JP2004023626A - Device and method for transferring telephone call - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a telephone transfer system in which a user does not have to perform procedures to acquire a telephone number from a telecommunications common carrier and can receive a telephone call away from the address of a given telephone number. <P>SOLUTION: A line connection device connected to a public telephone network and a data storage device connected to the line connection device are provided. The line connection device has a receiving means for receiving a call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers and a transfer means for connecting a telephone set relating to the call received by the receiving means to each of the telephone numbers of respective preset transfer destinations. The data storage device is provided with a storing means for storing a telephone number correspondence table that stores the telephone numbers of the transfer destinations which respectively correspond to the plurality of telephone numbers and telephone communication records for each of the telephone numbers, accordingly transfers a telephone call relating to a call to a prescribed telephone number to each of the telephone numbers of the preset transfer destinations and manages a telephone communication record relating to the call. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2004,JPO

Description

[0001]
TECHNICAL FIELD OF THE INVENTION
The present invention relates to a telephone transfer system connected to a public telephone network, and more particularly, to a telephone transfer system for transferring a telephone call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers to a corresponding destination telephone number.
[0002]
[Prior art]
Conventionally, as a countermeasure when a telephone operator in a small business etc. is absent, use the answering machine function of the telephone, or request a secretary agency service business to handle telephone calls It is being asked to respond to incoming calls.
[0003]
In addition, when a telephone contractor works for a certain period of time away from the original business office, a telephone transfer service by a telecommunications carrier is also provided. The telephone transfer service provided by this telecommunications carrier is to automatically transfer the telephone call to the telephone subscriber to the registered telephone number at the exchange that controls the telephone installation area of the telephone subscriber. is there.
[0004]
In any of the above cases, the operator using the telephone must apply to the communication operator for telephone use and obtain a telephone number. Since the establishment of a telephone line involves the construction of a telephone line connection by a telecommunications carrier, a predetermined period was required from application to the establishment of the line by the telecommunications carrier.
[0005]
In order to obtain a telephone number, it is natural that a realistic telephone installation place such as an office where a telephone is installed must be secured.
[0006]
[Problems to be solved by the invention]
However, there are many business establishments and individuals who want to use the telephone only for a relatively short period of time (for example, every few months). Furthermore, for example, a business or individual who wishes to secure a nominal office or location in a prime location of a city and exchange mail and parcels with customers and acquaintances at the business office or the like. There are many.
[0007]
In order to respond to the demands of businesses and individuals who want to open an office at an address in an urban area in this way, establish a realistic store in the urban area, open many PO boxes in the store, lend the PO boxes, Businesses that provide office services including postal services and home delivery services have been developed.
[0008]
However, even if a nominal office could be secured in the city center, a telephone could not be opened at the address of the office.
[0009]
The present invention enables a person using the above-mentioned post-office box to actually set up a telephone at the address where the post-office box is set up, and makes an application for telephone use to a telecommunications carrier to change a telephone number. A transfer telephone that does not require a procedure to obtain it, and that allows the user to receive a call at a location away from the address of the post office box without using the transfer telephone service provided by the telecommunications carrier for the established telephone. The purpose is to provide a system. Here, the transfer destination telephone may be a fixed telephone, a mobile telephone, or a PHS telephone.
[0010]
[Means for Solving the Problems]
For this reason, the present invention comprises a line connection device connected to a public telephone line network and a data storage device connected to the line connection device, wherein the line connection device is connected to a plurality of preset telephone numbers. Receiving means for receiving an outgoing call, and transfer means for connecting the telephone related to the outgoing call received by the receiving means to respective preset transfer destination telephone numbers, and the data storage device comprises: A telephone number correspondence table for storing the transfer destination telephone numbers corresponding to each of the plurality of telephone numbers, and storage means for storing a telephone communication record for each of the telephone numbers. It is an object of the present invention to provide a telephone transfer device for transferring a telephone call to a call destination telephone number set in advance and managing a telephone communication record relating to the call.
[0011]
As a result, the user of the telephone transfer only has to conclude a telephone number use contract for a predetermined period with the telephone transfer device having a plurality of preset telephone numbers, and a low cost without opening a new line. It will be possible to open a telephone.
[0012]
Further, the data storage device includes a server connected to a communication network based on TCP / IP, and the server stores the data in the telephone correspondence table based on a customer ID number and a password determined for each telephone number. The change of the transfer destination telephone number is permitted.
[0013]
As a result, the user of the telephone transfer can use the new transfer destination telephone number at the same time as the completion of the transfer destination telephone change procedure without newly opening a new telephone line.
[0014]
Here, the server provides the transfer destination telephone number corresponding to the predetermined telephone number by accessing the telephone number correspondence table based on a request from the line connection device. Here, the transfer destination can be used by switching a plurality of telephone numbers.
[0015]
Further, the line connection device is connectable to a plurality of public telephone networks, such as a fixed telephone public network, a mobile telephone public network, and a PHS telephone public network.
[0016]
The transfer means can transfer to a fixed telephone, a mobile telephone, or a PHS telephone.
[0017]
The communication record stored in the data storage means is a transfer record in which a call related to a call to the telephone number is transferred to the transfer destination telephone number, and a call time of the telephone after transfer for each transfer record. Contains. As a result, the user bears the fee according to the usage fee of the telephone number.
[0018]
The line connection device has one parent number and a plurality of child numbers in the public telephone line network, and each of the plurality of preset telephone numbers corresponds to each of the child numbers. As a result, a plurality of child telephone numbers can be set with a contract for using one parent number, so that there is no need for a waiting time until the line is opened due to construction work.
[0019]
Here, the present invention further includes a step of receiving a call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers, a step of notifying a server having a telephone number correspondence table of the telephone number of the call, Receiving the transfer telephone number of the call related to the call, transferring the call related to the call to the transfer telephone number, and storing the communication record related to the call and transfer. The present invention provides a telephone transfer method comprising the steps of:
[0020]
Here, the transfer destination telephone number in the telephone correspondence table is changed based on the customer ID number and the password determined for each telephone number.
[0021]
And, the transferring step can be transferred to a fixed telephone, a mobile telephone or a PHS telephone.
[0022]
The communication record includes a transfer record in which a call related to a call to the telephone number is transferred to the transfer destination telephone number, and a talk time of the telephone after transfer for each transfer record.
[0023]
This allows a business or individual user to rent a fixed telephone with an address in the city center area on a monthly basis, for example, without having to apply for a telephone establishment to the telecommunications carrier and use the telephone. I have to. Here, when the transfer destination is, for example, a mobile phone by one-line telephone rental, the mobile phone can receive calls to two telephone numbers, that is, the mobile phone number and the rented fixed telephone number.
[0024]
In addition, in the case of a local company expanding into an urban area or an urban enterprise expanding into a rural area, owning the telephone number of the address where the company is going to have a nominal office in the area. You can do it.
[0025]
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.
[0026]
FIG. 1 is a diagram showing an overall configuration of a communication network in a telephone transfer device and a telephone transfer method according to the present embodiment. FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a configuration of the data storage device.
[0027]
The telephone transfer device 1 shown in FIG. 1 includes a line connection device 2 and a data storage device 3 connected in cooperation with the line connection device 2. The telephone transfer device 1 is connected to a communication carrier 23 via a dedicated line 19.
[0028]
This example shown in FIG. 1 is based on TCP / IP (Transmission Control Protocol / Internet Protocol / Intranet, Internet, Extranet, hereinafter referred to as a public telephone line) for implementing "telephone transfer device and telephone transfer method" using a communication line network. FIG. 2 illustrates a communication network configuration (which will be described using an example of use).
[0029]
Note that the present invention can be implemented by other communication methods. For example, computer-to-computer communication such as Z / Y-MODEM or communication transmitted as facsimile communication can be performed, and these are also included in the present invention.
[0030]
In the communication network configuration shown in FIG. 1, together with data communication, ITU-T (International Telecommunication Union-Telecommunication Standardization Sector) / G3 standard facsimile communication, Internet Fax communication, general telephone communication, and VoIP (Voice over IP over the Internet) /H.323 protocol).
[0031]
This communication network includes a digital fixed communication network 20a and an analog fixed communication network 20b of ISDN (Integrated Services Digital Network), and a digital mobile communication network connected to the digital fixed communication network 20a by a gateway device GW that performs communication protocol conversion. 21 (the digital fixed communication network 20a, the analog fixed communication network 20b, and the digital mobile communication network 21 are collectively referred to as a communication network as appropriate).
[0032]
In the embodiment shown in FIG. 1, the digital fixed communication network 20a and the analog fixed communication network 20b include a transfer destination telephone 4, a calling telephone 5 and a facsimile device 34 of the called party using the telephone transfer device 1. Is connected.
[0033]
The digital mobile communication network 21 is, for example, a PDC (Personal Digital Cellular Communication System) system or a PHS (Personal Handyphone System) system, and has a cell base station 25. In order to realize the “telephone transfer device and telephone transfer method”, the cell base station 25 accommodates a large number of mobile phones 30 equipped with a web browser capable of accessing the Internet in a wireless section.
[0034]
In addition, the digital fixed communication network 20a is provided at a net bank, a credit card company, a call charge collection company, etc. for executing payment on the communication network by a credit card, a debit card, or the like by using a credit card, a debit card, or the like. It is possible to configure so that a net bank communication device is connected.
[0035]
The line connection device 2 has a function equivalent to a commonly used publicly known telephone exchange (PBX: Private Branch Exchange) or a telephone exchange.
[0036]
The line connection device (reception means) 2 has a function of switching connection between a caller (caller) and a called party (hereinafter, referred to as a customer as appropriate). A server interface 7 for transmitting and receiving data and an external interface 6 for connecting to a communication carrier 23 via a dedicated line 19. The circuit switching unit 8 has a communication path unit, a signal processing unit, a control unit, and a maintenance operation unit.
[0037]
The function of the line connection device 2 will be described in operation. The connection request of the calling party is detected, the called party is identified, and a necessary route is selected. Call the called party and detect the answer. Further, a necessary switch is closed and a connection path is set. After detecting the end of communication, the connection path is released.
[0038]
The server interface 7 of the line connection device 2 notifies the data storage device 3 of the connection state of the switch, the outgoing / incoming call to the external interface 6, and controls the switching of the switch according to the control data from the data storage device 3. This is an interface for performing the operation, and is connected to the application interface 9 of the data storage device 3 via the communication cable 17.
[0039]
The data storage device 3 includes a data file unit 10, a server 15, and an application interface 9.
[0040]
As shown in FIG. 2, the data file unit (storage means) 10 includes a telephone number correspondence table 11 storing a telephone number set in advance and a transfer destination telephone number corresponding to the telephone number on a one-to-one basis. , A customer information file 12 storing customer attributes, a communication record file 13 storing communication records for each telephone number for each customer, and various programs 14. The customer attributes of the customer information file 12 include the customer's name, address, contract telephone number, transfer destination telephone number, ID number, personal identification number (password), gender, age, fee payment method, credit number, usage contract period, and the like. Have been. The various programs execute and process the control of transmission / reception data, the selection of a transfer destination telephone number, the control of updating each file, the calculation of charges, the billing business, and the like.
[0041]
Further, the data file unit 10 stores the transfer destination telephone number corresponding to the telephone number on a one-to-one basis in the telephone number correspondence table 11, and makes a one-to-one correspondence with the telephone number received by the line connection device 2 and requested to be connected. The corresponding transfer destination telephone number is selected from the telephone number correspondence table 11. The program for designating the selected transfer destination telephone number and notifying the line connection device 2 of the connection to the transfer destination telephone number is executed.
[0042]
Further, the data storage device 3 has a server that permits the change of the telephone number of the transfer destination based on the customer ID number and the password determined for each telephone number. The server performs input / output control and management of telephone number data with the line connection device 2 and control of program execution.
[0043]
The application interface 9 is an interface through which various programs operating on the data storage device 3 access transmission data from the server interface 7.
[0044]
The data storage device (the data file unit 10 and the server 15) is connected to the line connection device 2 via the application interface 9 by the communication cable 17, and data indicating the connection state of the switch of the line connection device 2 and a caller (source). Call) The telephone number and transfer destination telephone number can be obtained, or control data can be transmitted to the line connection device 2 to change the switch to a desired connection state.
[0045]
Here, in the embodiment of the present invention, the telephone transfer device 1 is connected to a communication carrier 23 via a dedicated line 19. Since the telephone transfer device 1 and the communication carrier 23 are connected by the dedicated line 19, the communication fee is constant.
[0046]
Further, the telephone transfer apparatus 1 acquires the right to use the parent telephone number and a plurality of child telephone numbers associated with the parent telephone number based on the telephone use contract with the communication carrier 23. The telephone number that has been set after obtaining the usage right is stored in the data file unit 10 of the data storage device 3. The telephone transfer apparatus 1 assigns a predetermined telephone number from a plurality of preset child telephone numbers to a customer (a contract user of the telephone transfer apparatus 1) to permit use.
[0047]
As a result, the telephone transfer apparatus 1 can use a plurality of telephone numbers associated with the parent telephone number based on the telephone use contract with the communication carrier 23 at a low cost.
[0048]
In the above-described embodiment, the description has been given of the configuration of the parent telephone number and the child telephone number. However, a plurality of telephone numbers are not configured to have a relation between the parent telephone number and the child telephone number, and all the preset telephone numbers are set. The telephone number may be a telephone number based on an individual usage contract.
[0049]
The telephone number correspondence table 11 stores a preset telephone number and a transfer destination telephone number corresponding to the telephone number on a one-to-one basis.
[0050]
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of the telephone number correspondence table 11.
[0051]
In the telephone number correspondence table 11, the telephone transfer apparatus 1 assigns a preset telephone number to a customer (contractor of the transfer telephone apparatus) based on a telephone transfer use contract, and corresponds to the assigned contract telephone number. To store the transfer destination telephone number desired by the customer.
[0052]
As shown in the example of FIG. 3, the telephone number correspondence table 11 stores, for example, AAA-5678 of a contract telephone number assigned to a customer based on a use contract from a plurality of telephone numbers held by the telephone transfer apparatus 1. The telephone numbers 5555-6666 of the transfer destination are stored in association with each other.
[0053]
Further, the telephone number 9876-3123 of the transfer destination is stored in association with the contract telephone number AAAA-5679. Similarly, the contract telephone number and the transfer destination telephone number are associated with each other and stored in the telephone number correspondence table 11 as shown in FIG.
[0054]
As shown in FIG. 3, each telephone number is stored in the telephone number correspondence table 11 in such a manner that a transfer destination telephone number is associated with each contracted telephone number on a one-to-one basis.
[0055]
As described above, since the contract telephone number and the transfer destination telephone number are stored in association with each other, a connection request issued to contract telephone number AAAA-5678 is stored corresponding to contract telephone number AAAA-5678. The transfer destination telephone number 5555-6666 is selected and sent to the line connection device.
[0056]
Further, in the telephone transfer apparatus 1 and the telephone transfer method of the present invention, the transfer destination telephone number registered based on the telephone transfer use contract can be changed according to a customer request. In response to the transfer destination telephone number change request, the customer (the called party) transmits a customer ID number and a password determined for each telephone number to the telephone transfer device 1 from the transfer destination telephone 4.
[0057]
The server 15 that has received the request for the change of the transfer destination telephone number from the customer and received the customer ID number and the PIN number, checks whether the customer ID number and the PIN number registered in advance match the received customer ID number and the PIN number. Authentication processing is performed, and if they match, permission for the change is given. Based on the permission of the server 15, the contract telephone number, the transfer destination telephone number before the change, and the new transfer destination telephone number to be changed are transmitted to the data storage device 3.
[0058]
The data file section 10 deletes the corresponding currently registered transfer destination telephone number in the telephone number correspondence table 11 based on the transmitted new transfer destination telephone number to be changed, and replaces the new transfer destination telephone number with the contract telephone number. Register the change in association with. The transfer destination telephone number can be changed any number of times based on the permission of the server 15 to change the transfer destination telephone number.
[0059]
As a result, the customer who uses the telephone transfer can use the new transfer destination telephone number at the same time as the completion of the transfer destination telephone change procedure without additionally opening a new telephone line. For example, it is easy to change the transfer destination telephone from a fixed telephone to a mobile telephone. Further, even if the called party changes the address, the calling party only needs to call the same telephone number at the same address (the address where the telephone transfer device 1 is installed), and the calling party can call the calling telephone. No need to change numbers.
[0060]
As described above, in the telephone transfer apparatus 1 according to the present invention, it is possible to easily add, change, or delete a transfer destination telephone. When the period ends, all lines can be disconnected.
[0061]
Here, the transfer operation of the telephone transfer based on the outgoing call in the telephone transfer device 1 of the present invention will be described.
[0062]
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating the transfer operation of the telephone transfer. FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of the operation performed by the data storage device 3 after the called party ends the call.
[0063]
First, as shown in FIG. 4, when there is a call from the calling party's telephone 5 to the contracted telephone number AAAA-5678 of the customer (called party) via the communication network, the line connection device 2 starts the calling. A connection request is detected (S1), and a called party is identified (S2). The identified connection request telephone number (for example, “telephone number AAAA-5678”) is transmitted to the application interface 9 of the data storage device 3 via the server interface 7 (S3). The application interface 9 transmits the connection request number to the data file unit 10 (S4).
[0064]
The data file unit 10 stores the received connection request telephone number (“telephone number AAAA-5678”) into a transfer destination telephone number (for example, “telephone number 5555-6666”) corresponding to the connection request telephone number based on the telephone number correspondence table 11. ) Is selected (S5). The selected transfer destination telephone number “telephone number 5555-6666” is transmitted to the server interface 7 via the application interface 9 (S6).
[0065]
The server interface 7 transmits the transfer destination telephone number “telephone number 5555-6666” to the circuit switching unit 8 (S7). After selecting the necessary route (S8), the circuit switching unit 8 calls the called party (transfer destination telephone number "telephone number 5555-6666") (S9) and detects a response (S10). Further, the circuit switching unit 8 closes a necessary switch and sets a connection path (S11). The calling party and the called party make a call (S12). After detecting the end of the communication (S13), the line connection device 2 releases the connection path (S14).
[0066]
Further, as shown in FIG. 5, the line connection device 2 transmits the transfer destination telephone number and the recorded call time to the data storage device 3 at the end of the call (S20). The data storage device 3 receives the transfer destination telephone number and the recorded call time. (S21). Further, the data storage device 3 calculates a call charge based on the call time between the line connection device 2 and the transfer destination telephone number (S22), and stores the calculated call charge in the customer information file 12 and the communication record file 13. The stored call charge data is updated and stored (S23, S24). If the billing deadline for the predetermined call charge is reached (S25), a bill issuing process is executed (S26).
[0067]
The call charge between the caller's telephone and the line connection device 2 is borne by the caller as in the case of ordinary public line use. The call charge between the line connection device 2 and the called party (transfer destination) is borne by the called party.
[0068]
The telephone transfer device 1 can be installed in a plurality of areas. By arranging the telephone transfer device 1 at a plurality of locations in each area, a user who calls the telephone transfer device 1 can use the transfer telephone at a low call charge.
[0069]
In the above-described operation example, an example of telephone transfer using a fixed telephone has been described. However, similar transfer is possible for transfer of a mobile phone, PHS phone, FAX communication, Internet phone, e-mail, and the like.
[0070]
Further, in the above-described embodiment, the transfer destination telephone is set to the telephone number of the called party, but the transfer destination may be set to the telephone of a telephone reception agent. As a result, a secretary agency service can be performed. Furthermore, it can be a virtual office. Further, it is also possible to automatically respond to the telephone of the reception agent. Thereby, the telephone reception agency can perform reception for 24 hours.
[0071]
【The invention's effect】
As described above, the telephone transfer device and the telephone transfer method of the present invention include a line connection device connected to a public telephone line network and a data storage device connected to the line connection device. The apparatus includes: a receiving unit that receives a call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers; and a transfer that connects the telephone related to the call received by the receiving unit to each of the preset destination telephone numbers. Storage means for storing a telephone number correspondence table for storing the transfer destination telephone numbers corresponding to each of the plurality of telephone numbers, and a telephone communication record for each of the telephone numbers. Thus, it is configured to transfer a telephone call related to a call to a predetermined telephone number to the preset transfer destination telephone number and manage a telephone communication record related to the call.
[0072]
As a result, the user of the telephone transfer can use the telephone without opening a new line only by concluding a telephone number use contract for a predetermined period with the telephone transfer device having a plurality of preset telephone numbers. We made it possible.
[Brief description of the drawings]
FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of a communication network in a telephone transfer device and a telephone transfer method according to the present invention.
FIG. 2 shows a block diagram of a configuration of a data storage device.
FIG. 3 shows a configuration example of a telephone number correspondence table according to the present invention.
FIG. 4 is a flowchart illustrating a transfer operation of a telephone transfer.
FIG. 5 shows a flowchart of a process performed by the data storage device after the end of a call.
[Explanation of symbols]
1 telephone transfer device 2 line connection device (receiving means)
3 Data storage device 4 Transfer destination telephone (called party)
5 Calling telephone (caller)
7 server interface 8 circuit switching unit (transfer means)
9 Application interface 10 Data file part (storage means)
11 Telephone number correspondence table 12 Customer information file 13 Communication record file 14 Program file 18 Communication cable 19 Dedicated line 23 Communication carrier

Claims (11)

A line connection device connected to a public telephone line network and a data storage device connected to the line connection device,
The line connection device,
Receiving means for receiving a call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers;
A transfer means for connecting the telephone related to the outgoing call received by the reception means to each of the transfer destination telephone numbers set in advance,
The data storage device includes a storage unit that stores a telephone number correspondence table that stores the transfer destination telephone number corresponding to each of the plurality of telephone numbers and a telephone communication record for each of the telephone numbers,
Thus, a telephone transfer device for transferring a telephone call for a call to a predetermined telephone number to the preset transfer destination telephone number and managing a telephone communication record for the call. The data storage device includes a server connected to a communication network based on TCP / IP,
2. The telephone transfer apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the server permits a change of a transfer destination telephone number in the telephone correspondence table based on a customer ID number and a password determined for each telephone number. . 3. The server according to claim 2, wherein the server provides a transfer destination telephone number corresponding to the predetermined telephone number by accessing the telephone number correspondence table based on a request from the line connection device. Telephone transfer device. 2. The telephone according to claim 1, wherein the line connection device is connectable to a plurality of public telephone networks such as a fixed telephone public network, a mobile telephone public network, and a PHS telephone public network. Transfer device. The telephone transfer device according to claim 1, wherein the transfer unit is capable of transferring to a fixed telephone, a mobile telephone, or a PHS telephone. The communication record stored in the data storage means is a transfer record in which a call related to a call to the telephone number is transferred to the transfer destination telephone number, and a call time of the telephone after transfer for each transfer record. The telephone transfer device according to claim 1 including: The said line connection apparatus has one parent number and several child numbers in the said public telephone line network, Each of the several telephone numbers set beforehand corresponds to each of the said child numbers. A telephone transfer device as described. Receiving a call to a plurality of preset telephone numbers;
Notifying a server having a telephone number correspondence table of a telephone number related to the call;
Receiving, from the server, a transfer telephone number of the telephone related to the call;
Transferring the call associated with the call to the transfer telephone number;
Storing a communication record related to the call and transfer;
A telephone transfer method comprising the steps of: 9. The telephone transfer method according to claim 8, wherein the transfer destination telephone number in the telephone correspondence table is changed based on a customer ID number and a password determined for each telephone number. 9. The telephone transfer method according to claim 8, wherein the transferring step is capable of transferring to a fixed telephone, a mobile telephone, or a PHS telephone. 9. The telephone according to claim 8, wherein the communication record includes a transfer record in which a call related to a call to the telephone number is transferred to the transfer destination telephone number, and a talk time of the telephone after transfer for each transfer record. Transfer method.

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