PBX system, PBX, shared function providing apparatus, PBX function providing method, and PBX function providing program

Abstract

To reduce a burden on a user who uses a function overlapping both of a plurality of PBXs in a hybrid system including the plurality of PBXs.SOLUTION: A PBX system according to an embodiment includes a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, and the first PBX and the second PBX store a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX corresponding to a user in advance, respectively. When a voice message is stored in a first VM box, the first PBX makes a call from a VM box extension number of the first PBX corresponding to a user of the voice message to a VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when a second VM box responds, the first PBX transmits VM information including at least the voice message.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 5A

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a PBX system, a PBX, a common function providing device, a PBX function providing method, and a PBX function providing program. [Background technology]

[0002] Private branch exchanges (PBXs) that accommodate internal line terminals and connect incoming calls from external line terminals to internal line terminals used in a company and connect internal lines to each other have been widely used for some time. Cloud PBXs, which use the Internet to enable mobile terminals such as smartphones carried by users, such as company employees, to be used as internal line terminals and connect incoming calls from external line terminals to the users' mobile terminals and connect the users' mobile terminals to each other, have also become widely used. PBX linkage systems that integrate a conventional PBX and a cloud PBX are also known, and these PBX linkage systems are also called hybrid systems (see Patent Document 1).

[0003] Furthermore, PBXs equipped with a voicemail function are widely used. For example, with the voicemail function, when an internal terminal receives an incoming call, the PBX can answer the call on behalf of the called internal terminal and record a voice message from the caller. Furthermore, with the voicemail function, for example, the PBX can play back the recorded message from the caller in response to a predetermined operation by the user on the called internal terminal, allowing the user to listen to the voice message. In addition to the voicemail function, a PBX generally has various functions that can be provided to users, such as a conference communication function that connects three or more terminal devices for communication and allows three or more users to talk simultaneously. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0004] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 2023-179124 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0005] The disclosures of the above-mentioned prior art documents are incorporated herein by reference.The following analysis was conducted by the inventors.

[0006] As mentioned above, the PBX and Cloud PBX each have various functions, but in a hybrid system, there may be overlap between the functions of the PBX and the Cloud PBX. As such, in a hybrid system, it is necessary to divide the functions so that the processing for the overlapping functions is performed by either the PBX or the Cloud PBX. According to this division of functions, for example, one of the PBX and Cloud PBX in the hybrid system is configured to perform overlapping functions, and the other is configured not to perform overlapping functions.

[0007] According to this functional division, for example, if a user wants to use an overlapping function, he or she must understand which function is realized by processing in the PBX and which function is realized by processing in the Cloud PBX, and then select and use one of them. This places a heavy burden on the user when operating an extension terminal to use the overlapping function. Furthermore, even if both the PBX and the Cloud PBX have the same type of function, the specifications of the same type of function in each of these PBXs may differ, which further increases the burden on the user to use one of the desired overlapping functions.

[0008] In view of the above-mentioned problems, an object of the present disclosure is to contribute to reducing the burden on users who attempt to use overlapping functions in both PBX and cloud PBX in a hybrid system. [Means for solving the problem]

[0009] In a first aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a PBX system comprising a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, wherein the first PBX and the second PBX respectively store a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX that correspond to a user in advance, and wherein the first PBX is configured to, when a voice message is stored in the first VM box, make a call from the VM box extension number of the first PBX that corresponds to the user of the voice message to the VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, transmit VM information including at least the voice message.

[0010] In a second aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a PBX that includes a VM box, and that stores in advance a VM box extension number of a PBX corresponding to a user and a second VM box extension number, and that is configured to, when a voice message is stored in the VM box, make a call from the VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to the second VM box extension number, and, when the second VM box answers, transmit VM information including at least the voice message.

[0011] In a third aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a common function providing device for a PBX that provides a common function common to a PBX and another PBX other than the PBX, the common function providing device transmitting function information used for the requested common function to the other PBX when a first terminal device that can communicate with at least one of the PBX and the other PBX requests provision of the common function; A common function providing device is provided that is configured to transmit the function information received from the other PBX to a second terminal device that can communicate with at least one of the PBX and the other PBX when the provision of the common function is requested by the second terminal device.

[0012] In a fourth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a method for providing PBX functions in a PBX system comprising a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, the method including the steps of: the first PBX and the second PBX respectively storing a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX that correspond to a user in advance; and, when a voice message is stored in the first VM box, the first PBX makes a call from the VM box extension number of the first PBX that corresponds to the user of the voice message to the VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, transmitting VM information including at least the voice message.

[0013] In a fifth aspect of the present disclosure, there is provided a PBX function providing program that provides functions in a PBX having a PBX and a VM box connected to the PBX, wherein at least the PBX has one or more processors, and the PBX has a process for storing a VM box extension number of the PBX and a second VM box extension number that correspond to a user in advance, and the PBX has a processor that causes the PBX to execute a process for, when a voice message is stored in the VM box, calling the second VM box extension number from the VM box extension number of the PBX that corresponds to the user of the voice message, and when the second VM box answers, transmitting VM information including at least the voice message. The program may be recorded on a computer-readable storage medium. The storage medium may be a non-transitory medium such as a semiconductor memory, a hard disk, a magnetic recording medium, or an optical recording medium. The present disclosure may be embodied as a computer program product. [Effects of the Invention]

[0014] Each aspect of the present disclosure can contribute to reducing the burden on users who attempt to use overlapping functions in both PBX and cloud PBX in a hybrid system. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0015] [Figure 1A] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice message function provided by a cloud PBX to a user UX of a terminal device and an extension user UI of one of the terminal devices in one configuration of a hybrid system. [Figure 1B] Figure 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when an outside terminal device makes a call to an inside terminal device, and the user UX of the outside terminal device and the user UI of the inside terminal device use the VM function provided by the VM box of the cloud PBX. [Figure 2A] FIG. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of a manner in which a private branch exchange provides a VM function to a user UX of an external terminal device and a user UI of an internal terminal device in the hybrid system shown in FIG. 1A. [Figure 2B] Figure 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when an outside terminal device makes a call to an inside terminal device, and the user UX of the outside terminal device and the user UI of the inside terminal device use the VM function provided by the VM box of the private branch exchange. [Figure 3A] FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating one configuration of a hybrid system. [Figure 3B] FIG. 3B is a diagram illustrating one configuration of the Cloud PBX and private branch exchange shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3C] FIG. 3C is a diagram showing the correspondence between the components of the first aspect of the present disclosure and the components of the hybrid system shown in FIG. 3A. [Figure 3D] FIG. 3D is a diagram illustrating an example of a hardware configuration of the communication control device of the cloud PBX and the private branch exchange shown in FIG. 3B. [Figure 4A] FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating communication connection information used for communication connection between a cloud PBX and a terminal device stored in a database device of a private branch exchange. [Figure 4B]FIG. 4B is a diagram illustrating VM information required for providing a VM function by a VM box, which is stored in a database device of the Cloud PBX. [Figure 4C] FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating VM information stored in the database device of the private branch exchange, which is required for providing a VM function by the VM box of the private branch exchange. [Figure 5A] Figure 5A is a diagram illustrating the operation of a hybrid system in which a VM box in a cloud PBX records a voice message from a terminal device on the outside line, generates transcription information, and transmits the VM information and transcription information to one of the terminal devices on the inside line. [Figure 5B] FIG. 5B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the hybrid system illustrated in FIG. 5A. [Figure 5C] FIG. 5C is a communication sequence diagram illustrating another operation of the hybrid system illustrated in FIG. 5A. [Figure 6A] Figure 6A is a diagram illustrating the operation of a hybrid system in which a VM box in a private branch exchange records a voice message from a terminal device on the outside line, a VM box in a cloud PBX generates transcription information, and transmits the VM information and transcription information to one of the terminal devices on the inside line. [Figure 6B] FIG. 6B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the hybrid system illustrated in FIG. 6A. [Figure 6C] FIG. 6C is a communication sequence diagram illustrating another operation of the hybrid system illustrated in FIG. 6A. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0016] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present disclosure will be described with reference to the drawings. However, the present disclosure is not limited to the embodiments described below. Furthermore, in each drawing, the same or corresponding elements are appropriately designated by the same reference numerals, and the same or corresponding processes and communications are also appropriately designated by the same reference numerals. Furthermore, it should be noted that the drawings are schematic. Furthermore, connecting lines between blocks in the drawings, etc. referred to in the following description include both bidirectional and unidirectional lines. Unidirectional arrows schematically indicate the flow of the main signal (data) and do not exclude bidirectionality.

[0017] FIG. 1A is a diagram illustrating an example of a voice message (VM) function provided by a cloud PBX 10 to a user UX of a terminal device 304 and an internal user UI (I is an integer equal to or greater than 1) of one of terminal devices 102 and 104 in one configuration of a hybrid system 1. As shown in FIG. 1A, the hybrid system 1 includes a cloud PBX 10 and an internal system 16. The internal system 16 includes a gateway (GW) device 12 and a private branch exchange (PBX) 14. The cloud PBX 10 and the gateway device 12 are connected via a communication line capable of two-way data communication, such as an Internet Protocol (IP) line 126. The gateway device 12 and the private branch exchange 14 are connected via a communication line capable of two-way data communication, such as an IP line 120.

[0018] Terminal devices 102, 104 such as smartphones and PCs (Personal Computers) are connected to the extension side of the cloud PBX 10, and terminal device 142 such as a multi-function telephone is connected to the extension side of the private branch exchange 14. The private branch exchange 14 is communicatively connected to a communication network such as a public switched telephone network (PSTN) 30 via one or more communication lines selected from analog communication lines such as a PSTN line 300, digital communication lines, wired communication lines such as telephone lines, and wireless lines such as mobile phone communication lines, so as to be able to bidirectionally send and receive voice signals and information. Furthermore, the private branch exchange 14 is communicatively connected to an external terminal device 304 such as a smartphone via the PSTN line 300, the PSTN line 302, etc. However, instead of the private branch exchange 14, the gateway device 12 may be communicatively connected to the PSTN line 300, or both the cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 may be communicatively connected to the PSTN line 300.

[0019] Cloud PBX 10 and private branch exchange 14 have basically the same communication functions. The functions of Cloud PBX 10 are realized in a cloud consisting of multiple servers connected to the Internet or the like, which function as a PBX. Private branch exchange 14 has traditionally been installed within a company or building and has been called a private branch exchange or key telephone. A PBX is located in a communications equipment room or other location within the premises and is realized by hardware housed in one or more enclosures and software that runs on this hardware.

[0020] The gateway device 12 converts the protocol of information output from the Cloud PBX 10 to the private branch exchange 14, allowing the private branch exchange 14 to receive information from the Cloud PBX 10. The gateway device 12 also converts the protocol of information output from the private branch exchange 14 to the Cloud PBX 10, allowing the Cloud PBX 10 to receive information from the private branch exchange 14. By connecting the Cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 with the gateway device 12, the Cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 operate as if they were a single PBX.

[0021] The cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 establish a communication connection so as to enable transmission and reception of voice signals and data communication between one or more of the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, and 304 that are originating calls to the cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 and one or more of the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, and 304 that are destinations of calls. The cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 also provide the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, and 304 and their users with functions associated with communication between the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, and 304, such as a VM function and a conference communication function.

[0022] The functions associated with communication include unique functions that can be provided by only one of the Cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14, and common functions that can be provided by both the Cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14. For the sake of specificity and clarity of the explanation below, a specific example will be given in which the Cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 provide a voice message (VM) function as a common function.

[0023] Cloud PBX 10 includes a VM box 100 that implements the VM function, and private branch exchange 14 includes a VM box 140 that also implements the VM function. VM boxes 100 and 140 can be implemented by dedicated hardware, or by a combination of hardware and a program executed on this hardware, as trunks connected to switches used for communication connections between terminals in Cloud PBX 10 and private branch exchange 14, respectively. Alternatively, VM boxes 100 and 140 can be implemented in software by processing a program executed by a processor included in Cloud PBX 10 and private branch exchange 14.

[0024] The VM function includes, for example, when an external call is made from the terminal device 304 on the outside line to the terminal device 102 on the inside line, recording a voice message of the caller by the cloud PBX 10 and the private branch exchange 14 in response to an operation by the caller on the terminal device 304. Furthermore, the VM function includes playing back the voice message of the caller and letting the user hear it in response to an operation by the user on the terminal device 102 of the called party.

[0025] Next, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 1A, the operation of the hybrid system 1 will be described, in which the cloud PBX 10 uses the VM box 100 to provide the VM function to the user UX of the originating terminal device 304 and the user UI of either of the destination terminal devices 102, 104. Note that, as indicated by the symbol X in Fig. 1A, at this time, the user UX, UI are not provided with the VM function of the private branch exchange 14. Also, Fig. 1A shows a case where the cloud PBX 10 accommodates two terminal devices 102, 104, but to avoid complicating the explanation, a specific example will be given in which the terminal device 304 makes a call to the terminal device 102, and these user UX, UI are provided with the VM function.

[0026] 1B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when an outside terminal device 304 makes a call to an internal terminal device 102, and the user UX of the outside terminal device 304 and the user UI of the internal terminal device 102 use the VM function provided by the VM box 100 of the cloud PBX 10. Note that in FIG. 1B, "cloud PBX" may actually mean "cloud PBX 10 and VM box 100."

[0027] As shown in FIG. 1B, in S100, the user UX operates the terminal device 304 (terminal UX) on the outside line side to make a call to the terminal device 102 accommodated in the cloud PBX 10 as the destination. In S102, the terminal device 304 transmits call information indicating the caller's telephone number of the terminal device 304 and the extension number of the terminal device 102 to the cloud PBX 10 via the private branch exchange 14 and the gateway device 12. Note that in the following descriptions regarding FIGS. 1B and 2B, the phrase "via the private branch exchange 14 and the gateway device 12" will be omitted. In S104, the cloud PBX 10 processes the call information received from the terminal device 304 and performs call reception processing to have the call from the terminal device 304 arrive at the terminal device 102 (terminal UI) used by the user UI of the destination.

[0028] In S106, if the VM function is set in either of the destination terminal devices 102, 104, the Cloud PBX 10 performs processing for a VM response, such as informing the user UX using the terminal device 304 of this fact by voice or the like. In S108, the Cloud PBX 10 transmits a VM response voice to the terminal device 304 indicating that the VM function is available. In S110, the user UX, having heard the VM response voice, performs an operation on the terminal device 304 to use the VM function. In S112, the terminal device 304 transmits operation information indicating the operation of the user UX to the Cloud PBX 10. Note that S110 and S112 may be omitted.

[0029] At S114, in order to provide the VM function, the Cloud PBX 10 performs processing for a recording response, which prompts the user UX to input a voice message into the terminal device 304 and outputs a recording start guide voice indicating that the voice message will be recorded to the terminal device 304. At S116, the Cloud PBX 10 transmits the recording start guide voice to the terminal device 304 and outputs it to the user UX. At S118, the user UX, having heard the recording start guide voice, inputs a voice message into the terminal device 304, and the terminal device 304 sequentially transmits VM information indicating the input voice message to the Cloud PBX 10.

[0030] In S120, the Cloud PBX 10 sequentially receives and records voice messages from the terminal device 304. In S122, when the user UX finishes inputting VM information, processing for terminating the call, such as disconnecting the communication connection between the Cloud PBX 10 and the terminal device 304, is performed. In S124, the Cloud PBX 10 transmits VM display information to the display device of the terminal device 102 to display that there is a voice message from the user UX to the user UI. The display device of the terminal device 102 displays the information using, for example, an LED or a display. The display device of the terminal device 102 receives the VM display information and displays on the user UI that there is a voice message from the user UX to the user UI.

[0031] In S126, when the user UI of the terminal device 102 sees the display indicating that there is a voice message, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 102 to make a call to the cloud PBX 10. Furthermore, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 102 to listen to the voice message of the user UX recorded by the VM function. Note that between the processing of S124 and the processing of S126, there may be a period of time between the display on the user UI indicating that there is a voice message and the user UI noticing this display and performing an operation to listen to the voice message. In S128, the terminal device 102 accepts the operation of the user UI and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the cloud PBX 10.

[0032] In S130, the cloud PBX 10 performs processing for making a VM response indicating that a playback start guide voice, indicating that playback of the recorded voice message of the user UX will start, is to be output from the terminal device 102. In S132, the cloud PBX 10 transmits the playback start guide voice to the terminal device 102, causing it to be output to the user UI. In S134, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 102 to play the recorded voice message of the UX. In S136, the terminal device 102 transmits operation information indicating the user's operation to the cloud PBX 10.

[0033] In S138, the cloud PBX 10 receives operation information from the terminal device 102 and performs processing to sequentially play back voice messages from the user UX to the user UI. In S140, the cloud PBX 10 transmits the played back voice messages of the user UX to the terminal device 102 and causes them to be output to the user UI.

[0034] In S142, when the playback of the voice message of the user UX ends, the cloud PBX 10 performs processing to notify the user UI that the playback of the voice message has ended. In S144, the cloud PBX 10 notifies the user UI that the playback of the voice message has ended, and transmits an end notification voice to the terminal device 102 requesting subsequent operations. In S146, processing to end the call, such as disconnecting the communication connection between the cloud PBX 10 and the terminal device 102, is performed.

[0035] Next, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 2A, the operation of the hybrid system 1 will be described, in which the private branch exchange 14 uses the VM box 140 to provide the VM function to the user UX of the terminal device 304 that is the call originator and the user UI of the terminal device 142 that is the call destination. Fig. 2A is a diagram illustrating an example of how the private branch exchange 14 provides the VM function to the user UX of the terminal device 304 and the user UI of the terminal device 142 in the hybrid system 1 shown in Fig. 1A. Note that, as indicated by the symbol X in Fig. 2A, the user UX and UI are not provided with the VM function from the cloud PBX 10 at this time.

[0036] 2B is a diagram illustrating an example of a communication sequence when an outside terminal device 304 makes a call to an internal terminal device 142, and the user UX of the outside terminal device 304 and the user UI of the internal terminal device 142 use the VM function provided by the VM box 140 of the private branch exchange 14. Note that in FIG. 2B, the "private branch exchange" may actually mean the "private branch exchange 14 and the VM box 140." Note that the communication sequence shown in FIG. 2B is similar to the communication sequence shown in FIG. 1A, although the entities performing communication and processing are different.

[0037] 2B, in S160, the user UX operates the terminal device 304 (terminal UX) on the outside line side to make a call to the terminal device 142 accommodated in the private branch exchange 14. In S162, the terminal device 304 transmits calling information indicating the caller's telephone number of the terminal device 304 and the extension number of the terminal device 142 to the private branch exchange 14. In S164, the private branch exchange 14 processes the calling information received from the terminal device 304 and performs call reception processing to have the call from the terminal device 304 arrive at the terminal device 142 (terminal UI) used by the user UI of the call destination.

[0038] In S166, if the VM function is set in the destination terminal device 142, the private branch exchange 14 performs processing for a VM response, such as informing the user UX using the terminal device 304 of this fact by voice or the like. In S168, the private branch exchange 14 transmits a VM response voice to the terminal device 304, indicating that the VM function is available. In S170, the user UX, having heard the VM response voice, performs an operation on the terminal device 304 to use the VM function. In S172, the terminal device 304 transmits operation information indicating the operation of the user UX to the private branch exchange 14. Note that the processes of S170 and S172 may be omitted.

[0039] At S174, in order to provide the VM function, the private branch exchange 14 performs processing for a recording response in which the user UX is prompted to input a voice message into the terminal device 304 and a recording start guide voice indicating that a voice message will be recorded is output to the terminal device 304. At S176, the private branch exchange 14 transmits the recording start guide voice to the terminal device 304 and causes it to be output to the user UX. At S178, the user UX, having heard the recording start guide voice, inputs a voice message into the terminal device 304, and the terminal device 304 sequentially transmits VM information indicating the input voice message to the private branch exchange 14.

[0040] In S180, the private branch exchange 14 sequentially receives and records voice messages from the terminal device 304. In S182, when the user UX finishes inputting the VM information, processing for terminating the call, such as disconnecting the communication connection between the private branch exchange 14 and the terminal device 304, is performed. In S184, the private branch exchange 14 transmits VM display information to the display device of the terminal device 142 to display that there is a voice message from the user UX to the user UI. The display device of the terminal device 142 receives the VM display information and displays on the user UI that there is a voice message from the user UX to the user UI.

[0041] In S186, when the user UI of the terminal device 142 sees the display indicating that there is a voice message, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 142 to make a call to the private branch exchange 14. Furthermore, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 142 to listen to the voice message of the user UX recorded by the VM function. Between the processing of S184 and the processing of S186, time may pass from the display on the user UI indicating that there is a voice message until the user UI notices this display and performs an operation to listen to the voice message. In S188, the terminal device 142 accepts the operation of the user UI and transmits operation information indicating the accepted operation to the private branch exchange 14.

[0042] At S190, the private branch exchange 14 performs processing for making a VM response indicating that a playback start guide voice, indicating that playback of the recorded voice message of the user UX will start, is to be output from the terminal device 142. At S192, the private branch exchange 14 transmits the playback start guide voice to the terminal device 142, causing it to be output to the user UI. At S194, the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 142 to play the recorded voice message of the UX. At S196, the terminal device 142 transmits operation information indicating the user's operation to the private branch exchange 14.

[0043] In S198, the private branch exchange 14 receives operation information from the terminal device 142 and performs processing to sequentially play back voice messages from the user UX to the user UI. In S200, the private branch exchange 14 transmits the played back voice messages of the user UX to the terminal device 142, and causes them to be output to the user UI.

[0044] In S202, when the reproduction of the voice message of the user UX is completed, the private branch exchange 14 performs processing for notifying the user UI that the reproduction of the voice message has been completed. In S204, the private branch exchange 14 notifies the user UI of the completion of the reproduction of the voice message, and transmits an end notification voice requesting a subsequent operation to the terminal device 142. In S206, processing for terminating the call, such as disconnecting the communication connection between the private branch exchange 14 and the terminal device 142, is performed.

[0045] [Embodiment] An embodiment of the present disclosure will be described below with reference to FIGS. 3A to 6B. FIG. 3A is a diagram illustrating an example of a configuration of a hybrid system 2. As shown in FIG. 3A, the hybrid system 2 includes components similar to those of the hybrid system 1 shown in FIG. 1A and other figures. However, in the hybrid system 1, the Cloud PBX 10 is replaced with a Cloud PBX 20 that operates differently from the Cloud PBX 10, and the private branch exchange 14 is replaced with a private branch exchange 22 that operates differently from the private branch exchange 14. Note that while "PBX" and "private branch exchange" have the same meaning, the reason for separating the terms "private branch exchange 22" and "Cloud PBX 20" is to avoid confusion.

[0046] FIG. 3B illustrates one configuration of the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22 shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3B, the cloud PBX 20 includes a communication control device 24, a VM box 200, a call control device 202, and a database device 204 (DB; Data Base), each connected to the communication control device 24. These components of the cloud PBX 20 are distributed and implemented in the cloud. The private branch exchange 22 includes a communication control device 24, a VM box 220, a call control device 202, and a database device 204, each connected to the communication control device 24. These components of the private branch exchange 22 are implemented by a combination of hardware housed in one or more enclosures on the premises and software executed on the hardware. These components enable the hybrid system 2 to enable the user UI of the terminal device 102 and the user UX of the terminal device 304 to use both the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 and the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22.

[0047] 1B, the VM box 200 has a function of recognizing the voice message and transcribing the contents of the voice message in addition to recording the voice message in the process of S120. Furthermore, in the process of S124, the VM box 200 includes the contents of the voice message transcribed in the process of S120 in the VM display information and displays it on a display device such as the terminal device 102. On the other hand, the VM box 220 does not perform such transcription.

[0048] 3C is a diagram showing the correspondence between the components of the first perspective of the present disclosure and the components of the hybrid system 2 shown in FIG. 3A. As shown in FIG. 3C, the first PBX of the first perspective corresponds to the private branch exchange 22, and the second PBX of the first perspective corresponds to the cloud PBX 20. The first VM box of the first perspective corresponds to the VM box 220.

[0049] Fig. 3D is a diagram illustrating one hardware configuration of the communication control device 24 of the cloud PBX 20 and private branch exchange 22 shown in Fig. 3B. As shown in Fig. 3D, the communication control device 24 includes a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 240, a main memory device 242, an auxiliary memory device 244, and an interface (IF; Interface) circuit 246. The communication control device 24 controls the call control device 202 and VM box 220 and manages information stored in the database device 204 using the components as an information processing device (computer) shown in Fig. 3D.

[0050] The communication control device 24 performs processes such as communication connections for voice calls and data communications between the internal terminal devices 102, 104, and 142, communication connections for voice calls and data communications between the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 and the external terminal device 304, and processes for providing services associated with communications, such as VM functions and conference call functions, to the user UI and UX in cooperation with the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22. However, FIG. 3D is an example of the hardware configuration of the communication control device 24, and is not intended to limit the hardware configuration of the communication control device 24. Furthermore, the communication control device 24 may include components not shown in FIG. 3D.

[0051] The CPU 240 executes a large number of instructions and commands included in a program (not shown) for implementing communication connections for voice calls and data communications executed by the communication control device 24, and services associated with communications provided to the user UI and UX by the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22 in cooperation with each other. The main memory device 242 includes storage devices such as RAM (Random Access Memory) and ROM (Read Only Memory), and temporarily stores programs executed by the CPU 240 and data used in executing these programs.

[0052] The auxiliary storage device 244 includes a nonvolatile storage device such as a hard disk drive (HDD), a solid state drive (SSD), and flash memory, and stores programs executed by the CPU 240 and data used in executing these programs on a medium- to long-term basis. The programs executed by the CPU 240 may be provided as a program product recorded on a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The CPU 240 and the interface circuit 246 input and output information required for communication connections for voice calls and data communications and for services associated with the communications between the call control device 202, the database device 204, and the VM boxes 200 and 220.

[0053] The call control device 202, under the control of the communication control device 24, establishes a communication connection between the internal terminal devices 102, 104, 142 or between the terminal devices 102, 104, 142 and the external terminal device 304 so as to enable voice calls and data communications. Under the control of the communication control device 24, the VM boxes 200 and 220 perform processing to provide VM functions similar to those of the VM boxes 100 and 140 (FIG. 1A, etc.) as common functions to the user UI and UX.

[0054] The database device 204 stores information required for processing by the communication control device 24 in table format in the main memory device 242 and / or the auxiliary memory device 244. The information stored in the database device 204 includes information required for communication connections between the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, 304, information required for unique functions that the cloud PBX 20 or the private branch exchange 22 independently provides to the user UI, UX, and information required to provide unique functions and common functions to the user UI, UX.

[0055] Next, with reference to Figures 4A to 4C, information stored in the database device 204 and used for processing by the communication control device 24 will be described. Figure 4A is a diagram illustrating communication connection information used for communication connections between the terminal devices 102, 104, 142, and 304, which is stored in the database device 204 of the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22. Figure 4B is a diagram illustrating VM information stored in the database device 204 of the cloud PBX 20 and required for the VM function to be provided by the VM box 200 of the private branch exchange 22. Figure 4C is a diagram illustrating VM information stored in the database device 204 of the private branch exchange 22 and required for the VM function to be provided by the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22.

[0056] As shown in FIG. 4A, the communication connection information includes, in a table format, the user UIs (U1, U2, etc.) of the hybrid system 2, the extension numbers (AAA, BBB, etc.) of the internal terminal devices 102, 104, 142 used by each user UI, the outside numbers (IIII-JJJJ-KKKK, etc.) associated with the extension numbers, the extension numbers (AAA', BBB', etc.) of the VM box 200, and the extension numbers (AAA", BBB", etc.) of the VM box 220. The communication connection information shown in FIG. 4A is stored as common content in both the cloud PBX 20 and the database device 204 of the private branch exchange 22.

[0057] The extension number of the VM box 200 is used to utilize the functions of the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20. The extension number of the private branch exchange 22 is used to utilize the functions of the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22. When the user UI makes a call (establishes a communication connection) from one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 on the extension side to the terminal device 304 on the outside line, the outside line number associated with one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 is used as the telephone number of the caller. When the user UX makes a call (establishes a communication connection) from the terminal device 304 on the outside line to the hybrid system 2 using the outside line number, the call from the terminal device 304 to the hybrid system 2 is connected to one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 to which the extension number associated with the outside line number is assigned.

[0058] As shown in FIG. 4B, the VM information in the VM box 200 includes the extension telephone numbers (AAA', BBB'...) of the VM box 200, the outside line number of the terminal device 304 on the outside line side, VM information (VM1, VM2...), transcription information (TXT1, TXT2...), and message numbers (M1, M2...), all associated in a table format. This is the outside line number used when a call was made (communication connection was made) to the hybrid system 2 from the outside line number of the terminal device 304 on the outside line side. The VM information is information indicating a voice message recorded by the user UX using the VM function. The transcription information (TXT1, TXT2...) is text information obtained by the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 transcribing the VM information.

[0059] As shown in FIG. 4C, the VM information in the VM box 220 includes the extension telephone numbers (AAA', BBB'...) of the VM box 200, the outside line number of the terminal device 304 on the outside line side, VM information (VM1, VM2...), transcription information (TXT1, TXT2...), and message numbers (M1, M2...) associated in a table format. Note that the VM information in the cloud PBX 20 and the VM information in the private branch exchange 22 share the same information except for the extension telephone numbers of the VM box 200 and the VM box 220. Also, in FIGS. 4B and 4C, the same message number is assigned to corresponding information, and the message number is used to synchronize the VM information.

[0060] For example, a message number with a value of 0 indicates that the VM information corresponding to this message number should be deleted. Also, since the VM information in the VM box 220 includes the VM information and transcription information, the user UI can use the transcription information from the terminal device 142 accommodated in the private branch exchange 22.

[0061] Next, the operation of the hybrid system 2 will be described when the user UX calls (communicates) the VM box 200 of the PBX 20 from the terminal device 304 and listens to the voice message using one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142. FIG. 5A is a diagram illustrating an operation of the hybrid system 2 in which the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 records a voice message from the terminal device 304, generates transcription information, and transmits the VM information and the transcription information to one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142. FIG. 5B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating an operation of the hybrid system 2 illustrated in FIG. 5A. For the sake of concreteness and clarity, FIG. 5B illustrates a specific example in which the VM information and the transcription information are transmitted to the terminal device 142.

[0062] As indicated by the dotted line in Fig. 5A, the user UX first uses, for example, the terminal device 304 to call (establish a communication connection with) one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 of the hybrid system 2, and performs an operation to use the VM function provided by the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20. As shown in Fig. 4B, when the VM box 200 uses the VM function to store the VM information and its transcription information in the database device 204, the VM box 200 uses the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 to store the VM information and its transcription information in the database device 204 of the private branch exchange 22, as shown in Fig. 4C.

[0063] Such an operation standardizes the caller phone number information, VM information, and transcription information for VM box 200 to provide the VM function, and the caller phone number information, VM information, and transcription information for VM box 220 to provide the VM function. Furthermore, such an operation allows the user UI and UX to use both the VM function and the transcription function of VM boxes 200 and 220 without worrying about such differences in specifications, even if there are differences in the specifications of the common functions provided by VM boxes 200 and 220, such as VM box 200 having a transcription function and VM box 220 not having a transcription function.

[0064] 5B, 5C, 6B, and 6C, "Cloud PBX" refers to Cloud PBX 20 itself and VM box 200, "private branch exchange" refers to private branch exchange 22 itself and VM box 220, "terminal UX" refers to terminal device 304, and "terminal UI" refers to any of terminal devices 102, 104, and 142. In the processing quoted from FIGS. 1B and 2B, "Cloud PBX 10," "PBX 14," and "VM boxes 100 and 140" are replaced with "Cloud PBX 20," "PBX 22," and "VM boxes 200 and 220." For clarity and specificity, the explanation of FIGS. 5A to 5C will be based on a specific example in which a call is made (communication connection is established) from terminal device 304 to terminal device 142.

[0065] As shown in Fig. 5B, first, the processes of S100 to S124 shown in Fig. 1B are performed between the terminal device 304 on the outside line side and the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20. However, as described above, in the process of S120, transcription is performed by the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20, and transcription information is generated as a result of the transcription. The database device 204 of the cloud PBX 20 stores the VM information and the generated transcription information as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0066] In S220, the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 uses the extension number (FIG. 4A) of the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 to make a call to the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22. In S222, the VM box 200 transmits the extension number of the VM box 220 and the like to the VM box 220. In S224, the private branch exchange 22 performs processing for an incoming call from the VM box 200 to the VM box 220 using the extension number of the VM box 220 and the like, and connects the VM box 200 and the VM box 220 for communication.

[0067] 5B, when minimizing the change from the VM box 140 to the VM box 220, the processes of S226, S228, and S230 are performed as appropriate. In S226, the VM box 220 virtually processes the VM response as in S166 (FIG. 2B). In S228, the VM box 220 virtually transmits a VM response voice to the VM box 200 as in S168. In S230, the VM box 200 virtually accepts an operation to record a voice message in the VM box 220 as in S170. However, the process for responding to the virtual VM response voice is not actually performed, and the virtual voice message is not actually stored in the database device 204.

[0068] In S232, the VM box 200 transmits operation information to the VM box 220, as in S172. Note that, when minimizing the change from the VM box 140 to the VM box 220, the processes of S234 and S236 are performed as appropriate, as shown by the dotted line in FIG. 5B. In S234, the VM box 220 virtually records a response, as in S174. In S236, the VM box 220 virtually transmits a guide voice to the VM box 200, as in S176. Note that no processing is actually performed on the virtual guide voice.

[0069] In S238, the VM box 200 plays the VM information received from the terminal device 304 and stored in the database device 204 (FIG. 4B), and reads the transcription information. In S240, the VM box 200 transmits the played VM information to the VM box 220 as an analog signal or digital data, and further transmits the transcription information to the VM box 220. In S242, the VM box 220 receives the VM information and the transcription information and stores them in the database device 204 (FIG. 4C).

[0070] The display device of the terminal device 142 displays a message indicating that there is a voice message from the user UX to the user UI, and when the user UI performs an operation on the terminal device 142 to listen to the voice message of the user UX recorded using the VM function, the processing of S184 to S206 shown in FIG. 2B is performed. When the VM box 220 plays back the voice message, reads out the transcription information, and transmits these to the terminal device 142, in S262 the VM box 220 notifies the VM box 200 of the completion of playing back the VM information and reading out the transcription information. In S264, the VM box of the Cloud PBX deletes information other than the VM box extension number of the private branch exchange from the VM information shown in FIG. 4C (common function information). In S266, the VM box of the private branch exchange deletes information other than the extension number of the VM box of the Cloud PBX from the VM information shown in FIG. 4B.

[0071] Next, an operation of the hybrid system 2 will be described when the user UX calls (connects to) the hybrid system 2 from the external terminal device 304 and uses the VM function provided by the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20, and when the user UI calls (connects to) the hybrid system 2 from the internal terminal device 142 and uses the VM function provided by the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22. Figure 5C is a communication sequence diagram illustrating another operation of the hybrid system 2 illustrated in Figure 5A.

[0072] As shown in Fig. 5C, first, the processes of S100 to S124 shown in Fig. 1B are performed between the terminal device 304 on the outside line side and the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20. However, as described above, in the process of S120, transcription is performed by the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20, and transcription information is generated as a result of the transcription. The database device 204 of the cloud PBX 20 stores the VM information and the generated transcription information as shown in Fig. 4B.

[0073] Next, the processes of S220 to S238 shown in Fig. 5B are performed, and the processes of S184 to S206 shown in Fig. 2B and Fig. 5B are performed. Furthermore, in S280, the VM box 220 notifies the VM box 200 of the end of playback of the VM information and reading of the transcription information. Furthermore, the processes of S264 and S266 shown in Fig. 5B are performed.

[0074] Next, the operation of the hybrid system 2 will be described when the user UX makes a call (communication connection) to the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 from the terminal device 304 and listens to a voice message using the VM function provided by the VM box 220 using one of the terminal devices 102, 104, or 142. FIG. 6A illustrates an example of the operation of the hybrid system 2 in which the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 records a voice message from the terminal device 304 on the outside line, the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 generates transcription information, and transmits the VM information and the transcription information to one of the terminal devices 102, 104, or 142 on the inside line. FIG. 6B is a communication sequence diagram illustrating an example of the operation of the hybrid system 2 illustrated in FIG. 6A. For the sake of concreteness and clarity, FIG. 6B also illustrates a specific example in which the VM information and the transcription information are transmitted to the terminal device 142.

[0075] As indicated by the dotted lines in Fig. 6A, the user UX first uses, for example, the terminal device 304 to call (establish a communication connection with) one of the terminal devices 102, 104, and 142 of the hybrid system 2, and performs an operation to use the VM function provided by the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22. As shown in Fig. 4C, when the VM box 220 stores the VM information in the database device 204 using the VM function, the VM box 220 transmits the VM information to the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 20 to perform transcription. The transcription information obtained as a result of the transcription is associated with the VM information and stored in the database device 204 of the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22, as shown in Figs. 4B and 4C.

[0076] As shown in Fig. 6B, first, the processes of S160 to S182 shown in Fig. 2B are performed between the terminal device 304 on the outside line side and the VM box 200 of the Cloud PBX 20. In S280, the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 uses the extension number of the VM box 200 of the Cloud PBX 20 (Fig. 4A) to make a call to the VM box 200 of the Cloud PBX 20. In S282, the VM box 220 transmits the extension number of the VM box 200 of the Cloud PBX 20 and the like to the VM box 200. In S284, the Cloud PBX 20 performs processing for an incoming call from the VM box 220 to the VM box 200 using the extension number of the VM box 200 and the like, and establishes a communication connection between the VM box 200 and the VM box 220.

[0077] 6B, when minimizing the change from the VM box 100 to the VM box 200, the processes of S286, S288, and S290 are performed as appropriate. In S286, the VM box 200 virtually performs VM response processing as in S106 (FIG. 1B). In S288, the VM box 200 virtually transmits a VM response voice to the VM box 220 as in S108. In S290, the VM box 200 virtually accepts an operation to record a voice message as in S110. However, the process to respond to the virtual VM response voice is not actually performed, and the virtual voice message is not actually stored in the database device 204.

[0078] In S292, the VM box 220 transmits operation information to the VM box 200. Note that, when minimizing the change in operation from the VM box 140 to the VM box 220, the processes of S294 and S296 are performed as appropriate, as shown by the dotted line in Fig. 6B. In S294, the VM box 220 virtually performs a recording response, as in S114. In S296, the VM box 220 virtually transmits a guide voice to the VM box 200, as in S116. Note that no processing is actually performed on the virtual guide voice.

[0079] In S298, the VM box 200 plays the VM information received from the terminal device 304 and stored in the database device 204 (FIG. 4B) and reads the transcription information. In S300, the VM box 200 transmits the played VM information to the VM box 220 as an analog signal or digital data, and further transmits the transcription information to the VM box 220. In S302, the VM box 220 receives the VM information and the transcription information and stores them in the database device 204 (VM recording; FIG. 4C).

[0080] In S304, the communication connection between the VM box 200 and the VM box 220 is disconnected, and processing for terminating the call is performed between the Cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22. Furthermore, the processing of S186 to S206 shown in FIG. 2B is performed. When the VM box 220 plays the voice message, reads the transcription information, and transmits these to the terminal device 142, in S320 the VM box 200 notifies the VM box 220 of the completion of playing the VM information and reading the transcription information. In S322, the VM box 220 deletes information other than the VM box extension number of the Cloud PBX from the VM information shown in FIG. 4C. Furthermore, the VM box 200 deletes information other than the extension number of the VM box of the Cloud PBX from the VM information shown in FIG. 4B.

[0081] Next, we will explain the operation of the hybrid system 2 when the user UX makes a call (establishes a communication connection) to the VM box 220 of the private branch exchange 22 from the terminal device 304, and the user UI uses one of the terminal devices 102, 104, or 142 to listen to a voice message using the VM function provided by the VM box 200.

[0082] Fig. 6C is a communication sequence diagram illustrating another operation of the hybrid system 2 illustrated in Fig. 6A. For the sake of concreteness and clarity, Fig. 6C also illustrates a specific example in which VM information and transcription information are transmitted to the terminal device 142. As shown in Fig. 6C, first, the processes of S160 to S182 shown in Fig. 2B are performed. Next, the processes of S280 to S304 shown in Fig. 6B are performed, followed by the processes of S124 to S142 shown in Fig. 1B, and finally, the processes of S320 and S322 shown in Fig. 6B are performed.

[0083] As described above, according to the hybrid system 2, when the VM function is provided in either the cloud PBX 20 or the private branch exchange 22, the fact that a voice message has been recorded is displayed on the terminal devices housed in both the cloud PBX 20 and the private branch exchange 22. Therefore, both the user UI using the terminal devices 102, 104 housed in the cloud PBX 20 and the user UI using the terminal device 142 housed in the private branch exchange 22 can listen to the recorded voice message. Furthermore, even if only the VM box 200 of the cloud PBX 20 has a special function, such as a transcription function, both the user using the terminal device housed in the cloud PBX 20 and the user using the terminal device housed in the private branch exchange 22 can use the special function.

[0084] Some or all of the above embodiments can be described as, but are not limited to, the following supplementary notes. [Appendix 1] A PBX system comprising a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, wherein the first PBX and the second PBX respectively store a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX that correspond to a user in advance, and when a voice message is stored in the first VM box, the first PBX makes a call from the VM box extension number of the first PBX that corresponds to the user of the voice message to the VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, transmits VM information including at least the voice message. [Appendix 2] A PBX system as described in Appendix 1, wherein when VM information stored in a first VM box is deleted, the first PBX requests deletion of the VM information stored in a second VM box via the second PBX, and the second VM box deletes the VM information in response to the request. [Appendix 3] 3. The PBX system according to claim 1, wherein the first PBX is a cloud PBX virtually constructed in the cloud, and the second PBX is a private branch exchange installed on the premises. [Appendix 4] The PBX system according to any one of appendices 1 to 3, wherein the VM information includes the voice message and transcription information generated by the first PBX. [Appendix 5] The PBX is provided with a VM box, and is configured to store in advance a VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to a user and a second VM box extension number, and when a voice message is stored in the VM box, to make a call from the VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to the second VM box extension number, and when the second VM box answers, to transmit VM information including at least the voice message. [Appendix 6] A common function providing device for a PBX that provides common functions common to a PBX and other PBXs other than the PBX, configured to, when a first terminal device capable of communicating with the PBX and / or one of the other PBXs requests the provision of the common function, transmit function information used for the requested common function to the other PBX, and when a second terminal device capable of communicating with the PBX and / or one of the other PBXs requests the provision of the common function, transmit the function information received from the other PBX to the second terminal device. [Appendix 7] A method for providing PBX functions in a PBX system comprising a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, the method comprising the steps of: the first PBX and the second PBX respectively storing a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX that correspond to a user in advance; and the first PBX, when a voice message is stored in the first VM box, calling the VM box extension number of the first PBX that corresponds to the user of the voice message to the VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, transmitting VM information including at least the voice message. [Appendix 8] A PBX function providing program that provides functions in a PBX having a PBX and a VM box connected to the PBX, wherein at least the PBX has one or more processors, and the PBX causes the processor of the PBX to execute a process of storing a VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to a user in advance and a second VM box extension number, and a process of, when a voice message is stored in the VM box, the PBX makes a call from the VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to the second VM box extension number, and when the second VM box answers, transmits VM information including at least the voice message. It goes without saying that combinations of the various forms described in the appendix of this disclosure, or any combination of the elements described in each aspect and embodiment (including the non-selection of some elements), can be made at any time by those skilled in the art in accordance with the basic concept of this disclosure.

[0085] The disclosures of the above-cited patent documents and other documents are incorporated herein by reference. Modifications and adjustments of the embodiments and examples are possible within the scope of this disclosure (including the claims), and further based on its basic technical concept. Furthermore, various combinations and selections (including partial deletions) of various disclosed elements (including elements of each claim, each element of each embodiment or example, each element of each drawing, etc.) are possible within the scope of this disclosure. In other words, this disclosure naturally includes various modifications and alterations that would be possible by those skilled in the art in accordance with the entire disclosure and technical concept, including the claims. In particular, the numerical ranges described herein should be construed as specifically describing any numerical value or subrange within that range, even if not otherwise specified. Furthermore, the disclosures of the above-cited documents are deemed to be included in the disclosure of this application, in part or in whole, which may be used in combination with the disclosures herein, as part of the spirit of this disclosure, as necessary. [Explanation of symbols]

[0086] 1,2 Hybrid system 10,20 Cloud PBX 100, 140, 200, 220 VM Box 102, 104, 142, 304 terminal equipment 12 Gateway device 120,126 IP lines 14,22 Private branch exchange 16 In-house system 202 Call control device 204 Database Device 24 Communication control device 240 CPU 242 Main storage 244 Auxiliary storage 246 Interface Circuit 30 PSTN 300,302 Public telephone lines

Claims

1. a first PBX, a first VM box in the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box in the second PBX; the first PBX and the second PBX respectively store a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX corresponding to a user in advance; When a voice message is stored in a first VM box, the first PBX makes a call from a VM box extension number of the first PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to a VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, it transmits VM information including at least the voice message. PBX system.

2. When the VM information stored in the first VM box is deleted, the first PBX requests deletion of the VM information stored in the second VM box via the second PBX; The second VM box deletes the VM information in response to the request.

2. The PBX system of claim 1.

3. The first PBX is a cloud PBX virtually constructed in a cloud, and the second PBX is a private branch exchange installed on a premises.

2. The PBX system of claim 1.

4. The VM information includes the voice message and a transcription generated by the first PBX.

2. The PBX system of claim 1.

5. Equipped with a VM box, A VM box extension number and a second VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user are stored in advance; When a voice message is stored in the VM box, a call is made from a VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to the second VM box extension number, and when the second VM box answers, VM information including at least the voice message is transmitted. PBX.

6. A common function providing device for a PBX that provides a common function common to a PBX and another PBX other than the PBX, When a request for provision of the common function is received from a first terminal device capable of communicating with at least one of the PBX and the other PBX, function information used for the requested common function is transmitted to the other PBX; When a second terminal device capable of communicating with at least one of the PBX and the other PBX requests provision of the common function, the function information received from the other PBX is transmitted to the second terminal device. A common function providing device configured as follows.

7. A method for providing a PBX function in a PBX system including a first PBX, a first VM box of the first PBX, a second PBX, and a second VM box of the second PBX, the method comprising: a step in which the first PBX and the second PBX respectively store a VM box extension number of the first PBX and a VM box extension number of the second PBX corresponding to a user in advance; When a voice message is stored in a first VM box, the first PBX makes a call from a VM box extension number of the first PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message to a VM box extension number of the second PBX, and when the second VM box answers, transmits VM information including at least the voice message; A method for providing a PBX function, including:

8. A PBX function providing program for providing a function in a PBX having a PBX and a VM box connected to the PBX, wherein at least the PBX has one or more processors; a process in which the PBX stores a VM box extension number and a second VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user in advance; a process in which, when a voice message is stored in the VM box, the PBX calls the second VM box extension number from the VM box extension number of the PBX corresponding to the user of the voice message, and when the second VM box answers, transmits VM information including at least the voice message; A PBX function providing program that causes a processor of the PBX to execute the above.

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