Telephone switching equipment, telephone terminal, telephone switching system, control method, and computer readable medium

Abstract

A telephone switching apparatus (10) according to the present disclosure is provided with: a storage unit (11) for storing a registration table (11a) in which a plurality of personal telephone numbers are registered for each telephone terminal; an acquisition unit (12) for acquiring a result of authentication of a user with respect to a telephone terminal; a registration unit (13) for registering the telephone terminal and the personal telephone number of the user in the registration table (11a) in association with each other, in accordance with the acquired authentication result; and a control unit (14) for controlling outgoing / incoming calls using the personal telephone number of the user at the telephone terminal, based on the registration table (11a) in which registration has occurred.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to telephone switching equipment, telephone terminals, telephone switching systems, methods for controlling telephone switching equipment, and control procedures. Background Technology

[0002] Telephone exchanges such as Private Branch Exchanges (PBXs) accommodate multiple telephones and configure extension numbers for each phone. This configuration depends on the office environment in which the telephones are installed. For example, in a free-address office, flexible extension numbering is ideal.

[0003] For example, patent documents 1 to 3 are known as related technologies. Patent document 1 describes an IP telephone system in a free-address office where a telephone installed on a desk can be temporarily used as one's own telephone by logging in.

[0004] Furthermore, Patent Document 2 describes a telephone system with personal authentication functionality, in which the calling telephone performs user authentication and sends the caller's identification information to the receiving telephone, while the receiving telephone displays the caller identification information received from the calling telephone. Patent Document 3 describes a telephone system where multiple extension numbers used by each of multiple users are assigned to extension telephones, and when a call is received, the username associated with the destination extension number is audio-output.

[0005] Reference List

[0006] Patent documents

[0007] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2007-142621

[0008] [Patent Document 2] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. 2006-174109

[0009] [Patent Document 3] Japanese Unexamined Patent Application No. H08-191467 Summary of the Invention

[0010] Technical issues

[0011] In Patent Document 1, the telephone installed on the desk in a free address office can be temporarily used as a personal telephone. However, in a free address office, the number of telephones installed on the desk may be less than the number of seats, but this situation is not taken into account in Patent Document 1.

[0012] Therefore, in prior art such as Patent Document 1, when the number of users exceeds the number of installed telephones, there is a possibility that not all users will be able to use the telephone. Thus, the problem with the prior art is that multiple users may find it difficult to flexibly use a single telephone (telephone terminal).

[0013] In view of the above problems, the object of the present invention is to provide a telephone switching device, a telephone terminal, a telephone switching system, a method for controlling the telephone switching device, and a control program, thereby enabling multiple users to flexibly use a single telephone terminal.

[0014] Solution to the problem

[0015] A telephone switching device according to the present disclosure includes: a storage unit configured to store a registration form that registers multiple personal telephone numbers for each telephone terminal; an acquisition unit configured to acquire authentication results of a user for a telephone terminal; a registration unit configured to associate the telephone terminal and the user's personal telephone number based on the acquired authentication results, and to register the associated telephone terminal and personal telephone number in the registration form based on the acquired authentication results; and a control unit configured to control outgoing / incoming calls made by the telephone terminal using the user's personal telephone number based on the registered registration form.

[0016] A telephone terminal according to the present disclosure includes: an authentication unit configured to issue an authentication request based on the authentication information of an input user; an acquisition unit configured to acquire the authentication result of the authentication request and the user's personal telephone number; a setting unit configured to set an incoming call output operation for each of a plurality of personal telephone numbers, including the acquired personal telephone number; and an output unit configured to perform an incoming call output operation based on the set incoming call output operation and the incoming personal telephone number.

[0017] A telephone switching system according to this disclosure includes the aforementioned telephone switching equipment and the aforementioned telephone terminal.

[0018] A method for controlling a telephone exchange according to this disclosure is a method for controlling the aforementioned telephone exchange. A control program according to this disclosure is a program for executing the method for controlling the aforementioned telephone exchange.

[0019] Beneficial effects of the invention

[0020] According to this disclosure, telephone switching equipment, telephone terminals, telephone switching systems, methods for controlling telephone switching equipment, and control programs can be provided, thereby enabling multiple users to flexibly use a single telephone terminal. Attached Figure Description

[0021] Figure 1 This is a configuration diagram illustrating an outline of a telephone switching system according to an example embodiment.

[0022] Figure 2 This is a configuration diagram showing an outline of a telephone switching device according to an example embodiment.

[0023] Figure 3 This is a configuration diagram showing a summary of a telephone terminal according to an example embodiment.

[0024] Figure 4 This is a configuration diagram illustrating a configuration example of a telephone switching system according to a first example embodiment.

[0025] Figure 5 This is a diagram illustrating an example of a registration form according to a first example embodiment.

[0026] Figure 6 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the registration operation of a telephone exchange system according to a first example embodiment.

[0027] Figure 7 This is a sequence diagram illustrating the incoming call operation of a telephone switching system according to a first example embodiment.

[0028] Figure 8 This is a sequence diagram illustrating a call initiation operation of a telephone exchange system according to a first example embodiment. Detailed Implementation

[0029] (Study on forming an example)

[0030] Currently, as part of the reform of work styles, companies are introducing remote work systems that enable flexible work styles without location and time restrictions, as well as a free address system that does not require a fixed seat, and are trying to improve the productivity and efficiency of each employee and improve the work-life balance.

[0031] Satellite office work in remote work allows employees to work in locations different from their original workplaces, and work arrangements such as flexible addresses allow each employee to work in a seat of their choice rather than in a pre-assigned fixed seat.

[0032] One challenge of this work style is ensuring effective communication between employees and customers.

[0033] There are various communication methods available for employees and customers, such as conversation, email, and web conferencing. Among these, telephone voice communication has been adopted by many companies and is an indispensable method because it enables real-time communication. However, distributing mobile devices such as mobile phones or smartphones to each employee for voice communication increases the company's communication costs. Additionally, there is a system called Bring Your Own Device (BYOD), where personally owned smart devices are used for business purposes. However, this system is difficult to implement easily because it requires companies to take security measures to prevent information leaks.

[0034] Therefore, the inventors have researched a system using a telephone exchange that accommodates multi-functional telephones, thus enabling a communication method capable of coping with this increasingly diverse office environment. However, changing the data on the telephone exchange requires the work of a specialized installation manager, which also suffers from a lack of real-time performance and flexibility.

[0035] For example, even when the number of shared telephones installed in a free-address office is less than the number of users, all users can use the installed shared telephones as their own private telephones. In Patent Document 1, in a free-address office where the number of installed telephones is less than the number of seats, some users may be unable to use the telephones when the number of users present exceeds the number of installed telephones. Furthermore, in Patent Documents 2 and 3, by simultaneously authenticating a single shared telephone, it cannot be used by multiple people simultaneously.

[0036] Therefore, in the example embodiment below, in order to enable a telephone to be shared by a variable number of users, the data of the telephone exchange is automatically changed while ensuring security, thereby enabling flexible modification of the line information contained in the multi-function telephone.

[0037] (Example Overview)

[0038] Figure 1 An outline of a telephone switching system according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 2 An outline of a telephone switching device according to an example embodiment is shown, and Figure 3 An outline of a telephone terminal according to an example embodiment is shown. Figure 1 As shown, the telephone switching system 1 according to an example embodiment includes a telephone switching device 10 and a telephone terminal 20, which are interconnected in a manner that enables them to communicate with each other. The telephone terminal 20 can be shared by multiple users (such as user A and user B) through authentication.

[0039] like Figure 2 As shown, the telephone switching equipment 10 includes a storage unit 11, an acquisition unit 12, a registration unit 13, and a control unit 14. The storage unit 11 stores a registration form 11a for registering multiple personal telephone numbers (extension numbers) for each telephone terminal 20. The acquisition unit 12 acquires the authentication result of the user relative to the telephone terminal 20. Based on the acquired authentication result, the registration unit 13 registers the telephone terminal 20 and the user's personal telephone number in association in the registration form 11a. The control unit 14 uses the user's personal telephone number at the telephone terminal 20 to control outgoing / incoming calls based on the registered registration form.

[0040] like Figure 3 As shown, the telephone terminal 20 includes an authentication unit 21, an acquisition unit 22, a setting unit 23, and an output unit 24 to enable sharing among multiple users. The authentication unit 21 sends an authentication request to, for example, a telephone exchange 10 that performs authentication processing, based on the user's input authentication information. The acquisition unit 22 acquires the authentication result in response to the authentication request and, based on the authentication result, acquires the user's personal telephone number from, for example, the telephone exchange 10 that registers personal telephone numbers. The setting unit 23 sets an incoming call output operation for each of a plurality of personal telephone numbers, including the acquired personal telephone number. The output unit 24 performs an incoming call output operation based on the set incoming call output operation and the incoming personal telephone number.

[0041] As described above, in the example embodiment, since the telephone terminal and the user's personal telephone number (extension number) are automatically registered in association with each other based on the user's authentication result relative to the telephone terminal, all users can still use the shared telephone simultaneously as if it were their own private telephone, even when the number of users is greater than the number of shared telephones installed in the free address office.

[0042] Specifically, according to the example embodiment, by installing a multi-function telephone with personal authentication execution capabilities in a satellite office or free address floor, and by implementing a method for flexibly and automatically changing the sub-line (extension number) housed in the multi-function telephone, voice communication can be achieved while ensuring user security and mobility, not only when the multi-function telephone is used by one user, but also when the multi-function telephone is shared by multiple users.

[0043] (First example implementation)

[0044] In the following description, a first exemplary embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. First, the configuration of a telephone switching system according to this exemplary embodiment will be described.

[0045] Figure 4A configuration example of a telephone switching system 2 according to this example embodiment is shown. Figure 4 As shown, the telephone exchange system 2 includes a telephone exchange 100, multiple multi-function telephones 200, a personal authentication system 300, and a personal database 310. It should be noted that... Figure 4 The configuration described here is an example, and any other configuration may be used, as long as it is possible to operate according to the example embodiment described later.

[0046] In the telephone exchange system 2, the telephone exchange 100 accommodates a multi-function telephone 200 with multiple extension numbers, and the multi-function telephone 200 can be shared by multiple users through personal authentication. To achieve this sharing, the multi-function telephone 200 has the function of performing personal authentication for users, the personal authentication system 300 has functions such as biometric authentication for users, the personal database 310 manages the extension numbers of users to be authenticated, and the telephone exchange 100 has an interface that can modify telephone data (registration data) from the personal authentication system 300.

[0047] The telephone exchange 100, multiple multifunction telephones 200, and personal authentication system 300 are communicatively connected via a network 400 such as a local area network (LAN). A personal database 310 can be connected directly to the personal authentication system 300 or via the LAN 400.

[0048] The multi-function telephone 200 is an extension telephone installed in satellite offices, free address floors, conference rooms, etc., and is a shared telephone that can be used by multiple users. When multiple users perform personal authentication on a multi-function telephone 200 and successfully authenticate, each of the multiple users can use this multi-function telephone 200 as a personal telephone. The functions of the personal telephone include making calls using a personal phone number and personalized one-touch button settings.

[0049] The multifunction telephone 200 includes an authentication device 210 for inputting authentication data required for personal authentication of multiple users. For example, the authentication device 210 may be an ID / password input device for ID / password authentication, an IC card reader for IC card authentication (employee ID card authentication), a camera for facial authentication, or other biometric information input device for biometric authentication. The authentication device 210 may be a device located outside the multifunction telephone 200 or an internal device of the multifunction telephone 200.

[0050] The multifunction telephone 200 includes, for example, a communication interface (IF) 201, a storage unit 202, an authentication unit 203, a display unit 204, a speaker 205, a microphone 206, an operation unit 207, and a control unit 208 to enable the functions necessary for personal authentication and shared telephone use.

[0051] Communication IF 201 is a communication unit that communicates with telephone exchange 100 and personal authentication system 300 via network 400. For example, communication IF 201 sends / receives data and messages related to personal authentication to / from personal authentication system 300, and sends / receives data and messages related to outgoing / incoming calls to / from telephone exchange 100.

[0052] Storage unit 202 stores data required for the operation of the multifunction telephone 200. For example, storage unit 202 stores identification information (unique data) of the multifunction telephone 200, extension numbers of multiple users who have successfully completed personal authentication, ringtones, and incoming call indicator lights (these are different for each extension number), and, when necessary, stores information used for personal authentication (verification data associated with the extension number). Storage unit 202 can also be described as a setting unit for setting personal settings information, such as incoming call output operations for each of the multiple extension numbers, one-touch buttons, and a phonebook. Personal settings information for each extension number can be preset in storage unit 202, or can be set based on the user's operations when obtaining registration results from the telephone exchange 100. Display unit 204 and speaker 205 can also be described as output units that perform different incoming call output operations for each incoming extension number based on the personal settings information in storage unit 202.

[0053] The authentication unit 203 performs the processing required for personal authentication of multiple users. For example, the authentication unit 203 acquires authentication data (ID / password information, IC card information, facial image information, other types of biometric information, etc.) input by the user via the authentication device 210, and sends the acquired authentication data and identification information from the multifunction telephone 200 to the personal authentication system 300 via the communication IF 201 and the network 400 (executes an authentication request). Additionally, the authentication unit 203 performs authentication processing to identify the user when making or receiving a call. The authentication unit 203 can identify the initiating extension number based on the authentication result of the user performing the call.

[0054] Display unit 204 displays necessary information when a call is made / received and during a call. When a call is made or received, display unit 204 displays the initiating extension number (outbound number), the caller's name, the destination extension number (outbound number), the called party's name, etc. Preferably, display unit 204 provides a different display for each user's extension number to be used. For example, when a call is received, display unit 204 performs the display by using a display method assigned to the incoming extension number (such as the color or flashing of the incoming call indicator light).

[0055] The speaker 205 outputs voice when making / receiving a call and during a call. The speaker 205 preferably outputs a different sound for each user's extension number. For example, when a call is received, the speaker 205 emits a sound using the ringtone assigned to the called extension number. The microphone 206 is used by the user to input voice during a call. The operation unit 207 is a button, touchpad, etc., and receives user operations required for personal authentication and making / receiving calls. The control unit 208 is a control unit that controls the operation of each unit of the multifunction telephone 200. For example, the control unit (acquisition unit) 208 acquires the authentication result and extension number (registration result) of the authenticated user from the telephone exchange 100, and controls call initiation / receiving operations and call operations for each user using the acquired extension number.

[0056] The personal authentication system 300 is an authentication device that performs personal authentication processing for multiple users using a multifunction telephone 200. The personal authentication system 300 can be installed within the telephone exchange 100. The personal authentication system 300 includes, for example, a communication IF 301, a storage unit 302, an authentication unit 303, and a search unit 304 to implement the functions required for performing personal authentication processing.

[0057] Communication IF 301 is a communication unit that performs communication with multifunction telephone 200 and telephone exchange 100 via network 400. For example, communication IF 301 sends / receives data and messages related to personal authentication to / from multifunction telephone 200, and sends / receives data and messages related to extension numbers of multifunction telephone 200 to / from telephone exchange 100.

[0058] Storage unit 302 stores the data required for the operation of personal authentication system 300. For example, storage unit 302 stores verification data used for personal authentication and personal data (personal identification information) used to identify an individual in an interconnected manner.

[0059] The authentication unit 303 receives data required for personal authentication of multiple users from the multifunction telephone 200 via the communication IF 301 and the network 400, and performs personal authentication processing. Personal authentication processing includes ID / password authentication using ID / password information, IC card authentication using IC card information, facial authentication using facial image information, and biometric authentication using other types of biometric information (such as fingerprints). The authentication unit 303 references the verification data in the storage unit 302 and authenticates and identifies individuals based on the authentication data obtained through the multifunction telephone 200. Specifically, when authentication is successful, the individual can be identified based on personal data associated with verification data matching the user's authentication data.

[0060] Search unit 304 refers to personal database 310 and searches for extension numbers (authentication results) of multiple successfully authenticated users. Personal database (extension number database) 310 stores personal data and extension numbers (extension number information) in an interconnected manner. Search unit 304, in cooperation with personal database 310, retrieves extension numbers associated with individuals identified through the authentication process, and transmits the identified extension numbers and identification information of multifunction telephone 200 to telephone exchange 100 via communication IF 301 and network 400. Alternatively, search unit 304 can be described as a conversion processing unit that converts the personal data of successfully authenticated users into extension numbers.

[0061] The telephone exchange 100 is a PBX or similar device that houses multiple multifunction telephones 200 and registers the extension numbers of the housed multifunction telephones 200. For example, the telephone exchange 100 includes a communication IF 101, a storage unit 102, a registration unit 103, and a control unit 104 to perform the functions required for extension number registration and telephone exchange equipment.

[0062] Communication IF 101 is a communication unit that communicates with multifunction telephone 200 and personal authentication system 300 via network 400. For example, communication IF 101 sends / receives data and messages related to extension numbers of multifunction telephone 200 to / from personal authentication system 300, and sends / receives data and messages related to outgoing / incoming calls and calls to / from multifunction telephone 200.

[0063] Storage unit 102 stores data required for the operation of telephone exchange 100. For example, storage unit 102 stores registration form 102a for registering multiple extension numbers (sub-lines) for each multifunction telephone 200. Figure 5 An example of a registration form 102a registered in storage unit 102 is shown. For example... Figure 5As shown, registration form 102a stores the identification information of the multifunction telephone 200 and the extension number of the user using the multifunction telephone 200 in a mutually associated manner. The telephone identification information is any identification information capable of identifying the multifunction telephone 200, and is, for example, an IP address. Figure 5 In the example, registration is performed as follows: extension numbers “1111” and “2222” can be used to identify a phone with information “XXX.XXX.XXX.001”, while extension number “3333” can be used to identify a phone with information “XXX.XXX.XXX.002”.

[0064] Registration unit 103 receives extension numbers, etc., from personal authentication system 300 via communication IF 101 and network 400. Registration unit 103 can also be described as an acquisition unit for obtaining the authentication results (extension numbers, etc.) of a user relative to multifunction telephone 200. Registration unit 103 receives extension numbers of multiple successfully authenticated users and identification information of multifunction telephone 200, and automatically registers (adds) multiple extension numbers received as sub-lines of multifunction telephone 200 from this information into registration table 102a. When a user performs a registration deletion operation on multifunction telephone 200 for their own extension number, registration unit 103 deletes the extension number from registration table 102a (cancels sub-line setting). As a method of canceling sub-line registration, instead of the user performing the cancellation operation themselves, the data settings of the original multifunction telephone can be changed when the user performs personal authentication and sub-line registration on another multifunction telephone.

[0065] Control unit 104 is a control unit that controls the operation of each unit of telephone exchange 100, and controls outgoing / incoming calls and incoming calls to each extension number of multifunction telephone 200 based on, for example, registration table 102a. Control unit 104 refers to registration table 102a and performs controls such that multifunction telephone 200 receives incoming calls to registered extension numbers.

[0066] In such Figure 4 In the configuration shown, callers can make calls by dialing the same extension number without knowing the location of the person they wish to call (satellite office, free address floor, conference room, etc.), thus ensuring voice communication with the individual.

[0067] Next, the operation of the telephone switching system according to this example embodiment will be described. Although the registration of a user and outgoing / incoming calls will be described below, in this example embodiment, multiple sub-lines (extension numbers) can be accommodated in a multi-function telephone, and a single multi-function telephone can be shared and used by multiple users by performing the following operations.

[0068] Figure 6The flowchart of the registration operation of telephone switching system 2 according to this example embodiment is shown. Figure 6 As shown, firstly, the user selects, for example, a multifunction telephone 200 whose installation location is closest to the workplace (S101), and performs personal authentication by operating the authentication device 210 of the selected multifunction telephone 200 (S102). Then, the authentication unit 203 of the multifunction telephone 200 begins the authentication process (S103), acquires the authentication data input to the authentication device 210 (S104), and sends the acquired authentication data and identification information (e.g., “XXX.XXX.XXX.001”) of the multifunction telephone 200 to the personal authentication system 300 (S105).

[0069] Next, the authentication unit 303 of the personal authentication system 300 performs authentication processing (S106). The authentication unit 303 compares the authentication data received from the multifunction telephone 200 with the verification data pre-registered in the storage unit 302 and identifies the individual. At this time, if there is no verification data matching the authentication data in the storage unit 202 (i.e., when the individual cannot be identified), it is determined that an authentication error has occurred and the error result is sent to the multifunction telephone 200 (S107), and the processing is suspended.

[0070] On the other hand, when verification data matching the authentication data exists in storage unit 202 (specifically, when an individual is identified), search unit 304 performs search processing (S108). For example, search unit 304 sends the user's authentication result (personal data corresponding to the verification data) to personal database 310 and verifies the extension number associated with the personal data from personal database 310, which stores extension numbers associated with each individual. Personal database 310 returns the user's extension number search result (extension number associated with the personal data) to personal authentication system 300. Search unit 304 sends the extension number included in the returned result (e.g., "1111") along with the identification information of multifunction telephone 200 requiring data modification to telephone exchange 100 (S109).

[0071] Next, the registration unit 103 of the telephone exchange 100 performs data modification processing (S110) for the multifunction telephone 200. The registration unit 103 modifies the sub-line data (extension number) of the multifunction telephone 200 in the registration table 102a. For example, when the identification information "XXX.XXX.XXX.001" and extension number "1111" of the multifunction telephone 200 are received, the identification information "XXX.XXX.XXX.001" and extension number "1111" are associated with each other and registered in the table 102a. Figure 5The registration form 102a is shown. Furthermore, the registration unit 103 sends the processing results (authentication results and data setting results) to the multifunction telephone 200 (S111). Then, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 obtains the authentication results and data setting results from the telephone exchange 100, and the display unit 204 displays the obtained results to the user (S112). Afterwards, incoming calls destined for the user are sent to the multifunction telephone 200, and the data settings of the multifunction telephone 200 are performed according to this process.

[0072] Figure 7 The operation of a telephone switching system according to this example embodiment is illustrated, and the operation of the system is also illustrated. Figure 6 The incoming call operation after the registration operation is completed.

[0073] like Figure 7 As shown, firstly, when a call initiation operation for a destination extension number is performed in the initiating call, the telephone exchange 100 receives a call receive request message for the destination extension number (e.g., "1111") from the initiating call (S201). The initiating call can be a telephone housed in the telephone exchange 100 or a telephone on an external network. Specifically, the telephone number of the initiating call can be an extension number or an external number.

[0074] When a call reception request message is received, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 refers to the registration table 102a, selects the multifunction telephone 200 (e.g., the telephone with identification information "XXX.XXX.XXX.001") associated with the destination extension number included in the received call reception request message (S202), and sends the call reception request message to the selected multifunction telephone 200 (S203).

[0075] Subsequently, when a call reception request message is received from the telephone exchange 100, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 performs an incoming call operation based on the destination extension number included in the received call reception request message. For example, a ringtone related to the destination extension number is emitted from the speaker 205 (S204), and the destination extension number and the incoming call indicator (related to the extension number) are displayed on the display unit 204 based on information about the ringtone and the incoming call indicator (which is pre-registered in the storage unit 202) (S205).

[0076] By setting different ringtones and incoming call indicators for each extension number (sub-line) in the multifunction telephone 200, even when the multifunction telephone 200 is shared by multiple users, the system can determine which user the call is for based on the ringtone and incoming call indicator. Therefore, there is no need to prepare a multifunction telephone or mobile device for each person, and a highly efficient telephone system with reduced operating costs can be built.

[0077] Furthermore, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 returns the incoming call message that initiated the call to the telephone exchange 100 (S206). The incoming call message includes the destination extension number (e.g., "1111"). Additionally, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 sends the returned incoming call message to the initiating telephone (S207).

[0078] Subsequently, the user performs an answering operation on the operation unit 207 of the multifunction telephone 200 (S208). At this time, authentication processing is performed to identify the user who performed the answering operation (S209). This authentication processing can be performed by the authentication unit 203 of the multifunction telephone 200, or it can be performed by requesting the personal authentication system 300 to perform authentication. Authentication is successful when the authentication data of the user entered into the authentication device 210 matches the verification data of the user who entered the extension number. When another user present answers the phone on behalf of the user, the authentication process can be omitted, and the other user can answer the phone.

[0079] Upon successful authentication, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 sends a response message to the telephone exchange 100 for the initiating call (S210). The response message includes the extension number of the destination extension number (e.g., "1111"). Furthermore, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 sends the received response message to the initiating telephone (S211). Therefore, communication (calling) is enabled, and the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 displays the extension number for which communication is enabled on the display unit 204 (S212), and communication with the initiating telephone using the microphone 206 and speaker 205 is initiated (S213).

[0080] Figure 8 The operation of a telephone switching system according to this example embodiment is illustrated, and the operation of the system is also illustrated. Figure 6 The call initiation operation is performed after the registration operation is completed.

[0081] like Figure 8As shown, firstly, the user initiates a call to the destination phone on the operation unit 207 of the multifunction telephone 200 (S301). At this time, authentication processing is performed to identify the user who initiated the call (S302). This authentication processing can be performed by the authentication unit 203 of the multifunction telephone 200, or it can be performed by requesting authentication from the personal authentication system 300. When the authentication data entered into the authentication device 210 matches the verification data of the user using the multifunction telephone 200, authentication is successful, and the user and the extension number to be used are identified.

[0082] For example, data from the phone book used by the identified user can be displayed on the display unit 204 of the multifunction telephone 200, or the identified user can use a one-touch button. In the case where another user present initiates a call on behalf of the identified user, the authentication process can be omitted, and that other user can choose to initiate the call using an extension number. The destination phone can be a telephone housed in the telephone exchange 100 or a telephone on an external network. Specifically, the destination phone number can be an extension number or an external number.

[0083] Upon successful authentication, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 sends a call initiation request message for the destination telephone to the telephone exchange 100 (S303). This call initiation request message includes the telephone number of the destination telephone entered by the user and the initiating extension number of the user identified through authentication (e.g., "1111"). Furthermore, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 forwards the received call initiation request message to the destination telephone (S304).

[0084] Next, the telephone exchange 100 receives an incoming call message from the destination telephone for the extension number of the initiating multifunction telephone 200 (S305). Then, similar to S202 in the case of an incoming call, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 refers to the registration table 102a, selects the multifunction telephone 200 associated with the initiating extension number included in the received incoming call message (e.g., a telephone with identification information "XXX.XXX.XXX.001") (S306), and sends the incoming call message to the selected multifunction telephone 200 (S307).

[0085] Subsequently, when an incoming call message is received from the telephone exchange 100, the control unit 208 of the multifunction telephone 200 displays an indication of an incoming call on the display unit 204 (S308). At this time, the display based on the initiating extension number can be performed in a manner similar to that in the case of an incoming call.

[0086] Next, when an answering operation is performed on the destination phone, the telephone exchange 100 receives an answering message from the destination phone for the extension number of the initiating multifunction phone 200 (S309). Then, similar to S202 and S306 in the case of an incoming call, the control unit 104 of the telephone exchange 100 refers to the registration table 102a, selects the multifunction phone 200 associated with the initiating extension number included in the received answering message (S310), and sends the answering message to the selected multifunction phone 200 (S311). As a result, communication (call) is enabled, and the control unit 208 of the multifunction phone 200 displays the extension number on the display unit 204 where communication is enabled (S312), and communication with the destination phone using the microphone 206 and speaker 205 is initiated (S313).

[0087] As described above, in this example embodiment, a user wishing to use an extension phone performs personal authentication from the extension phone (such as a multifunction phone used in a business), thereby identifying the extension number associated with the user and automatically registering the extension number as one of the extension phone's lines (sub-lines). Alternatively, the extension numbers of multiple users who have completed personal authentication can be registered as sub-lines in a shared extension phone, allowing multiple users to share that shared extension phone.

[0088] It should be noted that although such data settings for extension phones often require a dedicated installation manager to make data changes, a flexible telephone system without fixed user locations can be built by implementing real-time and automatic registration and deletion within the system.

[0089] By introducing the system according to this example embodiment, users can use a shared multi-function phone as if it were their own terminal, regardless of their work location, while still ensuring voice communication. Businesses do not need to prepare mobile devices for everyone and can build a flexible telephone system, thereby reducing the burden of communication costs.

[0090] Note that this disclosure is not limited to the above-described exemplary embodiments, and modifications may be made appropriately without departing from the scope of this disclosure. For example, in the above-described exemplary embodiments, as an alternative to a multi-function telephone capable of accommodating multiple lines (sub-lines), a softphone with similar functionality and operating on a personal computer or smartphone can be used.

[0091] Each configuration in the above example embodiments is configured by hardware, software, or both, and may be configured by one or more hardware or software components. The function (processing) of each device can be implemented by a computer having a CPU, memory, etc. For example, a program for performing the method according to the example embodiment (control method for a telephone switching device) can be stored in a storage device, and each function can be implemented by the CPU executing the program stored in the storage device.

[0092] These programs can be stored and provided to a computer using various types of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer-readable media include magnetic recording media (e.g., floppy disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (e.g., magneto-optical disks), read-only memory (CD-ROM), CD-R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (e.g., mask ROM, programmable ROM (PROM), erasable PROM (EPROM), flash memory ROM, random access memory (RAN)). Furthermore, programs can be provided to a computer using various types of transient computer-readable media. Examples of transient computer-readable media include electrical signals, optical signals, and electromagnetic waves. Transient computer-readable media can provide programs to a computer via wired or wireless communication paths such as electrical wires and optical fibers.

[0093] Although the present invention has been described above with reference to exemplary embodiments, the present invention is not limited to the above description. Various modifications to the structure and details of the present invention that will be understood by those skilled in the art can be made within the scope of the present invention.

[0094] This application is based on and claims priority to Japanese Patent Application No. 2019-224566, filed on December 12, 2019, the entire disclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference.

[0095] List of reference numerals

[0096] 1,2 Telephone Switching System

[0097] 10. Telephone switching equipment

[0098] 11 storage units

[0099] 11a Registration Form

[0100] 12 Acquisition Unit

[0101] 13 Registration Units

[0102] 14 Control Unit

[0103] 20 Telephone terminals

[0104] 21 Authentication Units

[0105] 22 Acquisition Unit

[0106] 23 Setting Unit

[0107] 24 Output Units

[0108] 100 telephone exchange

[0109] 101 Communication IF

[0110] 102 storage units

[0111] 102a Registration Form

[0112] Registration Unit 103

[0113] 104 Control Unit

[0114] 200 Multifunctional Telephone

[0115] 201 Communication IF

[0116] 202 storage units

[0117] 203 Authentication Unit

[0118] 204 display units

[0119] 205 speakers

[0120] 206 microphones

[0121] 207 Operation Unit

[0122] 208 Controller

[0123] 210 Certified Equipment

[0124] 300 Personal Authentication System

[0125] 301 Communication IF

[0126] 302 storage unit

[0127] 303 Authentication Unit

[0128] 304 Search Unit

[0129] 310 Personal Database

[0130] 400 network.

Claims

1. A telephone switching device, comprising: The storage unit is configured to store a registration form that registers multiple personal telephone numbers for each telephone terminal; The acquisition unit is configured to acquire authentication results from multiple users for the telephone terminal; The registration unit is configured to: associate the telephone terminal with the personal phone numbers of multiple successfully authenticated users based on the obtained authentication results, and register the telephone terminal and the personal phone numbers in the registration table; as well as The control unit is configured to control outgoing / incoming calls made using the user's personal telephone number on the telephone terminal, based on the registered registration form. When an incoming call is received for the personal phone number in the registration table, the control unit sends an incoming call reception request to the telephone terminal associated with the personal phone number registered in the registration table, and connects the incoming call to the telephone terminal by receiving a response from the telephone terminal, the response including a personal phone number identified based on the authentication result of the user performing the response operation on the telephone terminal.

2. The telephone switching equipment according to claim 1, wherein, The control unit receives an outgoing call initiation request from the telephone terminal, the outgoing call initiation request including a personal telephone number identified based on the authentication result of the user performing the outgoing call initiation operation on the telephone terminal, and the control unit sends an incoming call reception request to the destination telephone. When a response to the incoming call reception request is received from the destination phone, the control unit sends the response to a telephone terminal associated with the personal phone number registered in the registration table and connects the telephone terminal to the destination phone.

3. The telephone switching equipment according to claim 1 or 2, further comprising: The authentication processing unit is configured to perform authentication processing on the user based on the authentication information input to the telephone terminal; as well as The conversion processing unit is configured to convert information identifying a user whose authentication process has been successful into the personal phone number. The acquisition unit acquires the converted personal phone number and the identification information of the telephone terminal as the authentication result.

4. A telephone terminal, comprising: The authentication unit is configured to issue an authentication request based on the authentication information entered by the user. The acquisition unit is configured to: acquire the authentication result of the authentication request and the user's personal phone number; The setting unit is configured to set up an incoming call output operation for each of a plurality of personal phone numbers, including the acquired personal phone number. The output unit is configured to perform an incoming call output operation based on the incoming personal phone number, according to the set incoming call output operation. as well as The control unit is configured to send a response, the response including a personal telephone number identified based on the authentication result of a user performing a response operation for the incoming call output operation.

5. The telephone terminal according to claim 4, wherein, When a user initiates an outgoing call, the control unit sends the outgoing call initiation request, which includes a personal phone number identified based on the authentication result of the user performing the outgoing call initiation operation.

6. A telephone switching system, comprising: The telephone switching equipment according to any one of claims 1 to 3; as well as The telephone terminal according to claim 4 or 5.

7. A method for controlling a telephone switching device according to any one of claims 1 to 3.

8. A method for controlling a telephone terminal according to claim 4 or 5.

9. A computer-readable medium storing a control program configured to cause a computer to perform the method of controlling a telephone exchange device according to claim 7.

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