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed that it is indicated by reference numeral 93-1) in the same manner as in the conventional example.

In the process of such a conference call state, the call signal transmitted and received by the caller facing each participant is collected by the microphone 78 and the receiver 79 under the bidirectional electro-acoustic conversion. Man-machine interface with the person is taken. Also, of the participants participating in the conference call via the terminals 96-2 to 96-10, for example, a participant who temporarily leaves, takes a seat, and tries to participate again in the conference, A person who intends to report a change in the situation relating to participation in the conference call to the convener, together with the identification information of the terminal operated by the person, a unique number or symbol indicating the mode of this change, or the number or symbol. Is input via a terminal key (here, for simplicity, it is assumed that the keypad is used for dial operation).

The number or symbol input in this way is converted into an audio signal (here, for simplicity,
Assume a TMF signal. ), And the audio signal is transmitted to the personal computer 77 via the corresponding line circuit, switch 91, conference trunk and digital line circuit 71.

In the personal computer 77,
The exchange interface unit 73 receives and analyzes these audio-frequency signals, and obtains the above-mentioned change in the state together with the identification information indicating the terminal of the transmission source. The personal computer 77 updates the status field of the participation candidate table 82 and the status shown in FIG. 8 to the status indicating the “result of the relevant status change” for the participants indicated by the identification information.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, during the period in which the conference call is being performed, the convener can grasp the state of each participant with high accuracy in almost real time, so that these states can be used. The proceedings can be flexibly proceeded accordingly. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 7 will be described. This embodiment and claims 1 to 6, 8, and 9
A difference from the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in the above is that part or all of the participation candidates participate in the conference call via the terminal accommodated in the mobile communication system, and the exchange 72 and the personal computer 77 cooperate. Then, the following processing is performed.

As shown by the dotted line in FIG. 7, a location field indicating the location of each participation candidate is added to the participation candidate table 82. The personal computer 77
For each candidate selected by the convenor,
The address registered in the telephone directory database 81 is written in the whereabouts field of the corresponding record in the participation candidate table 82.

Further, the personal computer 77
During the calling process and during the conference call, a dialog box shown in FIG. 8 is displayed on the display screen of the display 74.
As the address displayed in the dialog box, the contents of the whereabouts field added to the participation candidate table 82 as described above are displayed. Further, a terminal operated by either the candidate or the participant and accommodated in the mobile communication system (here, for simplicity, the exchange 7
2 is a terminal replacing the terminal accommodated in
It is assumed that the terminal is a transfer destination terminal under the call transfer function of 2. ) Automatically performs location registration and channel switching (handover) during a call under the control of the wireless base station in the wireless zone where the terminal is located.

Further, each radio base station constituting such a mobile communication system enters a radio zone formed by itself and completes position registration, or shifts to the radio zone to continue a call. When the terminal to be connected is identified, the terminal 72 is transmitted to the transfer source exchange 72 via an inter-station transmission path (not shown).
The “whereabouts notification” including the identification information of the corresponding wireless zone and the terminal is notified.

In the exchange 72, the processor 95A receives the "location notification" described above, and
Is determined based on the call processing procedure as to whether or not the terminal corresponding to the identification information included in (1) is a candidate for participation in a conference call or a participant.

Further, if the result of the determination is true, the processor 95A sends the corresponding “address notification (here, for simplicity) to the personal computer 77 via the data link 94 and the digital line circuit 71. It is assumed that a telephone number indicating the transfer candidate (participant) has been added.)). The personal computer 77 obtains the “whereabouts notification” via the exchange interface unit 73, and among the records registered in the participation candidate table 82, stores the telephone number included in the “whereabouts notification” in the telephone number field. A registered record (hereinafter, referred to as “specific record”) is specified.

Further, the personal computer 77
The identification information indicating the above-described wireless zone included in the “location notification” described above is written in the location field of the specific record. In other words, the convenor can automatically determine the location of each candidate and the participant almost in real time, so that the geographical separation and distribution of these candidates, the participants and the convenor can be determined. The meeting can be convened and the proceedings proceeded with due consideration.

In the present embodiment, the transfer destination is a candidate operated by a candidate or a participant. However, these terminals may be mobile terminals directly accommodated in the exchange 72, for example. Good. Further, in the present embodiment, the “whereabouts notification” is transmitted via an inter-station transmission line laid between the mobile communication system and the exchange 72, and the exchange 72
Is relayed to the personal computer 77, but the "whereabouts" may be transmitted via a transmission line to which any signaling method is applied as long as it is transmitted to the personal computer 77 without fail.

Hereinafter, an embodiment corresponding to the tenth aspect of the present invention will be described. This embodiment and claims 1 to 9
The difference of the configuration from the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in
As shown in FIG. 2, an exchange interface unit 73A is provided instead of the exchange interface unit 73. The terminal 96-1 is directly connected to the exchange interface unit 73A, and the microphone 78 and the receiver 79 are not provided. is there.

Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment will be described. The exchange interface unit 73A takes an interface between the microphone 78 and the terminal 96-1 in place of the receiver 79, relating to a call signal to be transmitted and received in a conference call. The exchange interface unit 73A has a battery feed and other functions in the same manner as the line circuit 92-1 based on the subscriber line signal system adapted to the terminal 96-1, and the terminal 96-1 is off-hook. It is determined whether or not the state has been changed.

Further, the personal computer 77
When the terminal 96-1 shifts to the off-hook state,
The above-described processing (FIGS. 4 (6) to (13)) (hereinafter, referred to as “converging processing”) is started. Further, in the same manner as in the embodiment corresponding to the first to ninth aspects of the present invention, the “converging process” is started without the terminal 96-1 shifting to the off-hook state, and the recruitment of all the participation candidates is started. When completed, the personal computer 77 outputs a message to that effect on the display screen of the display 74 and sends a calling signal (ringing signal) to the terminal 96-1 via the exchange interface unit 73A. . Further, when confirming that the terminal 96-1 has shifted to the off-hook state, the personal computer 77 stops sending the call signal and takes the above-mentioned interface.

As described above, according to the present embodiment, the caller can make a conference call via the terminal 96-1 having a general configuration. Even if any one of the receiver and the receiver 79 is not provided, it is possible to proceed with the proceedings. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the inventions of claims 11 and 12 will be described.

In the exchange 72, the processor 95A allocates a terminal of a conference trunk (herein, for the sake of simplicity, it is assumed to be indicated by reference numeral 93-1) to each of the candidates, and A telephone number (and a name and a name) included in the message to be notified to the computer 77 and indicating the corresponding candidate (participant)
The terminal number indicating the terminal is applied instead of the name.

FIG. 7 shows the participation candidate table 82.
As shown by a dotted line, a terminal number field in which the above-described terminal number is to be stored is added. The personal computer 77 registers the terminal number described above in addition to the above-mentioned name and name and the telephone number in a corresponding record of the participation candidate table 82 as information indicating the individual participation candidate.

Further, the personal computer 77
When a message including a terminal number is given from the exchange 72, the terminal candidate number is referred to as a key to refer to the participation candidate table 82.
The same processing as the embodiment corresponding to the invention described in No. 0 is performed. As described above, according to the present embodiment, between the exchange 72 and the personal computer 77, each candidate for participation and each participant are handed over to each other as terminal numbers having a smaller amount of information than telephone numbers.

Therefore, the conference trunks 93-1 to 93-N
The smaller the maximum number of participants (the number of terminals of the corresponding conference trunk) that can make a conference call via the telephone, the smaller the transmission capacity of the communication link to be formed between the exchange 72 and the personal computer 77. Is allowed to be small, and restrictions on a signaling method to be applied to a transmission line forming the communication link are relaxed.

In each of the above-described embodiments, the personal computer 77 performs a process related to a single conference call to which any one of the conference trunks 93-1 to 93-N is allocated.

However, if the convener involved in a plurality of conference calls is common and the personal computer 77 should be operated by such a convener, for example, as shown in FIG. 82 has a structure individually corresponding to the identification numbers indicating these conference trunks 93-1 to 93-N or a plurality of conference calls that occurred simultaneously,
If the personal computer 77 and the exchange 72 mutually transmit and receive a message to which an identification number has been added in addition to the terminal number described above, claim 1 to claim 11.
Is applicable to any of the above-described plurality of conference calls.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of this embodiment corresponding to the thirteenth aspect of the present invention. Hereinafter, the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 13 will be described with reference to FIGS. 2, 7, and 10. As shown in FIG. 11, in the hard disk device (not shown) built in the personal computer 77, a record corresponds to each participant, and each record is associated with a "phone number" and a "name / name". In addition, a memo pad database 84 including fields of “date”, “conference call identification information”, and “memo” is provided.

In the conference call state, the personal computer 77 clicks on an area indicating any participant in the area of the dialog box (shown in FIG. 8) displayed on the display screen of the display 74. Then, among the participants (including the participation candidates) registered in the participation candidate table 82, the participant corresponding to the area is identified as a specific participant (FIG. 10 (1)).

Further, the personal computer 77
Upon recognizing that the button “MemoPad” among the buttons arranged in the dialog box shown in FIG. 8 has been clicked, the dialog box shown in FIG. 12 (hereinafter, “MemoPad Dialog Box”) is displayed. 74 (FIG. 10 (2)), and the telephone number, name, and name of the specific participant described above are respectively entered in the text boxes of the telephone number, name, address, and memo arranged in the dialog box. The contents of each field of the address (address) and the memo are read from the participation candidate table 82 and output (FIG. 10 (3)).

The personal computer 77 performs processing for these text boxes in accordance with the above-described graphic user interface method, and when updated in the course of the processing, as described above, the participation candidate table The corresponding field 82 is updated together (FIG. 10 (4)). In addition, the personal computer 7
7 has a calendar clock that measures time in real time and gives date and time.

Further, the personal computer 77
When the mouse pointer is positioned in any area of the text box "Memo" placed in the Notepad dialog box and the button "Date" placed in the Notepad dialog box is clicked, this mouse The date and time given by the calendar clock are output to the area where the pointer is located (FIG. 10 (5)).

As described above, according to this embodiment, the keyboard 75 corresponding to the desired participant participating in the conference call is used.
Is recorded as a memo, the telephone number, name and name of the corresponding participant are automatically included in the memo, and a keyboard 75 operated by the convener. The date and time are added as appropriate according to the operation of the mouse or the mouse 76.

Therefore, according to the present embodiment, as to the embodiment according to the first to twelfth aspects of the present invention, the conference convergence and the recording of the proceedings of the meeting are easily and efficiently performed. . In the present embodiment, the conference call identification information to be used for identifying the conference call is recorded in a specific field constituting the memo pad database 84. The convener may also write the information in the memo field of the book database 84.

In each of the above embodiments, the exchange 7
2 is a subscriber line exchange accommodating the terminals 96-1 to 96-M.
As long as the conference call service can be provided, the private branch exchange may be used, and furthermore, the private branch exchange need not be the one to which the circuit switching system is applied. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the method of the communication link formed between the exchange 72 and the personal computer 77 is not described at all, but desired information is reliably transmitted to such a communication link. However, the present invention is not limited to CTI, and any transmission method and communication procedure may be applied.

In each of the embodiments described above, the exchange interface units 73 and 73A are mounted in empty slots of the personal computer 77. However, the exchange interface units 73 and 73A are configured as separate devices. Is also good. Further, in each of the above-described embodiments, the present invention is configured as software executed by the personal computer 77 in which the exchange interface units 73 and 73A are mounted. A general-purpose information processing device may be applied, or some or all of the functions to be realized by this software may be realized by dedicated hardware.

[0103]

As described above, according to the first aspect of the present invention, the nomination candidates are convened through a specific terminal operated by the convener as compared with the conventional example in which the nomination candidates are convened. The recruitment is performed efficiently and accurately. According to the second aspect of the present invention, the convener is given a criterion for terminating the convening, starting the proceedings and other appropriate judgments according to the state of each nominated candidate.

Further, according to the third aspect of the present invention, even if there is a restriction on the function of the network, the applied signal system, or the like, or even if a failure occurs in the network, the supplementary service performed by the convener is provided. Under the operation, a desired nominated candidate is called with high accuracy and a conference call can be started. According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the nominated candidate whose response is detected by the network and notified is efficiently called.

Further, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the time required for recruiting a desired nomination candidate is reliably reduced.
Further, in the invention described in claim 6, the conference call is flexibly performed regardless of the network function or the signal system. Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 7, it becomes possible for the convener to determine the policy of the convergence and the conference call in consideration of the location of the individual nomination candidate or the participant nomination candidate.

Further, according to the invention described in claim 8, even when the responding of the nominated candidate is not notified from the network due to the function of the network, the applied signaling system or other restrictions, the call is convened. A desired nomination candidate is recruited with high accuracy under the auxiliary work performed by the person. Furthermore, in the invention according to claim 9, the function of the network is that the nominated candidate cannot respond.
The recruitment of the nominated candidate is reliably interrupted and available for participation by the recruiter even if it is not notified from the network due to applied signaling or other restrictions. A conference call can be started by participation of only a certain nominated candidate.

Further, according to the tenth aspect of the present invention, the conference call support device according to the present invention is configured without including means to be provided for transmission and reception, and is used as a specific terminal by each participating candidate. A terminal whose configuration is standardized together with the terminal to be operated can be applied. Furthermore, according to the invention described in claim 11, in claim 1 to claim 10,
The efficiency of the call and the conference call can be improved as compared with the invention described in (1).

Further, according to the twelfth aspect of the present invention, even in a case where the exchange forming the network can perform the call processing of a plurality of conference calls in parallel, the first to the first aspects can be applied.
In the same manner as the conference call support device described in 1, the efficiency of the call and the conference call can be improved. Further, according to the invention of claim 13, information corresponding to individual participation candidates and participants is stored flexibly and efficiently in the process of calling and conference call.

Therefore, in the network to which these inventions are applied, the resources to be applied to the conference call are occupied within the range of the function of the network or without largely modifying the existing hardware and software. The service period can be shortened and the required number can be reduced, and the service quality can be inexpensively and surely improved in accordance with the convenience of the convener.

[Brief description of the drawings]

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

FIG. 2 is a diagram showing an embodiment corresponding to the first to thirteenth inventions;

FIG. 3 is a diagram for explaining the operation of the present embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claims 1, 2 and 4;

FIG. 4 is an operation flowchart of the present embodiment corresponding to the first, second, and fourth aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is a diagram showing a configuration of a telephone directory database.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a format of a dialog box provided for selecting a candidate for participation.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a configuration of a participation candidate table.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing a format of a dialog box indicating participation candidates and the status of the participants.

FIG. 9 is a diagram showing another format of a dialog box used for selecting a candidate for participation.

FIG. 10 is an operation flowchart of this embodiment corresponding to the invention described in claim 13;

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a configuration of a memo pad database.

FIG. 12 is a diagram showing a format of a dialog box used for inputting a notepad.

FIG. 13 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of an exchange that provides a conference call service.

FIG. 14 is a diagram showing a call processing procedure in a conventional example.

[Explanation of symbols]

 DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 11 Database 12 Candidate selection means 13 Line interface means 14 Transmission control means 21 Information notification means 31 Man-machine interface means 41 Terminal interface means 51 Storage means 61 Memo database 62 Memo object designation means 63 Memo recording means 71 Digital line circuit (DTLC) 72 Switch 73, 73A Switch interface 74 Display (CRT) 75 Keyboard (KB) 76 Mouse 77 Personal computer 78 Microphone 79 Receiver 81 Phonebook database 82 Participant candidate table 84 Notepad database 91 Switch 92 Line circuit (LC) 93 Conference trunk (CT) 94 Communication link 95,95A Processor (CPU) 96 Terminal

 ──────────────────────────────────────────────────続 き Continuing from the front page (72) Inventor Hitoshi Kawaguchi 2- 2-353 Shiro, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Inside Fujitsu Kansai Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Minoru Kawahara Shiro, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 2- 2-353 Fujitsu Kansai Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Yoshitane Egawa 2- 2-353 Jomi, Chuo-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture Fujitsu Kansai Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Sanae Imamura Osaka 2-53, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Japan Fujitsu Kansai Communication Systems Co., Ltd. (72) Inventor Naoki Sueoka 2-53, Shiromi, Chuo-ku, Osaka, Osaka, Japan

Claims (13)

[Claims] 1. A database in which telephone numbers and identification information of the candidates are individually registered in advance for terminals to be operated by candidates who can participate in a conference call, and the telephone numbers are stored in the database. Among the candidate candidates registered with the identification information, a candidate selecting means for taking a man-machine interface related to a batch selection of individual nominated candidates who are candidates to participate in the conference call; and The telephone number and the identification information are connected to a network accommodating a terminal to be operated by a registered candidate registered as a specific terminal operated by the convenor of the conference call or in place of the specific terminal. Line interface means for taking an interface adapted to the signal system of the network, and individual fingers selected through the candidate selecting means. A telephone number registered in the database for the first name candidate is sequentially designated as a dial number, and the line interface means performs an operation to be performed on the specific terminal by the caller as a source of a conference call requesting the conference call. A conference call support device, comprising: transmission control means acting on behalf of the user. 2. The conference call support device according to claim 1, wherein information provided together with the identifiers of the nominated candidates from the network is obtained via the line interface means, and the nominated candidates indicated by these identifiers and the information are obtained. A conference call support device comprising information notifying means for notifying the caller in association with the caller. 3. The conference call support device according to claim 1, wherein the caller and the substitute information input by the caller instead of the information to be provided together with the identifier of the nominated candidate from the network. Man-machine interface means for taking the man-machine interface of, the transmission control means and / or the information notifying means, the substitute information input via the man-machine interface means from the network to the line interface means A conference call support device, comprising: means for assuming information given via a telephone. 4. The conference call support device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission control means obtains, as information, participation information indicating the status of the nominated candidate who can participate in the conference call from the network via the line interface means. And a means for recognizing the completion of the convocation of the nominated candidate when the call is made. 5. The conference call support device according to claim 2, wherein the transmission control means obtains, as the information, participation impossible information indicating the status of the nominated candidate who cannot participate in the conference call from the network via the line interface means. A conference call support device having means for canceling the convocation of the nominated candidate when it is received. 6. The conference call support device according to claim 2, wherein the information is provided in a predetermined format as a call signal from a network, and the line interface means is configured to convert the call signal related to the conference call into the predetermined format based on the predetermined format. A conference call support device, comprising means for extracting the information by using a telephone. 7. The conference call support device according to claim 2, wherein the information notifying means is provided from the network together with the identifier, and transmits to the convener the information including the location or area where the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier is located. A conference call support device for notifying. 8. The conference call support device according to claim 3, wherein the man-machine interface means uses a man-machine interface for inputting substitute information indicating that each nominated candidate has answered. Conference call support device. 9. The conference call support device according to claim 3, wherein the man-machine interface means uses a man-machine interface for inputting substitute information indicating that each nominated candidate does not respond or cannot respond. A conference call support device, characterized in that: 10. The conference call support device according to claim 1, wherein a start of the conference call is identified based on a procedure of an operation performed by the transmission control means, and the network is connected. A conference call support device comprising terminal interface means for interfacing with a specific terminal a call signal to be transmitted / received via the terminal. 11. The method according to claim 1, wherein
The conference call support device according to the item, further comprising a storage means for storing a combination of an identifier given from the network and identification information of the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier, the transmission control means and the information notification means, from the network A conference call support device comprising: means for specifying a nominated candidate based on identification information stored in said storage means corresponding to a given identifier. 12. The conference call support device according to claim 11, wherein the storage means is provided from the network with the identifier and the identification information of the nominated candidate indicated by the identifier together with a unique call identifier indicating the conference call, And storing a combination of the call identifiers together with these identifiers and identification information, wherein the transmission control means and the information notifying means store the identifications stored in the storage means corresponding to the call identifiers and the identifiers given from the network. A conference call support device for identifying a nominated candidate based on information. 13. The method according to claim 1, wherein:
In the conference call support device described in the paragraph, the identification information of the nominated candidate and memo information indicating the content of the conference call should be separately recorded fields, and a set of records corresponding to each nominated candidate A memo database comprising: a memo database comprising: a memo database comprising: a memo database comprising: a memo database comprising: a memo database comprising: Allocate the record of the memo database to the nominated candidate, automatically set the identification information of the nominated candidate in the identification information field among the fields of this record, and take a man-machine interface related to updating the memo information field. A conference call support device comprising memo recording means.