Conference call device, conference call system, program, and conference call method

Abstract

To provide a conference speech technology capable of coping with conference speech having high urgency.SOLUTION: A conference speech apparatus 1 calls a conference participation terminal 2 belonging to a conference group according to a conference holding request from a conference starting terminal 4, executes conference speech between a responding conference participation terminal 2 and the conference starting terminal 4, and calls an agent terminal 3 while continuing a call to the conference participation terminal 2 as it is in the case that timeout occurs due to the elapse of a prescribed time without responding to any conference participation terminal 2 wanted to be called according to the conference holding request. Then, speech is started between the agent terminal 3 and the conference starting terminal 4 in the case of receiving response from the agent terminal 3 without response of any of conference participation terminals 2.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a conference call system, and more particularly to a technique for calling conference participants. [Background technology]

[0002] A conference call device that calls a plurality of conference participant terminals in response to a request from a conference initiator terminal and carries out a conference call between the responding conference participant terminals and the conference initiator terminal is now in widespread use. For example, Patent Document 1 discloses a conference call device that temporarily stops the call if the called call partner terminal does not respond, and then calls the call partner terminal again after a predetermined time has elapsed. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0003] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Application Publication No. 1-228255 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0004] However, conventional conference call devices cannot start a conference call unless all of the multiple conference participant terminals that are called respond, which makes them unsuitable for conference calls with high urgency, such as when an emergency responder carrying a conference initiator terminal informs multiple hospital staff carrying conference participant terminals about the condition of an injured person.

[0005] The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a technique for calling conference participants that can also handle conference calls with high urgency. [Means for solving the problem]

[0006] In order to solve the above problem, in this invention, in a conference call device that calls multiple conference participant terminals belonging to a specified conference group in accordance with a conference holding request from a conference initiator terminal and conducts a conference call between the responding conference participant terminals and the conference initiator terminal, if none of the called multiple conference participant terminals responds and a timeout occurs after a specified time has passed, the device calls a pre-registered proxy terminal while continuing to call the multiple conference participant terminals belonging to the conference group.

[0007] Here, the agent terminal may be added to the conference group and called, or the agent terminal may be called without being added to the conference group. When the agent terminal is added to the conference group and called, the agent terminal that answers can participate in the conference call with the conference initiator terminal together with the conference participant terminal that answered. On the other hand, when the agent terminal is called without being added to the conference group, the agent terminal does not participate in the conference call. In this case, the conference call between the conference initiator terminal and the conference participant terminal starts after the call between the conference initiator terminal and the agent terminal ends.

[0008] For example, the present invention provides A conference call device that calls a plurality of conference participating terminals belonging to a predetermined conference group in response to a conference holding request from a conference initiator terminal, and carries out a conference call between the responding conference participating terminals and the conference initiator terminal, The system includes an agent terminal calling means for calling a predetermined agent terminal while continuing to call the plurality of conference participant terminals when none of the plurality of conference participant terminals called in accordance with the conference opening request responds and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] In the present invention, if none of the multiple conference participant terminals called in response to a conference request from a conference initiator terminal responds and a predetermined time has elapsed and the call times out, the call to these conference participant terminals continues and an agent terminal is called, so that, for example, by calling the agent terminal of an agent who can contact the conference participants and holding a conversation, it is possible to request the conference participants to respond quickly to the call from the conference initiator terminal or to inform them of the urgency of the conference, etc. Therefore, according to the present invention, a conference call technology that can also handle conference calls with high urgency can be provided. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conference call system according to a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 2 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a conference call process in the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3] FIG. 3 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 4] FIG. 4 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 5] FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 6] FIG. 6 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 7] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the conference call device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 8] FIG. 8 is a flow diagram for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1. As shown in FIG. [Figure 9] FIG. 9 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 11] FIG. 11 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 12] FIG. 12 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 13] FIG. 13 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1, and is a continuation of FIG. [Figure 14] FIG. 14 is a sequence diagram illustrating an example of a conference call process in the conference call system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 15] FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of S300 in FIG. [Figure 16] FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram for explaining an example of the conference call processing of the conference call system according to the second embodiment of the present invention, and is a continuation of S300 in FIG. [Figure 17] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the conference call device 1A. [Figure 18] FIG. 18 is a flow chart for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1A, and is a continuation of FIG. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

[0012] [First embodiment] First, a first embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0013] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conference call system according to the present embodiment.

[0014] As shown in the figure, the conference call system according to this embodiment is configured to include a plurality of conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (hereinafter simply referred to as conference participant terminals 2), an agent terminal 3, a conference call device 1 that accommodates the conference participant terminals 2 and the agent terminal 3 via an extension network 5 such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or a wireless LAN, and a conference initiator terminal 4. Here, the conference call device 1 and the conference initiator terminal 4 are connected to an external network 6 such as an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone network or a PSTN (Public Switched Telephone Network).

[0015] If this conference call system is introduced in a hospital, for example, the conference participant terminal 2 can be used as a telephone terminal carried by medical staff in the hospital's ER (Emergency Room), the agent terminal 3 can be used as a telephone terminal carried by an agent (e.g., hospital administrative staff) who can contact the medical staff, and the conference initiator terminal 4 can be used as a telephone terminal carried by an emergency medical technician performing emergency operations.

[0016] In response to a conference initiation request from a conference initiator terminal 4, the conference call device 1 calls a plurality of conference participant terminals 2 belonging to a predetermined conference group, and carries out a conference call between the conference participant terminals 2 that respond and the conference initiator terminal 4. Furthermore, if none of the called conference participant terminals 2 responds and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed, the conference call device 1 calls the agent terminal 3 while continuing to call these conference participant terminals 2.

[0017] 2 to 6 are sequence diagrams illustrating an example of conference call processing in the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

[0018] When the conference initiator terminal 4 receives a conference start operation from an operator (conference organizer) (S100), it transmits a conference start request to the conference call device 1 (S101). In response to this, the conference call device 1 establishes a call path with the conference initiator terminal 4 and allows the conference initiator terminal 4 to participate in the conference call (S102). However, at this stage, only the conference initiator terminal 4 is participating in the conference call.

[0019] Next, the conference call device 1 identifies the conference participant terminals 2 that belong to a pre-registered conference group (S103). Here, it is assumed that all the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 belong to the conference group. Then, the conference call device 1 calls all the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (S104 to S106). In response to this, the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 start ringing (S107 to S109).

[0020] Here, it is assumed that none of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 respond to the call and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed (S110). In response to this, the conference call device 1 adds the agent terminal 3 to the conference group (S111), and while continuing to call the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3, also calls the agent terminal 3 (S112). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 rings (S113).

[0021] Thereafter, it is assumed that the agent terminal 3 receives a response operation from the operator (agent) before any of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 responds to the call (S114). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a response to the conference call device 1 (S115). When the conference call device 1 receives the response from the agent terminal 3, it establishes a communication path with the agent terminal 3 and allows the agent terminal 3 to participate in the conference call (S116). This enables communication between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the agent terminal 3, and the conference organizer can request the agent to have each of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 belonging to the conference group join the conference as soon as possible.

[0022] Next, it is assumed that the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3 receive a response operation from the operator (conference participant) (S117, S120, S123). In response to this, the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3 stop ringing and transmit a response to the conference call device 1 (S118, S121, S124). Upon receiving the response from the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3, the conference call device 1 establishes a call path between the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3 and transmits a proxy participation notification indicating that the proxy terminal 3 is participating in the conference, and then allows the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3 to participate in the conference call (S119, S122, S125). This enables communication between the conference initiator terminal 4, the conference participation terminals 2-1 to 2-3, and the proxy terminal 3.

[0023] On the other hand, after S113 is performed, it is assumed that the conference participation terminal 2-1 receives a response operation from the operator (conference participant) before the agent terminal 3 responds to the call (S126). In response to this, the conference participation terminal 2-1 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a response to the conference call device 1 (S127). When the conference call device 1 receives the response from the conference participation terminal 2-1, it establishes a call path with the conference participation terminal 2-1 and allows the conference participation terminal 2-1 to participate in the conference call (S128). In addition, it removes the agent terminal 3 from the conference group (S129) and terminates the call to the agent terminal 3 (S130). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops the incoming call ringing (S131).

[0024] Next, it is assumed that the remaining conference participant terminals 2-2 and 2-3 receive a response operation from the operator (conference participant) (S132, S135). In response to this, the conference participant terminals 2-2 and 2-3 stop ringing and transmit a response to the conference call device 1 (S133, S136). When the conference call device 1 receives the responses from the conference participant terminals 2-2 and 2-3, it establishes a communication path between the conference participant terminals 2-2 and 2-3 and allows the conference participant terminals 2-2 and 2-3 to participate in the conference call (S134, S137). This enables communication between the conference initiator terminal 4 and all of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3.

[0025] Furthermore, after S113 is performed, when the conference initiator terminal 4 receives a conference withdrawal operation from the operator (conference organizer) who is unable to maintain a standby state for the conference due to circumstances (S138), it transmits a conference withdrawal request to the conference call device 1 (S139). In response to this, the conference call device 1 releases the call path with the conference initiator terminal 4, causing the conference initiator terminal 4 to withdraw from the conference call (S140). Then, the conference call device 1 deletes the agent terminal 3 from the conference group (S141) and terminates the call to the agent terminal 3 (S142). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops ringing the incoming call (S143).

[0026] It is assumed that the conference participation terminal 2-1 then receives a conference participation operation (response operation) from the operator (S144). In response to this, the conference participation terminal 2-1 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a conference participation request (response) to the conference call device 1 (S145). When the conference call device 1 receives the conference participation request from the conference participation terminal 2-1 before a time-out occurs due to the passage of a predetermined time, it establishes a call path with the conference participation terminal 2-1 and allows the conference participation terminal 2-1 to participate in the conference call (S146). However, at this stage, only the conference participation terminal 2-1 is participating in the conference call.

[0027] Next, the conference call device 1 calls the conference initiator terminal 4 (S147). In response to this, the conference initiator terminal 4 starts ringing for the incoming call (S148). Thereafter, when the conference initiator terminal 4 receives a response operation from the operator (S149), it stops ringing for the incoming call and transmits a response to the conference call device 1 (S150). When the conference call device 1 receives the response from the conference initiator terminal 4, it establishes a call path with the conference initiator terminal 4 and allows the conference initiator terminal 4 to participate in the conference call (S151). This enables a call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the conference participant terminal 2-1.

[0028] Next, it is assumed that the remaining conference participating terminals 2-2 and 2-3 accept a conference participation operation from the operator (S152, S155). In response to this, the conference participating terminals 2-2 and 2-3 stop ringing and transmit a conference participation request to the conference call device 1 (S153, S156). When the conference call device 1 receives the conference participation request from the conference participating terminals 2-2 and 2-3, it establishes a communication path between the conference participating terminals 2-2 and 2-3 and allows the conference participating terminals 2-2 and 2-3 to participate in the conference call (S154, S157). This enables communication between the conference initiator terminal 4 and all of the conference participating terminals 2-1 to 2-3.

[0029] Next, a description will be given of the conference call device 1 constituting the conference call system according to this embodiment. Note that, since existing telephone terminals such as smartphones and key telephones can be used for the conference participant terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the conference initiator terminal 4, detailed description thereof will be omitted.

[0030] FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the conference call device 1. As shown in FIG.

[0031] As shown in the figure, the conference call device 1 includes an extension network interface unit 10, an external network interface unit 11, a call control unit 12, a relay unit 13, and a conference call control unit 14.

[0032] The extension network interface unit 10 is an interface for connecting to the extension network 5 , and the outside network interface unit 11 is an interface for connecting to the outside network 6 .

[0033] The call control unit 12 performs call control processing in accordance with a call control protocol such as SIP (Session Initiation Protocol), and establishes and releases communication paths between the conference participating terminals 2, the agent terminal 3, and the conference originating terminal 4. In particular, in response to a conference holding request from the conference originating terminal 4, the call control unit 12 performs call control processing in cooperation with the conference originating terminal 4, establishes a communication path to the conference originating terminal 4, and calls each conference participating terminal 2 belonging to the conference group.

[0034] The call control unit 12 also includes an agent terminal calling unit 120, a conference participation notifying unit 121, and a conference initiator terminal calling unit 123.

[0035] When none of the conference participating terminals 2 called in response to a conference request from the conference initiator terminal 4 respond and a predetermined time has elapsed and the call times out, the agent terminal calling unit 120 adds the agent terminal 3 to the conference group and calls the agent terminal 3 while continuing to call the conference participating terminals 2. Furthermore, when a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals 2 while the agent terminal calling unit 120 is calling the agent terminal 3, the agent terminal calling unit 120 causes the agent terminal 3 to withdraw from the conference group and stops calling the agent terminal 3.

[0036] When a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group during a conference call between the agent terminal 3 and the conference initiator terminal 4, the conference participation notification unit 121 transmits to the conference participating terminal 2 a proxy participation notification indicating that the agent terminal 3 is participating in the conference call.

[0037] The conference initiator terminal calling unit 123 calls the conference initiator terminal 4 when it receives a conference participation request from any conference participant terminal 2 belonging to the conference group within a predetermined time after receiving a conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal 4.

[0038] The relay unit 13 relays between the call paths established by the call control unit 12 in accordance with a transmission protocol such as RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol).

[0039] The conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13, and for each call path notified by the call control unit 12, mixes the voice data received from call paths other than this call path, and transmits the mixed voice data to this call path. In this way, a conference call is carried out between the conference participant terminal 2, the agent terminal 3, and the conference initiator terminal 4.

[0040] The above-described functional configuration of the conference call device 1 is realized in hardware using an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit) or an FPGA (Field Programmable Gate Array), or in software using a computer such as a DSP (Digital Signal Processor). Alternatively, it is realized as a process in a general-purpose computer such as a PC (Personal Computer) equipped with a CPU, memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and a communication interface such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) or a wireless adapter, by the CPU loading a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device into the memory and executing it.

[0041] 8 to 13 are flow charts for explaining the conference call processing of the conference call device 1. FIG.

[0042] This flow starts when the external network interface unit 11 receives a conference request from the conference initiator terminal 4 via the external network 6 .

[0043] First, the call control unit 12 establishes a call path with the conference initiator terminal 4 via the external network interface unit 11 (S200). Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the conference initiator terminal 4. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have the conference initiator terminal 4 participate in the conference call (S201). However, at this stage, only the conference initiator terminal 4 is participating in the conference call.

[0044] Next, the call control unit 12 identifies the conference participant terminals 2 that belong to the pre-registered conference group (S202), and then calls each of the identified conference participant terminals 2 via the extension network interface unit 10 (S203).

[0045] Thereafter, when the call control unit 12 receives a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S205), the process proceeds to S208. Furthermore, when the call control unit 12 receives a conference withdrawal request from the conference originating terminal 4 via the external network interface unit 11 (YES in S204) before receiving a response from the conference participating terminal 2 (NO in S205), the call control unit 12 transmits a response to the conference originating terminal 4 to release the communication path with the conference originating terminal 4 (S207), and then proceeds to S229. Furthermore, when the call control unit 12 does not receive a conference withdrawal request from the conference originating terminal 4 (NO in S204), does not receive a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 (NO in S205), and times out due to the passage of a predetermined time since starting the call to the conference participating terminal 2 (YES in S206), the process proceeds to S212.

[0046] In S208, the call control unit 12 establishes a call path with the responding conference participant terminal 2. Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the responding conference participant terminal 2. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have this conference participant terminal 2 participate in the conference call (S209).

[0047] Next, if the call control unit 12 has established a communication path with all the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group (YES in S210), it ends this flow. On the other hand, if there is a conference participating terminal 2 with which a communication path has not been established (NO in S210), it waits for a response from this conference participating terminal 2 with which a communication path has not been established (S211). Then, if it receives a response from the conference participating terminal 2 with which a communication path has not been established (YES in S211), it returns to S208.

[0048] In S212, the agent terminal calling unit 120 adds the agent terminal 3 to the conference group, and then calls the agent terminal 3 via the extension network interface unit 10 (S213).

[0049] Thereafter, before receiving a response from any of the conference participant terminals 2 (NO in S216), if the agent terminal calling unit 120 receives a response from the agent terminal 3 via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S215), the process proceeds to S222.

[0050] Furthermore, if the agent terminal calling unit 120 receives a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 via the internal network interface unit 10 (YES in S216) before receiving a response from the agent terminal 3 (NO in S215), it deletes the agent terminal 3 from the conference group (S217), terminates the call to the agent terminal 3 (S218), and then returns to S208.

[0051] Furthermore, when the agent terminal calling unit 120 receives a conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal 4 (YES in S214) without receiving a response from the agent terminal 3 (NO in S215) and without receiving a response from any of the conference participant terminals 2 (NO in S216), it sends a release to the conference initiator terminal 4 to release the communication path with the conference initiator terminal 4 (S219), deletes the agent terminal 3 from the conference group (S220), and terminates the call to the agent terminal 3 (S221). Then, the process proceeds to S229.

[0052] In S222, the call control unit 12 establishes a call path with the agent terminal 3. Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the agent terminal 3. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have the agent terminal 3 participate in the conference call (S223).

[0053] Thereafter, when the call control unit 12 receives a response from any of the conference participation terminals 2 via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S224), it establishes a call path with the conference participation terminal 2 that responded (S225), and the conference participation notification unit 121 transmits a proxy participation notification indicating that the proxy terminal 3 is participating in the conference to the conference participation terminal 2 via this call path (S226). Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the conference participation terminal 2 that responded. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14, in cooperation with the relay unit 13, allows this conference participation terminal 2 to participate in the conference call (S227).

[0054] Next, if the call control unit 12 has established communication paths with all the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group (YES in S228), it ends this flow. On the other hand, if there is a conference participating terminal 2 with which a communication path has not been established (NO in S228), it returns to S224.

[0055] In S229, the call control unit 12 waits to receive a conference participation request from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group via the extension network interface unit 10. Then, if a conference participation request is not received from any of the conference participating terminals 2 (NO in S229) and a timeout occurs due to the lapse of a predetermined time since the reception of the conference withdrawal request from the conference originating terminal 4 (YES in S230), this flow ends.

[0056] On the other hand, if a conference participation request is received from any of the conference participation terminals 2 belonging to the conference group (YES in S229) before the time-out (NO in S230), the call control unit 12 transmits a response to this conference participation terminal 2 via the extension network interface unit 10, and establishes a call path with this conference participation terminal 2 (S231). Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with this conference participation terminal 2. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have this conference participation terminal 2 participate in the conference call (S232).

[0057] Next, when a call path is established with any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group, the conference originating terminal calling unit 123 calls the conference originating terminal 4 via the external network interface unit 11 (S233).

[0058] Thereafter, when the call control unit 12 receives a response from the conference initiator terminal 4 via the external network interface unit 11 (YES in S234), it establishes a call with the conference initiator terminal 4 (S235). Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path to the conference initiator terminal 4. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have the conference initiator terminal 4 participate in the conference call (S236). Then, the process proceeds to S240.

[0059] Furthermore, if the call control unit 12 receives a conference participation request from a conference participation terminal 2 belonging to the conference group via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S237), it establishes a call with this conference participation terminal 2 (S238). Then, the call control unit 12 notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path to this conference participation terminal 2. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have this conference participation terminal 2 participate in the conference call (S239). Then, the process proceeds to S240.

[0060] In S240, if the call control unit 12 determines that a call path with the conference originating terminal 4 has not been established (NO in S240), the process returns to S234. On the other hand, if the call path with the conference originating terminal 4 has been established (YES in S240), the call control unit 12 checks whether call paths with all conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group have been established (S241). If call paths with all conference participating terminals 2 have been established (YES in S241), the process ends. On the other hand, if there is a conference participating terminal 2 for which a call path has not been established (NO in S241), the process waits for a conference participation request from this conference participating terminal 2 for which a call path has not been established (S242). Then, if a conference participation request has been received (YES in S242), the process returns to S238.

[0061] The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0062] In this embodiment, the conference call device 1 calls the conference participant terminals 2 belonging to a conference group in response to a conference request from the conference initiator terminal 4, and conducts a conference call between the conference participant terminals 2 that respond and the conference initiator terminal 4. If none of the called conference participant terminals 2 respond and a predetermined time has elapsed, the conference call device 1 adds an agent terminal 3 to the conference group and calls the agent terminal 3 while continuing to call the multiple conference participant terminals 2 that belong to the conference group. This allows the conference participants to, for example, request an agent who can contact the conference participants to quickly respond to the call from the conference initiator terminal 4 or to convey the urgency of the conference. Therefore, this embodiment can also handle conference calls with high urgency. Furthermore, in this embodiment, the agent terminal 3 is added to the conference group and called, so the agent can participate in the conference call with the conference organizer along with the conference participants.

[0063] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a response is received from any of the conference participant terminals 2 while the delegate terminal 3 is being called, the conference call device 1 causes the delegate terminal 3 to withdraw from the conference group and cancels the call to the delegate terminal 3. Therefore, when any of the conference participants responds before the delegate, it becomes possible to carry out a conference call without the delegate, and the conference can hold a conference between the conference organizer and the conference participants about content that the delegate does not want to hear.

[0064] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conference call device 1 receives a response from a conference participating terminal 2 belonging to a conference group during a conference call between the agent terminal 3 and the conference initiator terminal 4, the conference call device 1 transmits a proxy participation notification to the conference participating terminal 2 informing the participant that the agent terminal 3 is participating in the conference call. Therefore, according to this embodiment, the participant can know that a proxy is participating in the conference call before joining the conference call, and can therefore refrain from saying anything in the conference call that they do not want the proxy to hear.

[0065] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conference call device 1 receives a conference participation request from a conference participating terminal 2 belonging to a conference group within a predetermined time after causing the conference initiator terminal 4 to withdraw from the conference call in accordance with the conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal 4, the conference call device 1 establishes a communication path with the conference participating terminal 2 to allow the conference participating terminal 2 to participate in the conference call, and also calls the conference initiator terminal 4, and if there is a response from the conference initiator terminal 4, establishes a communication path with the conference initiator terminal 4 to allow the conference initiator terminal 4 to participate in the conference call. As a result, even if the conference initiator terminal 4 withdraws from the conference call for some reason, the conference participating terminal 2 joins the conference call, allowing the conference initiator terminal 4 to return to the conference call, improving convenience.

[0066] [Second embodiment] Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described.

[0067] The conference call system according to this embodiment differs from the conference call system according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1 in that a conference call device 1A is used instead of the conference call device 1. The other configurations are the same as those of the conference call system according to the first embodiment shown in Fig. 1.

[0068] 14 to 16 are sequence diagrams for explaining an example of conference call processing in the conference call system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

[0069] It is assumed that steps S100 to S110 shown in FIG. 2 of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention are performed, and that none of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 called in response to a conference opening request from the conference initiator terminal 4 responds, and the conference call device 1A times out after a predetermined time has elapsed (S300).

[0070] In response to this, the conference call device 1A calls the agent terminal 3 without allowing the agent terminal 3 to join the conference group, while continuing to call the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (S301). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 rings (S302).

[0071] Thereafter, before the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 respond to the call, the agent terminal 3 receives a response operation from the operator (agent) (S303). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a response to the conference call device 1A (S304). Upon receiving the response from the agent terminal 3, the conference call device 1A establishes a call path with the agent terminal 3, causes the conference initiator terminal 4 to withdraw from the conference call, and relays the call between the agent terminal 3 and the conference initiator terminal 4 (S305). This enables a call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the agent terminal 3, and the conference organizer can request the agent to have each conference participant join the conference as soon as possible.

[0072] Next, it is assumed that the conference participation terminal 2-1 receives a response operation from the operator (conference participant) (S306). In response to this, the conference participation terminal 2-1 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a response to the conference call device 1A (S307). When the conference call device 1A receives the response from the conference participation terminal 2-1, it establishes a communication path with the conference participation terminal 2-1 and transmits to the conference participation terminal 2-1 via this communication path a proxy busy notification indicating that the conference initiator terminal 4 is in a call with the proxy terminal 3 (S308), and also transmits to the conference initiator terminal 4 a participant response notification notifying that a response has been received from the conference participation terminal 2 (S309). This allows the conference organizer to prompt the proxy who is on the call to hang up because the conference is about to begin.

[0073] Thereafter, it is assumed that the agent terminal 3 receives a call termination operation from the operator (agent) (S310). The agent terminal 3 transmits a call termination request to the conference call device 1A (S311). In response to this, the conference call device 1A transmits a release to the agent terminal 3, thereby releasing the call path with the agent terminal 3 (S312). Note that the conference initiator terminal 4 may also receive the call termination operation from the operator (conference organizer). In this case, the conference initiator terminal 4 transmits a call termination request to the conference call device 1A, and in response to this, the conference call device 1A releases the call path with the agent terminal 3.

[0074] Then, the conference call device 1A allows the conference initiator terminal 4 and the conference participant terminal 2-1, with which a communication path has been established, to participate in the conference call (S313). After that, steps S132 to S137 shown in Fig. 4 of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention are carried out, and the conference call becomes possible between the conference initiator terminal 4 and all of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (S314).

[0075] On the other hand, after S302 is performed, it is assumed that the conference participant terminal 2-1 receives a response operation from the operator (conference participant) before the agent terminal 3 responds to the call (S315). In response to this, the conference participant terminal 2-1 stops the incoming call ringing and transmits a response to the conference call device 1A (S316). When the conference call device 1A receives the response from the conference participant terminal 2-1, it establishes a call path with the conference participant terminal 2-1 and allows the conference participant terminal 2-1 to participate in the conference call (S317). It also terminates the call to the agent terminal 3 (S318). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops the incoming call ringing (S319). Thereafter, S132 to S137 shown in FIG. 4 of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention are performed, and the conference call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and all of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 becomes possible (S320).

[0076] Furthermore, after S302 is performed, when the conference initiator terminal 4 receives a conference withdrawal operation from an operator who is unable to maintain a standby state for the conference due to circumstances (S321), the conference initiator terminal 4 transmits a conference withdrawal request to the conference call device 1A (S322). In response to this, the conference call device 1A releases the communication path with the conference initiator terminal 4, causing the conference initiator terminal 4 to withdraw from the conference call (S323). Then, the conference call device 1A ends the call to the agent terminal 3 (S324). In response to this, the agent terminal 3 stops ringing the incoming call (S325). Thereafter, S144 shown in FIG. 5 to S157 shown in FIG. 6 of the conference call system according to the first embodiment of the present invention are performed, and the conference call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and all of the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 becomes possible (S326).

[0077] Next, a conference call device 1A constituting the conference call system according to this embodiment will be described.

[0078] FIG. 17 is a diagram showing a schematic functional configuration of the conference call device 1A.

[0079] The conference call device 1A differs from the conference call device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7 in that a call control unit 12a is provided instead of the call control unit 12. The other configurations are the same as those of the conference call device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7.

[0080] The call control unit 12a differs from the call control unit 12 of the conference call device 1 shown in Fig. 7 in that an agent terminal calling unit 120a is provided instead of the agent terminal calling unit 120, that the conference participation notifying unit 121 is omitted, and that an agent busy notifying unit 124 and a participant response notifying unit 125 are added. The other configurations are the same as those of the call control unit 12 of the conference call device 1 shown in Fig. 7.

[0081] When none of the conference participating terminals 2 called in response to a conference holding request from the conference initiator terminal 4 responds and a predetermined time has elapsed and the call times out, the agent terminal calling unit 120a calls the agent terminal 3 without adding the agent terminal 3 to the conference group, while continuing to call the conference participating terminals 2. Furthermore, when there is a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 while the agent terminal calling unit 120a is calling the agent terminal 3, the agent terminal calling unit 120a cancels the call to the agent terminal 3.

[0082] When a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group during a call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the agent terminal 3, the agent busy notification unit 124 establishes a call path with this conference participating terminal 2 and transmits an agent busy notification to the conference participating terminal 2 via this call path, indicating that the conference initiator terminal 4 is currently talking to the agent terminal 3.

[0083] When a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to a conference group during a call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the agent terminal 3, the participant response notification unit 125 sends a participant response notification to the conference initiator terminal 4 indicating that a response has been received from the conference participating terminal 2.

[0084] The above-described functional configuration of the conference call device 1A is also realized in hardware by an integrated logic IC such as an ASIC or FPGA, or in software by a computer such as a DSP, similar to the conference call device 1 of the first embodiment shown in Fig. 7. Alternatively, it is realized as a process by the CPU of a general-purpose computer such as a PC equipped with a CPU, memory, an auxiliary storage device such as a hard disk or flash memory, and a communication interface such as a NIC or wireless adapter, by the CPU loading a predetermined program from the auxiliary storage device into the memory and executing it.

[0085] The conference call processing of the conference call device 1A differs from the conference call processing of the conference call device 1 of the first embodiment shown in FIGS. 8 to 13 in the following points.

[0086] (1) Failure to implement S212, S217, and S220 The agent terminal calling unit 120a calls the agent terminal 3 without adding the agent terminal 3 to the conference group and while continuing to call the conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (S213). Therefore, the agent terminal calling unit 120a ends the call to the agent terminal 3 without removing the agent terminal 3 from the conference group and while continuing to call the unanswered conference participant terminals 2-1 to 2-3 (S218, S221).

[0087] (2) Changes in processing in S222 to S228 18 are performed instead of S222 to S228 shown in Fig. 11. That is, the call control unit 12a establishes a call path with the agent terminal 3 (S400). Then, the call control unit 12a notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the conference initiator terminal 4 and instructs it to withdraw from the conference call. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 causes the conference initiator terminal 4 to withdraw from the conference call (S401). Then, the call control unit 12a, in cooperation with the relay unit 13, relays the call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the agent terminal 3 (S402).

[0088] Thereafter, when the call control unit 12a receives a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S403), it establishes a call path with this conference participating terminal 2 (S404), and the agent busy notifying unit 124 transmits a call path with the conference participating terminal 2 to the conference participating terminal 2 via this call path, indicating that the conference initiator terminal 4 is in a call with the agent terminal 3 (S405). The call control unit 12a also notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with the conference participating terminal 2 that responded. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 allows the responding conference participating terminal 2 to participate in the conference call (S406). The participant response notifying unit 125 also transmits a participant response notification to the conference originator terminal 4 indicating that a response has been received from the conference participating terminal 2 (S407). The above-described steps S403 to S407 are then repeated until the call path with the agent terminal 3 is released (NO in S408).

[0089] Thereafter, when the call path to the agent terminal 3 is released (YES in S408), the call control unit 12a notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path to the conference initiator terminal 4. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 causes the conference initiator terminal 4 to participate (return) in the conference call (S409).

[0090] Next, when the call control unit 12a receives a response from the conference participating terminal 2 via the extension network interface unit 10 (YES in S410), it establishes a call with this conference participating terminal 2 (S411). Then, the call control unit 12a notifies the conference call control unit 14 of the call path with this conference participating terminal 2. In response to this, the conference call control unit 14 cooperates with the relay unit 13 to have this conference participating terminal 2 participate in the conference call (S412).

[0091] Next, if the call control unit 12a has established communication paths with all the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group (YES in S413), it ends this flow. On the other hand, if there is a conference participating terminal 2 with which a communication path has not been established (NO in S413), it returns to S410.

[0092] The second embodiment of the present invention has been described above.

[0093] In this embodiment, the conference call device 1A calls the conference participant terminals 2 belonging to a conference group in response to a conference request from the conference initiator terminal 4, and conducts a conference call between the conference participant terminals 2 that respond and the conference initiator terminal 4. Here, if none of the called conference participant terminals 2 respond and a predetermined time has elapsed, the conference call device 1A does not add the delegate terminal 3 to the conference group, but continues calling the multiple conference participant terminals 2 belonging to the conference group, and calls the delegate terminal 3 to relay the call between the conference initiator terminal 4 and the delegate terminal 3. This allows, for example, the conference participant to request an delegate who can contact the conference participant to quickly respond to the call from the conference initiator terminal 4 or to inform the delegate of the urgency of the conference. Therefore, this embodiment can also handle conference calls with high urgency. Furthermore, in this embodiment, when a response is received from the conference participant terminal 2, the conference call with the delegate terminal 3 is terminated before starting the conference call with the conference participant terminal 2. This allows the conference organizer and the conference participants to discuss content that they do not want the delegate to hear.

[0094] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conference call device 1A receives a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group during a call between the agent terminal 3 and the conference initiator terminal 4, it transmits a participant response notification to the conference initiator terminal 4 notifying that a response has been received from the conference participating terminal 2. This allows the conference organizer to notify the agent of this fact, end the call with the agent, and quickly transition to the conference call, improving convenience.

[0095] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conference call device 1A receives a response from any of the conference participating terminals 2 belonging to the conference group during a call between the agent terminal 3 and the conference initiator terminal 4, it transmits to this conference participating terminal 2 a notification that the agent is in a call with the agent terminal 3. This allows the operator (conference participant) of the conference participating terminal 2 that responded to know that the conference organizer is in a call with the agent, thereby reducing anxiety about having to wait until the conference call starts and improving convenience.

[0096] Furthermore, in this embodiment, when the conference call device 1A receives a conference participation request from a conference participating terminal 2 belonging to a conference group within a predetermined time after receiving a conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal 4, the conference call device 1A establishes a communication path with the conference participating terminal 2 to allow the conference participating terminal 2 to participate in the conference call, and also calls the conference initiator terminal 4, and if there is a response from the conference initiator terminal 4, establishes a communication path with the conference initiator terminal 4 to allow the conference initiator terminal 4 to participate in the conference call. As a result, even if the conference initiator terminal 4 withdraws from the conference call for some reason, the conference participating terminal 2 joins the conference call, and the conference initiator terminal 4 can also return to the conference call, improving convenience.

[0097] The present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiments, and various modifications are possible within the scope of the invention.

[0098] For example, in each of the above embodiments, the conference initiator terminal 4 is connected to the external network 6, but may be connected to the extension network 5. Also, the agent terminal 3 is connected to the extension network 5, but may be connected to the external network 6. Furthermore, all of the conference participant terminals 2 are connected to the extension network 5, but one or more of them may be connected to the external network 6. [Explanation of symbols]

[0099] 1, 1A: Conference call device 2-1 to 2-3: Conference participant terminals 3: Delegate terminal 4: Conference initiator terminal 5: Internal line network 6: External line network 10: Internal network interface unit 11: External network interface unit 12, 12a: Call control unit 13: Relay unit 14: Conference call control unit 120, 120a: Agent terminal calling unit 121: Conference participation notification unit 123: Conference initiator terminal calling unit 124: Substitute busy notification unit 125: Participant response notification section

Claims

1. A conference call device that calls a plurality of conference participating terminals belonging to a predetermined conference group in response to a conference holding request from a conference initiator terminal, and carries out a conference call between the responding conference participating terminals and the conference initiator terminal, and an agent terminal calling means for calling a predetermined agent terminal while continuing to call the plurality of conference participant terminals when a timeout occurs due to the lapse of a predetermined time without any response from the plurality of conference participant terminals called in accordance with the conference opening request. A conference call device characterized by:

2. 2. The conference call device according to claim 1, a conference call control means for initiating a conference call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal when a response is received from the agent terminal without any response from the plurality of conference participant terminals; The agent terminal calling means When none of the plurality of conference participant terminals called in accordance with the conference opening request responds and the predetermined time elapses and a timeout occurs, the agent terminal is added to the conference group, and the agent terminal is called while continuing to call the plurality of conference participant terminals. A conference call device characterized by:

3. 3. The conference call device according to claim 2, The agent terminal calling means When a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals while the agent terminal is being called, the agent terminal is made to withdraw from the conference group and the call to the agent terminal is stopped; The conference call control means When a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals, a conference call is started between the conference participating terminal and the conference initiator terminal. A conference call device characterized by:

4. 3. The conference call device according to claim 2, The conference call system further includes a conference participation notification means for, when a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals during a conference call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal, notifying the conference participating terminal that the agent terminal is participating in the conference call. A conference call device characterized by:

5. 3. The conference call device according to claim 2, a conference initiator terminal calling means for calling the conference initiator terminal when a conference participation request is received from any of the conference participating terminals within a predetermined time after receiving a conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal; The conference call control means When a response is received from the conference initiator terminal, a conference call is started between the conference initiator terminal and the conference participant terminal that transmitted the conference participation request. A conference call device characterized by:

6. 2. The conference call device according to claim 1, a call control means for starting a call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal when a response is received from the agent terminal without any of the plurality of conference participant terminals responding; and a conference call control means for, when a response is received from any of the conference participating terminals during a call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal, initiating a conference call between the responding conference participating terminal and the conference initiator terminal after the call ends. A conference call device characterized by:

7. 7. The conference call device according to claim 6, The conference initiator terminal further includes a response notification means for, when a response is received from one of the conference participant terminals during a call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal, notifying the conference initiator terminal that a response has been received from the conference participant terminal.

8. 7. The conference call device according to claim 6, The conference system further includes a call-in-progress notification means for, when a response is received from any of the conference participant terminals during a call between the agent terminal and the conference initiator terminal, notifying the conference participant terminal that the conference initiator terminal is currently in a call with the agent terminal.

9. 7. The conference call device according to claim 6, a conference initiator terminal calling means for calling the conference initiator terminal when a conference participation request is received from any of the conference participating terminals within a predetermined time after receiving a conference withdrawal request from the conference initiator terminal; The conference call control means When a response is received from the conference initiator terminal, a conference call is started between the conference initiator terminal and the conference participant terminal that transmitted the conference participation request. A conference call device characterized by:

10. The conference call device according to any one of claims 1 to 9, a conference initiator terminal that requests a conference call from the conference call device; a plurality of conference participant terminals that belong to the predetermined conference group and receive a conference call call from the conference call device; and an agent terminal that receives a call from the conference call device when none of the plurality of conference participant terminals called by the conference call device responds and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed. A conference call system characterized by:

11. A program for causing a computer to function as a conference call device that calls a plurality of conference participant terminals belonging to a predetermined conference group in response to a conference opening request from a conference initiator terminal, and carries out a conference call between the responding conference participant terminals and the conference initiator terminal, The computer When none of the plurality of conference participant terminals called in accordance with the conference opening request responds and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed, the call to the plurality of conference participant terminals continues, and the call functions as an agent terminal calling means for calling a predetermined agent terminal. A program characterized by:

12. A conference call method in which a conference call device calls a plurality of conference participating terminals belonging to a predetermined conference group in response to a conference holding request from a conference initiator terminal, and a conference call is carried out between the responding conference participating terminals and the conference initiator terminal, When none of the plurality of conference participant terminals called in accordance with the conference opening request responds and a timeout occurs after a predetermined time has elapsed, the conference call device calls a predetermined agent terminal while continuing to call the plurality of conference participant terminals. A conference call method comprising:

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