Processing device, program, and method

Abstract

To provide a processing device that eliminates an effort to manually set a call state.SOLUTION: A processing device is a processing device that controls outgoing and incoming calls between communication terminals, and includes a first processing unit that receives location information of the communication terminals, and a second processing unit that changes the outgoing call processing operation or incoming call processing operation of the communication terminals based on the location information.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a processing device, program, and method, and relates to, for example, a method of aggregating location information obtainable by a smartphone from a smartphone softphone (call software) in a mobile terminal management unit, and realizing outgoing and incoming call control based on the location information of an internal terminal in an exchange device such as an automatic exchange. [Background technology]

[0002] In conventional telephone communication systems, incoming calls are controlled according to the call status and the presence status that is manually set on the user terminal (see Patent Document 1). Also, in conventional automatic exchanges, incoming calls are controlled according to the presence status that is manually set on the call status of a softphone for smartphones. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-121470 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, as work style reforms have led to a diversification of workplaces, more people are working in different locations depending on the day or time, such as inside the company, outside the company, at home, or at a satellite office. This means that telephone operations may change depending on the location, which creates problems such as users having to check and change settings every time they make a call.

[0005] The present invention has been made in consideration of the above-mentioned problems of the prior art, and has as its object to provide a processing device, program and method that can eliminate the need for manual control of the call status. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] The processing device of the present invention is a processing device that controls outgoing and incoming calls between communication terminals, and is characterized by having a first processing unit that receives location information of the communication terminal, and a second processing unit that changes the outgoing call processing operation or incoming call processing operation of the communication terminal based on the location information.

[0007] The program of the present invention is This is a program for causing a computer installed in a processing device that controls outgoing and incoming calls between communication terminals to function as a first processing unit that receives location information of the communication terminal, and as a second processing unit that changes the operation of the outgoing call processing or the incoming call processing based on the location information.

[0008] The processing method of the present invention is a processing method of a processing device that controls outgoing and incoming calls between communication terminals, and is characterized by executing a first processing step of receiving location information of the communication terminal, and a second processing step of changing the operation of the outgoing call processing or the operation of the incoming call processing based on the location information. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, when a user of a communication terminal makes or receives a call, call control corresponding to the user's location information is automatically executed, thereby improving convenience by simplifying user operations and reducing the number of transfers. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a schematic explanatory diagram illustrating a configuration example of a switching system including a switching device according to an embodiment; [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is an internal configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of a smartphone (first terminal) in the exchange system of the present embodiment. [Figure 3] 2 is an internal configuration diagram showing the internal configuration of a mobile terminal management unit (first terminal) of an exchange device of the exchange system of the present embodiment. FIG. [Figure 4] 10 is a flowchart showing a procedure for controlling call origination and reception by the exchange device of the exchange system of the present embodiment. [Figure 5]This is a schematic oblique view showing the construction of the switching system of this embodiment, in which the interior of a building is treated as an office building, with the switching device located on the first floor and wireless access points installed on each floor, making almost the entire building an area where internal calls are possible, while setting up areas in which internal calls are not possible within the building. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, a processing apparatus according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings, but the present invention is not limited to the following embodiment.

[0012] 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a switching system including a switching device, which is a processing device of this embodiment. One example of this switching system is an on-premise switching system that is installed and operated within the premises of a facility. This switching system aggregates location information obtainable by smartphones housed as extension terminals in a mobile terminal management unit, and enables a switching device such as an automatic switch to control outgoing or incoming call processing of the smartphones according to the obtained location information.

[0013] As shown in Fig. 1, the switching system includes a processing device, a switching device 10 (also called an Internet Protocol Private Branch eXchange, IP-PBX), and a relay device RT and a wireless access point AC connected to the switching device 10 via a LAN cable. The switching system is connected to a communication network NW (including an external telephone terminal device, which is a call terminal) outside the Internet via the relay device RT connected to the LAN cable LAN (internal network: extension network). This communication network NW is a public line network operated by a carrier's telecommunications operator, and examples of public line networks include a mobile phone line network, a metal telephone line network, an optical fiber line network, a cable line network, and an Internet Protocol (IP) network.

[0014] Although the hardware configuration of the relay device RT is not shown, when it is connected to a public line network such as a mobile phone line network, a metal telephone line network, an optical fiber line network, or a cable line network, it is a gateway device (gateway apparatus).

[0015] Furthermore, when the relay device RT is connected to an Internet Protocol (IP) network (for example, a communication network NW using a global IP address), which is an example of a public line network, it is a router device (router device). The relay device RT (router device) transfers communication packets received at a specific communication port of this global IP address to the local IP address of the exchange device 10 on the LAN side (NAT connection). This operation (setting) by the router RT enables connection to the router RT via the communication network NW and communication with the exchange device 10 connected to the LAN of the switching system. The exchange device 10 and the communication network NW are connected by, for example, UDP / IP or TCP / IP.

[0016] (Example) (Configuration explanation) The exchange device 10 is a computer device, and its hardware configuration includes a control unit 10m including a CPU (Central Processing Unit) that performs processing according to various programs, which are interconnected via a data bus (not shown), etc., a storage unit such as a ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), HDD (Hard Disk Drive), or SSD (Solid State Drive) that stores various programs executed by the CPU, and an interface unit I / F that inputs and outputs Internet signals to and from an external network. The exchange device 10 is a network device in which, for example, predetermined IP-PBX software is installed in the storage unit, and an outgoing / incoming call processing unit 19 (a control unit for outgoing call processing or incoming call processing) as an IP-PBX is configured.

[0017] The exchange device 10 accommodates internal terminals such as IP telephone terminal devices CTT in the internal network via LAN cables, and controls incoming and outgoing calls between the accommodated internal terminals, and between the accommodated internal terminals and call terminals in the external network via the communication network NW (call control processing that controls call processing between terminals in accordance with a specified call control protocol).

[0018] The exchange device 10 further includes a mobile terminal management unit 20. The mobile terminal management unit 20 accommodates communication terminals such as smartphones via a wireless access point AC connected to a LAN cable LAN, and controls signals between the accommodated terminals and the call processing unit 19.

[0019] The wireless access point AC is a device that performs wireless LAN communication (hereinafter simply referred to as wireless LAN communication) conforming to the Wi-Fi (registered trademark) standard for the mobile terminal management unit 20, which has a function of connecting to an internal network that is an in-house LAN.

[0020] A user 01 can use a smartphone A accommodated in the exchange device 10 as an extension phone to make a call via an IP telephone terminal device CTT connected to the internal network of the premises.

[0021] (Smartphone A) FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram showing an example of the configuration of a smartphone A, which is a mobile communication terminal in this embodiment.

[0022] The smartphone A includes, as hardware, for example, a communication function unit 101a, a touch panel 101b, a clock 101c, a microphone 101d, a speaker 101e, a vibrator 101f, a camera 101g, a GPS receiver 101h for receiving GPS radio waves GPS-W and detecting the current position, a gyro sensor 101i for detecting angular velocity, a geomagnetic sensor 101j for detecting magnetism, a proximity sensor 101k for detecting the distance from the touch panel and an illuminance sensor 101l for detecting the brightness thereof, an acceleration sensor 101m for detecting acceleration, and an atmospheric pressure sensor 101n for detecting atmospheric pressure, as well as a control unit 101o.

[0023] The communication function unit 101a includes an LTE (Long Term Evolution), 4G, or 5G mobile phone communication function unit that communicates via a mobile phone line (a line over which the smartphone B makes calls via a base station as shown in FIG. 1) and its antenna, and is used for voice calls and data communications. The communication function unit 101a includes a wireless LAN communication function unit that performs wireless LAN communication via a wireless access point AC and its antenna, and is used for voice calls and data communications.

[0024] The touch panel 101b is an operation and display unit for interfacing with the user, and functions as an operation means and a notification means for the user. The speaker 101e and the vibrator 101f also function as a notification means.

[0025] The atmospheric pressure sensor 101n detects the outside air pressure to estimate altitude, humidity, and temperature, which cannot be accurately detected by the GPS receiver 101h.

[0026] The control unit 101o controls the communication function unit 101a and other operating devices, and receives and processes signals from the GPS receiver 101h and other sensors. The control unit 101o is a computer device that includes a CPU and a storage unit such as a flash memory, and controls the overall operation of the communication terminal, including processing, using the CPU in accordance with various software programs stored in the storage unit. The CPU performs mobile phone line processing, such as voice calls over telephone lines and mobile data communications, based on information stored in a Subscriber Identity Module (SIM) (not shown) in the control unit 101o, which stores subscriber information and telephone numbers. The CPU also performs internal call processing in accordance with various application software programs installed in the storage unit, such as an internal call application software program.

[0027] The functions of the extension terminal application installed in the storage unit of the smartphone A, i.e., the smartphone softphone 110, are as follows: (1) to (4): (1) A registration request transmission function that detects the RSSI (radio signal strength) of the wireless LAN communication received from the wireless access point AC, and when the strength of the received wireless LAN communication signal exceeds a predetermined value (when wireless LAN communication becomes possible), transmits to the exchange device 10 an extension registration request including the ID information and current location information of the smartphone A, i.e., a “registration request” requesting registration as an extension terminal; (2) A current location information acquisition function that acquires the current location information of the smartphone A using the GPS receiver 101h or the like required for authentication; (3) A transmission function for periodically transmitting current location information to the exchange device 10 after the smartphone A is registered as an internal terminal; and (4) The softphone has a function of changing between an extension terminal function and a mobile phone function in response to a connection change instruction received from the exchange device 10 as an extension terminal.

[0028] The softphone 110 periodically acquires location data (latitude and longitude information) based on the GPS signal received from the GPS receiver 101h, and transmits it to the exchange 10.

[0029] The softphone 110 can also link the outside air pressure information obtained by the air pressure sensor 101n with the acquired location data and transmit it to the mobile terminal management unit 20.

[0030] (Mobile terminal management unit 20 of exchange device 10) 3 is a diagram showing the internal configuration of the mobile terminal management unit 20 of the exchange device 10. The mobile terminal management unit 20 of the exchange device 10 has a mobile terminal management application software program installed in its storage unit, which is expanded in the storage unit and causes the CPU to operate as follows in accordance with the program: (1) As the Registration Unit 201, (2) As the terminal registration table 202, (3) As the reception unit 203 (first processing unit), (4) Function as the setting change processing unit 204 (second processing unit, third processing unit, fourth processing unit).

[0031] Each functional unit of the mobile terminal management unit 20 functions as follows.

[0032] (1: Registration Department 201) The registration unit 201 stores the default information and the occasional information in the terminal registration table 202. The extension unavailable area may be uniform, or may be set separately for each smartphone depending on an individual, a position, etc. The registration unit 201 acquires the current location information sent by the smartphone A at a predetermined interval using the softphone function, and reflects it in the terminal registration table 202.

[0033] (2: Terminal registration table 202) The terminal registration table 202 uniquely stores, for each extension number, the extension number assigned to smartphone A as default information, ID information such as smartphone A's MAC address (Media Access Control address) and private telephone number (the telephone number of the carrier's line network with which the user has a private contract), and extension unavailable area information, as well as the current location information of smartphone A as ongoing information, in association with each extension number.

[0034] Here, the extension unavailable area information includes information on an area where a smartphone housed in the exchange device 10 cannot be used as an extension terminal, i.e., an extension unavailable area (GPS location information defined by ranges of latitude, longitude, etc.). As shown in Fig. 1, the extension unavailable area NPBS may be surrounded by an extension available area PBS (however, within the range of signal strength of wireless LAN communication where wireless LAN communication is possible).

[0035] The extension number of the default information in the terminal registration table 202 may be provided to the smartphone A together with the softphone from the exchange device 10 or a download server.

[0036] The default information in the terminal registration table 202, which is the extension unavailable area information (information relating to areas that cannot be used as an extension terminal), serves as reference information for authenticating and registering smartphone A as an extension terminal, and authentication of the extension terminal is accepted if there is a mismatch between the extension unavailable area information and the current location information of smartphone A (i.e., if the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal).

[0037] The current location information transmitted from the smartphone A is periodically updated in the terminal registration table 202.

[0038] (3: Reception Desk 203) When the reception unit 203 receives an extension registration request including current location information from smartphone A, it refers to the terminal registration table 202, determines the requested target based on the ID information of smartphone A, and registers it. The reception unit 203 refers to the predetermined information in the terminal registration table 202, and determines whether to register smartphone A as an extension terminal based on a match between the ID information of smartphone A included in the extension registration request and a mismatch between the current location information and the extension unavailable area information (in other words, when the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal). The reception unit 203 authenticates and registers smartphone A as an extension terminal, and in response to a connection request from smartphone A, the call processing unit 19 controls the making and receiving of extension calls and external calls on smartphone A.

[0039] (4: setting change processing unit 204) The setting change processing unit 204 monitors whether the current location information of smartphone A registered by the registration unit 201 does not match the registered extension unavailable area information (i.e., when the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal), and if the current location information of the event matches the extension unavailable area information, it changes the extension terminal function settings, for example, changes the call connection from a LAN connection to a mobile line connection.

[0040] In this way, the setting change processing unit 204 compares the current location information and the extension unavailable area information in the terminal registration table 202 to determine whether smartphone A is currently inside or outside the extension unavailable area (i.e., whether the current location information of smartphone A is in or outside an area that can be used as an extension terminal). If the setting change processing unit 204 determines that smartphone A is currently inside the extension unavailable area (i.e., the current location information of smartphone A is not in an area that can be used as an extension terminal), it changes the extension terminal function of smartphone A, for example, changes the connection. On the other hand, if the setting change processing unit 204 determines that smartphone A is currently outside the extension unavailable area (i.e., the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal), it continues the extension terminal function of smartphone A. The setting change processing unit 204 changes the extension terminal settings, day / night switching settings, etc. depending on the state of smartphone A of user 01.

[0041] (Explanation of operation) FIG. 4 is a flowchart showing a control procedure performed by the switching device 10.

[0042] The reception unit 203 of the mobile terminal management unit 20 receives a registration reception request from smartphone A and determines whether smartphone A is registered as an extension terminal based on the terminal registration table 202 (S1). The reception unit 203 confirms that the provision information and registration information are recorded in the terminal registration table 202 from the extension registration request, which includes the ID information and current location information of smartphone A. If smartphone A is registered (S1: Y), the reception unit 203 acquires location information from the extension registration request (S2: first processing step). If smartphone A is not registered (S1: N), the reception unit 203 waits for the registration reception request.

[0043] The setting change processing unit 204 monitors and determines whether there is a mismatch between the current location information of smartphone A and the extension unavailable area information (i.e., the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal) (S3). The setting change processing unit 204 acquires the current location information that smartphone A sends at a predetermined interval when the softphone is activated, and compares the current location information from smartphone A with the extension unavailable area information in the terminal registration table 202 to determine whether there is a change. If the current location information matches the extension unavailable area information (i.e., the current location information of smartphone A is not in an area that can be used as an extension terminal) (S3: Y), the setting change processing unit 204 changes the call connection of smartphone A (from wireless LAN communication to mobile phone communication) (S4: second processing step).

[0044] If the current location information does not match the extension unavailable area information (i.e., the current location information of smartphone A is in an area that can be used as an extension terminal) and there is no change (S3: N), the setting change processing unit 204 returns to step S2, where it determines whether the current location information of smartphone A has changed since it did not match the extension unavailable area information. The setting change processing unit 204 executes the control that was set in advance when a call is received on the user's smartphone A.

[0045] When the call connection of the smartphone A is changed, the softphone can automatically re-authenticate the smartphone A and re-connect the smartphone A. That is, when the connection of the smartphone A is changed, the exchange device 10 receives re-registration of the smartphone A as an internal terminal via wireless LAN communication again through the reception unit 203.

[0046] (Explanation of effect) As described above, according to this embodiment, even when the user's smartphone A moves and the location information of the smartphone A changes, the user's smartphone A passes the location information, i.e., status change information, to the mobile terminal management unit 20, and the setting change processing unit 204 (second processing unit) can change the extension terminal settings, day / night switching settings, etc., according to the status of the user's smartphone A. Thereafter, when the user's smartphone A receives a call, the previously set control can be executed.

[0047] In addition, with this embodiment, the user's smartphone A automatically performs call making and receiving control corresponding to the location information when making and receiving calls, thereby improving convenience by simplifying user operation and reducing the number of transfers.

[0048] (Variation) In the above embodiment, a method for controlling incoming calls according to location information was described. However, as a variant, it is possible to control the change of the caller ID number when smartphone A makes a call, the change of the route when making a call, etc., according to the location information.

[0049] For example, if the location information of smartphone A is "inside the company," smartphone A and mobile terminal management unit 20 are controlled as follows (1) to (7). (1) Smartphone A (with the app already running) detects the PBS (service area) where internal calls are possible. (2) Smartphone A periodically transmits location information to the mobile terminal management unit 20. (3) The mobile terminal management unit 20 notifies the smartphone A of the setting of the “internal extension telephone number.” (4) Smartphone A is set to the "internal internal phone number." (5) The mobile terminal management unit 20 periodically monitors the location information of the transmission. (6) The setting change processing unit 204 functions as a caller ID number change unit (third processing unit) and changes the "caller ID number at the time of calling" to the "internal extension telephone number." (7) The setting change processing unit 204 functions as a route change unit (fourth processing unit) to use the "internal extension line" as the "route when calling."

[0050] Furthermore, if the smartphone A is out of the extension available area PBS (within the service area), the smartphone A and the mobile terminal management unit 20 are controlled as follows (1) to (3). (1) The mobile terminal management unit 20 sets and notifies the smartphone A of a "private phone number." (2) Smartphone A changes the settings to "private phone number." (3) If the location information of smartphone A is, for example, “inside the company” but “a public space (NPBS) where internal calls are not allowed, such as a rest area or a shared space in an office building occupied by multiple companies,” the setting change processing unit 204 notifies smartphone A to set the “caller ID notification number at the time of outgoing calls” to “a private telephone number on smartphone A” and to use the “line for the private telephone number” as the “route at the time of outgoing calls.”

[0051] (Explanation of effect) As described above, according to this modified example, if it is possible to control the change of the caller ID notification number when making a call from smartphone A, the change of the route when making a call, etc., depending on the location information, it is possible to simplify the user's operations when making a call.

[0052] (Other variations) In the above embodiment and variant examples, a method for controlling incoming and outgoing calls based on longitude and latitude location information from GPS has been described. However, as another variant example, smartphone A can control incoming and outgoing calls based on location information that takes into account not only GPS longitude and latitude but also height (altitude) estimated by atmospheric pressure.

[0053] 5 shows an example of a switching system in which the interior of a building BLD with 11 floors above ground and 1 floor below ground is treated as a company premises, with a switching device 10 located on the first floor F1 and wireless access points AC installed on each of the floors B1, F1 to F11, making almost the entire building an extension line available area PBS. An extension line unavailable area NPBS is set for some tenants on the first floor F1 of the building BLD, for example, and the surrounding area is made into an extension line available area PBS.

[0054] In this case, since it is difficult to receive GPS radio waves directly inside the building BLD, a GPS signal retransmission system is installed as shown in Fig. 5. The GPS signal retransmission system is composed of GPS retransmission antennas 6a-6 connected to multiple, for example, four GPS receiving antennas 4a-4d respectively, which are placed on the rooftop R of the building BLD, and electrical equipment (not shown) between them that receives GPS radio waves with the GPS receiving antennas installed outdoors, amplifies the received signals, and then re-radiates them from the indoor GPS retransmission antennas.

[0055] The GPS receiving antennas 4a to 4d on the rooftop R are each located in a different position. GPS retransmitting antennas 6a to 6d are respectively located on the ceilings of floors B1, F1 to F11 of this building BLD. These GPS retransmitting antennas 6a to 6d are located in positions corresponding to the GPS receiving antennas 4a to 4d in the direction of gravity. In other words, each GPS retransmitting antenna 6a is located in a position near the same latitude and longitude as the GPS receiving antenna 4a, and each GPS retransmitting antenna 6b to 6d is located in a position near the same latitude and longitude as the GPS receiving antennas 4b to 4d.

[0056] When the GPS signals received by each GPS receiving antenna 4a to 4d are retransmitted from the corresponding GPS retransmission antenna 6a to 6d, the user's smartphone (not shown) on each floor of the building BLD can determine where in the building BLD the smartphone is located, depending on which of the GPS retransmission antennas 6a to 6d is receiving the GPS signal being retransmitted, i.e., indoor positioning is possible.

[0057] However, in the case of indoor positioning, the extension-denied area NPBS for some tenants on the first floor F1 of building BLD corresponding to GPS receiving antenna 4d may be mistakenly recognized as being in a position corresponding to GPS retransmission antenna 6d on floors B1, F2 to F11, so the current location information stored in terminal registration table 202 is location information defined by altitude, longitude, and latitude. This location information defined by altitude, longitude, and latitude is generated and registered by mobile terminal management unit 20 based on the outside air pressure information, with outside air pressure information from air pressure sensor 101n being transmitted to mobile terminal management unit 20 together with GPS information as a function of softphone 110.

[0058] (Explanation of effect) As described above, according to this modification, in addition to the same effects as those of the above-described embodiment and modification, it is possible to improve the accuracy of the location information of the smartphone A and simplify the operation for the user.

[0059] In the above-described embodiment, modified example, and other modified examples, the mobile terminal management unit 20 is integrated into the exchange device 10, but the mobile terminal management unit 20 can also be provided separately from the exchange device 10 as a gateway device. [Explanation of symbols]

[0060] 10 Exchange device 20 Mobile Device Management Department 201 Registration Department 202 Terminal Registration Table 203 Reception 204 Setting change processing section A, B Smartphone

Claims

1. A processing device that controls transmission and reception between communication terminals, a first processing unit that receives location information of the communication terminal; a second processing unit that changes an operation of a call processing or an operation of an incoming call processing of the communication terminal based on the location information; A processing device characterized by:

2. 2. The processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a third processing unit that changes a notification number to be displayed to the other party when a caller ID is notified based on the location information in the operation of the call origination process.

3. 2. The processing device according to claim 1, further comprising a fourth processing unit that changes a route at the time of calling in the calling process operation based on the location information.

4. The processing device is a PBX connected to an internal network, and the second processing unit changes the operation of the outgoing call processing or the incoming call processing depending on whether the location information of the communication terminal indicates that it is within an area set for the PBX.

5. when the location information of the communication terminal indicates that the communication terminal is within an area set for the PBX, the second processing unit sets the route in the operation of the outgoing call processing to the extension network of the processing device and sets the notification number to a number owned by the extension network, The processing device described in claim 4, characterized in that when the location information of the communication terminal indicates outside the area set for the PBX, the second processing unit sets the route for the outgoing call processing operation to a communication network different from the extension network of the processing device and sets the notification number to a number different from the extension network.

6. A computer installed in a processing device that controls transmission and reception between communication terminals, a first processing unit for receiving location information of the communication terminal, a second processing unit that changes an operation of a call processing or an operation of an incoming call processing based on the location information, Program to make it work.

7. A processing method of a processing device that controls transmission and reception between communication terminals, a first processing step of receiving location information of the communication terminal; a second processing step of changing an operation of a call origination process or an operation of an incoming call process based on the location information; A processing method characterized by carrying out the above.

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