Telephone remote control system and telephone remote control method

Abstract

To provide a telephone remote control system and a method capable of logging in by setting the extension number without any manipulation using media and remote-logout with simple operations.SOLUTION: In the system, a first telephone set includes: a key setting unit that sets a free seating function to move the user's extension number to the second telephone set; and a telephone set control unit that receives a login operation, controls the call using the first telephone set and sends the extension number and first key information to a switch; and a telephone set control unit that receives the login operation and controls the call from the first telephone set transmits the extension number and the first key information. The switch includes: a storage unit that stores a piece of telephone set information in which the received extension number and the first key information are associated with the usage status of the free seating function, and a piece of second key information to log out the logged-in first telephone set; and a switch control unit that is configured to control to permit log-in with the extension number using the first key information of the first telephone set, receives a piece of release information from the second telephone set, cancels the free seating function, and logs out first telephone set.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a telephone remote control system and a telephone remote control method. [Background technology]

[0002] Recently, free address offices have been gaining attention due to the government's "work style reform" initiative and the expansion of teleworking amid the COVID-19 pandemic. Free address offices offer the advantage of flexible team organization, with no fixed seating, allowing other employees to use the seat of an employee who is teleworking from home. Furthermore, reducing the number of seats in the office also saves space in the work area, leading to cost savings. Furthermore, as the number of seats is reduced, the number of landline phones is also reduced, creating a need to make effective use of limited internal lines in a free address environment.

[0003] With the spread of free address systems, companies are increasingly facing the challenge of call forwarding. When clients call, the person in charge changes their seat every day, making it difficult to route calls. Furthermore, the person who answers the client's call must search for the person in charge each time, which not only reduces work efficiency but also makes the caller wait. As such, free address systems lack fixed seating, meaning that callers' extensions cannot be assigned to fixed numbers, making call forwarding less smooth. While the number of seats in offices is decreasing due to space-saving measures, being able to freely register extensions to limited landlines would enable smooth call forwarding just like before. Extension numbers can be flexibly assigned to landlines, and the fact that the extension number is linked to the person in charge allows for smooth call forwarding. Furthermore, extension registration can be done using the phone alone, without requiring the assistance of a construction company or other professional. This is also convenient for users.

[0004] An example of a technique for freely registering extensions to a landline telephone in this way is described in Patent Document 1. Patent Document 1 describes that a check is made to see if the extension number linked to the unique ID information is being used (registered) by another second landline telephone, and if the extension number linked to the unique ID information is being used by the second landline telephone, the extension setting of the extension number in the extension data of the second landline telephone is cancelled, and the extension number of the first user linked to the unique ID information is set to the first landline telephone that the user wishes to use. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0005] [Patent Document 1] Japanese Patent Publication No. 2020-72413 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0006] In the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, if a user forgets to log out of an extension number set on a landline phone, the user can set the same extension number from another phone to forcibly cancel the same extension number set on the landline phone that was previously being used. In this case, a cancellation notice is sent to other users using the phone with the set extension number, temporarily blocking their calls. Furthermore, if the system is linked to an access control system, the user is forcibly logged out by the access control system, which requires the user to log in again when re-entering the room, making the operation cumbersome. Furthermore, in the above-mentioned Patent Document 1, when registering an extension number on an unused phone, the user must register the extension by inserting an IC card into the phone's IC card reader, which requires the user to carry a medium for registering the extension number.

[0007] To provide a telephone remote control system and a telephone remote control method that allows a user to log in by setting an extension number without requiring any operation using a medium, and that allows a user to remotely log out with a simple operation without forcibly canceling the extension number. [Means for solving the problem]

[0008] The telephone remote control system according to the present invention comprises a first telephone having a free address, a second telephone installed at a location different from the first telephone, and an exchange that controls connection of calls between the first telephone and the second telephone via a network, wherein the first telephone comprises a key setting unit that receives a key operation to set a free seating function for transferring a user's extension number set in the first telephone to the second telephone, and a telephone control unit that receives a login operation to make a call using the extension number input from an input unit, controls the call using the first telephone, and transmits the extension number and first key information set by the key operation to the exchange, and the exchange receives telephone information that associates the extension number and the first key information received from the first telephone with the usage status of the free seating function using the extension number. and a switch control unit that registers in the telephone information that the extension number has been set on the first telephone using the first key information and permits the first telephone to log in using the extension number using the first key information, wherein the switch control unit of the switch receives from the second telephone release information that associates the second key information, the authentication information, and the extension number, and releases the free seating function using the extension number set on the first telephone based on the release information, the second key information, and the authentication information stored in the memory unit, and logs out the first telephone. [Effects of the Invention]

[0009] According to the present invention, it is possible to set an extension number and log in without requiring any operation using a medium, and it is also possible to remotely log out with a simple operation without forcibly canceling the extension number. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0010] [Figure 1] 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of the configuration of a telephone remote control system according to an embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2] FIG. 1 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of a telephone set and a PBX. [Figure 3] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a login sequence for performing a login operation to use a free seating function. [Figure 4] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a telephone set. [Figure 5] 4 is a diagram showing an example of a logout sequence for performing a logout operation from the telephone on which the login operation shown in FIG. 3 has been performed. [Figure 6] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of information stored in a telephone set. [Figure 7] This figure shows an example of the settings of the LCD, lamps, and keys of a telephone before registering (or after canceling) the free seating function, and the settings of the LCD, lamps, and keys of a telephone after registering the free seating function. [Figure 8] FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating an example of a logout sequence for performing a remote logout operation. [Figure 9] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a logout sequence for remotely performing a logout operation when a call is in progress. [Figure 10] FIG. 10 is a diagram showing another example of a logout sequence for remotely performing a logout operation when a call is in progress. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0011] Hereinafter, an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The following description and drawings are examples for explaining the present invention, and some omissions and simplifications have been made as appropriate for clarity of explanation. The present invention can be implemented in various other forms. Unless otherwise specified, each component may be singular or plural.

[0012] In order to facilitate understanding of the invention, the position, size, shape, range, etc. of each component shown in the drawings may not represent the actual position, size, shape, range, etc. Therefore, the present invention is not necessarily limited to the position, size, shape, range, etc. disclosed in the drawings.

[0013] In the following explanation, various types of information may be described using expressions such as "database," "table," and "list," but the various types of information may also be expressed in data structures other than these. To indicate that the information is not dependent on the data structure, "XX table," "XX list," etc. may be referred to as "XX information." When describing identification information, expressions such as "identification information," "identifier," "name," "ID," and "number" are used, and these are interchangeable.

[0014] When there are multiple components with the same or similar functions, they may be described using the same reference numeral with different subscripts. However, when there is no need to distinguish between these multiple components, the subscripts may be omitted.

[0015] Furthermore, in the following description, processing performed by executing a program may be described, but the program is executed by a processor (e.g., a CPU (Central Processing Unit) or a GPU (Graphics Processing Unit)) to perform the specified processing while appropriately using storage resources (e.g., memory) and / or interface devices (e.g., communication ports), and therefore the processor may be the subject of the processing. Similarly, the subject of the processing performed by executing a program may be a controller, device, system, computer, or node having a processor. The subject of the processing performed by executing a program may be any computing unit, and may include a dedicated circuit (e.g., an FPGA (Field-Programmable Gate Array) or an ASIC (Application Specific Integrated Circuit)) that performs specific processing.

[0016] A program may be installed on a device such as a computer from a program source. The program source may be, for example, a program distribution server or a computer-readable storage medium. If the program source is a program distribution server, the program distribution server may include a processor and storage resources for storing the program to be distributed, and the processor of the program distribution server may distribute the program to be distributed to other computers. Also, in the following description, two or more programs may be realized as one program, and one program may be realized as two or more programs.

[0017] Fig. 1 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of a telephone remote control system according to this embodiment. The telephone remote control system is a system for remotely controlling telephones used by users. As shown in Fig. 1, telephone remote control system 1000 includes telephones 100 (100A and 100B in Fig. 1) operated by users and a private branch exchange (PBX) 200 that controls calls between telephones, both connected by a general network N such as the Internet.

[0018] The telephone 100 is a telephone that allows a user to make internal or external calls, and as hardware, a general telephone (for example, a multi-function telephone or a PHS) can be used.

[0019] The PBX 200 is a switch that connects the extensions of the telephone set 100 together, transfers calls from an outside line to an extension, and connects an extension to an outside line, and can use a general telephone set as its hardware.

[0020] FIG. 2 is a diagram showing the functional configuration of the telephone 100 and the PBX 200. First, the telephone 100 will be described. As shown in FIG. 2, the telephone 100 has a display control unit 101, a state control unit 102, a call control unit 103, a voice control unit 104, and an IP control unit 105. The call control unit 103 reads and stores lamp information 1031 and key information 1032 from a storage medium such as a memory. The lamp information 1031 is display information indicating whether the lamp 107 is on or off, and is stored in association with the key information 1032. The key information 1032 is information indicating whether the free seating function is in use, and is stored in association with the lamp information 1031. For example, when the free seating function is being used by a function key, the lamp information 1031 "on" is stored in association with the function key "F1" as the key information 1032. Also, when the free seating function is not in use, the lamp information 1031 "off" is stored in association with "-" indicating that the function key is not set.

[0021] Furthermore, telephone 100 has LCD 106, which is a display that displays call information such as extension numbers, lamp 107 that indicates whether the free seating function is in use or not, function key (free seating key) 108 that is pressed when using or canceling the free seating function, and processor 109. The free seating (FS) function is a function that moves an extension number set in one telephone to another telephone, for example, using a free address IP telephone as the user's IP telephone.

[0022] The processor 109 is a computing device that controls various functions of the telephone 100. The processor 109 executes a predetermined program to realize each function of the telephone 100, including the display control unit 101, the state control unit 102, the call control unit 103, the voice control unit 104, and the IP control unit 105. Various data stored in the telephone 100 or used for processing can be realized by the processor 109 reading it from a memory (not shown) and using it. The specific operations of each unit of the telephone 100, such as the display control unit 101, the state control unit 102, the call control unit 103, the voice control unit 104, and the IP control unit 105, will be described later using sequences, but operations not described below are assumed to be general operations of the telephone 100.

[0023] The PBX 200 has a storage area 201, a call control unit 202, an IP control unit 203, and a processor 204. The storage area 201 holds an authentication number 2011, release key information 2012, and telephone information 2013. The telephone information 2013 holds an extension number 2014, a usage status 2015, and key information 2016.

[0024] The authentication number 2011 is information for disabling the free seating function and is stored in advance in the PBX 200. The authentication number 2011 can be expressed, for example, as a four-digit number "9999" and is determined for each user. In other words, the authentication number 2011 is authentication information for authenticating that the user has logged in to the telephone set 100.

[0025] The release key information 2012 is information for releasing the free seating function, and is stored in advance in the PBX 200. The release key information 2012 is stored in advance as a key (for example, the F10 function key) to be used when releasing the free seating function among the function keys of the telephone 100.

[0026] The telephone information 2013 is information that stores settings related to the use of the free seating function of the telephone 100. The telephone information 2013 includes an extension number 2014, a usage status 2015, and key information 2016.

[0027] The extension number 2014 is information indicating the extension number of the telephone on which the free seating function is set. The usage status 2015 is information indicating the setting status (registration completed, cancellation completed, - (not set)) of the free seating function for the telephone 100. The key information 2016 is information indicating which function key (e.g., F1) on the telephone 100 was used to set the free seating function.

[0028] The processor 204 is a computing device that controls various functions of the PBX 200. The processor 204 executes a predetermined program to realize each function of the PBX 200, including the call control unit 202 and the IP control unit 203. The processor 204 reads and uses various data stored in the PBX 200 or used for processing from a memory (not shown). Specific operations of each unit of the PBX 200, such as the call control unit 202 and the IP control unit 203, will be described later using sequences, but operations not described below are considered to be general operations of the PBX 200.

[0029] 3 is a diagram showing an example of a login sequence in which a user picks up the receiver of telephone 100 and performs a login operation to make a call using the free seating function. The following login sequence will be described using an example of the operation when registering extension number "30002" to an unused telephone 100 (IP telephone A).

[0030] As shown in FIG. 3, first, in the initial state, the telephone 100 is assumed to be logged in with the extension number (temporary number) "90000" (S301). The information held in the PBX 200 and telephone 100 at this time is shown in FIG. 4. At this point, because the user is logged in with the temporary number, telephone functions such as internal calls are not set. In FIG. 4, "90000, -, -" are set as telephone information 2013 in the PBX 200, from the left, in this order: extension number, usage status, key information. "-" indicates unused or unset.

[0031] The extension number is the extension number set in the telephone 100. The usage status is information indicating whether the telephone 100 is using the free seating function. The key information is information indicating which key on the telephone 100 the free seating function is assigned to. Also, as with the PBX 200, the telephone 100 is set with the extension display, lamp information, and key information set in that order as "90000, -, -". The extension display is the information displayed on the LCD 106 that shows the extension number set in the telephone 100. The lamp information is information indicating the state of the telephone lamp 107. The key information is information indicating the function key on the telephone 100 to which the free seating function is assigned.

[0032] Thereafter, when the free seating key 108 is pressed on the telephone 100 (S302), the state control unit 102 outputs the key information of the pressed function key (e.g., function key "F1") to the call control unit 103, and the IP control unit 105 transmits the key information to the PBX 200 (S303).

[0033] When the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 receives the key information from the telephone set 100, it transmits an instruction to blink the function key identified by the key information (S304). When the IP control unit 105 of the telephone set 100 receives the instruction, the call control unit 103 outputs an instruction to the display control unit 101 to blink the lamp 107 associated with the function key "F1", and the display control unit 101 blinks the lamp 107. When S304 ends, as shown in FIG. 4, the key information 2016 (F1) is updated and stored in the PBX 200, and the key information 1032 (F1) and lamp information 1031 (blinking) are updated and stored in the telephone set 100.

[0034] In this state, when the user dials his / her extension number "30002" by pressing a push button (not shown) (S305), the call control unit 103 outputs the extension number to the IP control unit 105, and the IP control unit 105 transmits the extension number to the PBX 200 (S306).

[0035] When the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 receives the extension number from the telephone 100, it sends to the telephone 100 an instruction to turn on the function key that was instructed to flash in S304 (S307), and also sends information indicating that the free seating function has been registered (S308).

[0036] When the user performs an on-hook operation such as hanging up the receiver (not shown) (S309), the call control unit 103 of the telephone 100 outputs the operation signal to the IP control unit 105, and the IP control unit 105 transmits the operation signal to the PBX 200 (S310).

[0037] Upon receiving the operation signal from the telephone 100, the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 transmits a notification that registration of the free seating function for the telephone has been completed (S311). As a result, the telephone 100 stores and confirms the settings made up to that point, and completes the registration of the free seating function using the function key (S312). At this point, as shown in FIG. 4, the extension number, usage status, and key information of the PBX 200 are stored as telephone information 2013, with "30002, registration completed, F1" stored as the extension number, lamp information 1031, and key information 1032 of the telephone 100, with "30002, lit, F1" stored as the extension number, lamp information 1031, and key information 1032, respectively.

[0038] When the free seating function is registered, the IP control unit 105 of the telephone 100 sends a login request to the PBX 200 using the registered extension number (e.g., "30002") (S313), and the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 responds by sending "30002, registration complete, F1" as the telephone information 2013 for the telephone 100 that it holds, thereby permitting the login request (S314).

[0039] When the IP control unit 105 of the telephone set 100 receives the response, it logs in using the registered extension number "30002" (S315), and as shown in Fig. 4, the previous content "F1" of the key information 1032 is updated to the content "F1 (login)" of the key information 1032 indicating that login to the free seating function using the function key has been completed, and this is stored. This allows synchronization between the PBX 200 and the telephone set 100 when the free seating function is registered.

[0040] Next, a description will be given of a process for performing a logout operation from the telephone on which the login operation shown in Fig. 3 has been performed. Fig. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a logout sequence for performing a logout operation from the telephone on which the login operation shown in Fig. 3 has been performed.

[0041] As shown in Fig. 5, the telephone set 100 is assumed to be logged in with the extension number "30002" according to the login sequence shown in Fig. 3 (S501). The information held in the PBX 200 and telephone set 100 at this time is shown in Fig. 6. At this point, the information held is the same as that held in S314 shown in Fig. 4.

[0042] Thereafter, when the function key 108 set as the free seating key of the telephone set 100 is pressed (S502), the state control unit 102 outputs the key information of the pressed function key (e.g., function key "F1") to the call control unit 103, and the IP control unit 105 transmits the key information to the PBX 200 (S503).

[0043] The IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 sends an instruction to the telephone 100 to "deregister" the free seating function (S504), and also sends an instruction to "turn off" the function key of the key information set in Figure 3 (S505).

[0044] In accordance with these instructions, the IP control unit 105 of the telephone set 100 cancels the login using extension number "30002" and logs out, restores the previous settings, turns off the lamp 107 corresponding to function key "F1," and completes the cancellation of the free seating function using that function key (S506). At this point, as shown in FIG. 6, the PBX 200 stores the extension number, usage status, and key information as telephone set information 2013, which are "-, Cancel Complete, F1." Furthermore, the telephone set 100 stores the extension number, lamp information 1031, and key information 1032 as "-, Light Off, F1 (Logout)," respectively.

[0045] When the free seating function is deactivated, the IP control unit 105 of the telephone 100 sends a login request to the PBX 200 using the extension number of the original temporary number (e.g., "90000") (S507), and the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 clears the telephone information 2013 it holds about the telephone 100, sets the extension number, usage status, and key information to "90000,-,-", and sends this information to the telephone 100 to respond to the login request by permitting it (S508).

[0046] When the IP control unit 105 of the telephone set 100 receives the response, it logs in using the original temporary extension number "90000" (S509), and as shown in Figure 5, the key information 1031 and lamp information 1032 that have been used up until now are updated to clear them, and "90000, -, -" is retained as the extension number, lamp information 1031, and key information 1032. This allows synchronization between the PBX 200 and the telephone set 100 even when the free seating function is disabled.

[0047] FIG. 7 shows an example of the settings of the LCD 106, lamps 107, and keys 108 of the telephone 100 before (or after) registering the free seating function, and the settings of the LCD 106, lamps 107, and keys 108 of the telephone 100 after registering the free seating function. As shown in the upper part of FIG. 7, before logging in to the free seating function, the lamp 107 is "off." By pressing the function key 108 (e.g., F1), which is a free seating key, and entering the user's extension number "30002" by pressing the push button, the extension number "30002" is registered, and the lamp 107 corresponding to that function key lights up in red. Furthermore, the LCD 106 displays the extension number "90000" before the free seating function was enabled. By checking this display, the user can understand that no extension number has been assigned to the telephone 100.

[0048] After registering the free seating function and logging in, the lamp 107 turns red and the registered user's extension number "30002" is displayed on the LCD 106, as shown in the lower part of Figure 7. By checking this display, the user can understand that the telephone 100 has already been assigned to the displayed extension number.

[0049] As explained using Figures 3 to 7, in this system, the free seating function is realized by setting it using the function keys on telephone 100, so there is no need to use media such as IC cards as in the past, and it becomes possible to set an extension number and log in or log out with simple operations.

[0050] Next, a case where remote logout is performed using the telephone 100 configured in this way will be described. The following describes an example where remote logout is performed by operating IP telephone A (telephone 100A) from IP telephone B (telephone 100B).

[0051] FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a logout sequence for remotely performing a logout operation. As shown in FIG. 8, a user logs in using the free seating function of telephone 100A installed in a certain location (a conference room on the 31st floor) with extension number "30002," and the free seating function is set on telephone 100A (S801). In this state, the user leaves the conference room on the 31st floor X1 without executing the logout sequence shown in FIG. 5 on telephone 100A. Then, the user moves to another remote location (an office on the 29th floor) X2 and operates another installed telephone 100B to perform an operation X3 to use the free seating function with the user's own extension number "30002." Specifically, the user inputs the release key information (e.g., the value of the function key "F10") and authentication number (e.g., the push button input value "9999") to release free seating, and the user's own extension number (e.g., extension number "30002"), and the state control unit 102 outputs this input information (hereinafter, release information) to the call control unit 103, and the IP control unit 105 sends the release information to the PBX 200 (S802).

[0052] When the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 receives the release information from the telephone 100B, it determines whether or not the authentication number included in the release information matches the authentication number 2011 stored in the storage area 201. If it determines that the two match, the IP control unit 203 authenticates that the operation is from the user himself, and instructs the telephone 100A having the extension number included in the release information to release the free seating function (S803), and also transmits an instruction to turn off the function key set as the free seating key (S804).

[0053] S803 and S804 will be described in detail below. At the time S803 is executed, telephone information 2013 for telephone set 100A held in PBX 200 has "30002," "registration completed," and "F1" set in extension number 2014, usage status 2015, and key information 2016, in that order, as in record 401 in Fig. 4. Therefore, IP control unit 203 of PBX 200 transmits an instruction to telephone set 100A corresponding to extension number "30002" included in the above-mentioned release information received from telephone set 100B to "deregister" the free seating function to telephone set 100A (S803), as in S504 and S505, and also transmits an instruction to turn off the light of the function key on which the free seating function is set (S804).

[0054] Thereafter, when IP control unit 105 of telephone set 100A receives the instruction, call control unit 103, in accordance with the instruction, restores the settings at that time, turns off the function key (e.g., "F1"), and completes the release of the free seating function using that function key (S805). As a result, the function key to which the free seating function is assigned is released, and as shown in record 601 in Fig. 6, telephone set information 2013 of PBX 200 is updated to "90000, release completed, -" in the order of extension number 2014, usage status 2015, and key information 2016, and retained; and telephone set 100A's extension number, lamp information 1031, and key information 1032 are updated to "90000, light off, -" and retained. Thereafter, the same processes as S507 to S509 shown in Fig. 5 are performed (S806 to S808), and the PBX 200 and telephone set 100 are synchronized.

[0055] In Figure 8, we have explained the logout operation when the telephone 100A used by the user is not being used by any other user. Below, we will explain the logout operation when the user is using the telephone 100A.

[0056] FIG. 9 is a diagram showing an example of a logout sequence for remotely logging out when a call is in progress. Since the processes from S801 to S803 are the same as those shown in FIG. 8, a description thereof will be omitted here. As shown in FIG. 9, when the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 receives from the telephone set 100B release key information (e.g., a value such as "F10"), an authentication number (e.g., "9999"), and the user's own extension number (e.g., extension number "30002"), the IP control unit 203 in the PBX 200 instructs the telephone set 100A, whose extension number is included in the release key information, to release the free seating function (S803). At this time, the telephone set 100A has already started a call X4 before the instruction. Therefore, the IP control unit 203 in the PBX 200 receives from the telephone set 100A a response (e.g., a busy tone) indicating that the free seating function cannot be released because the telephone set 100B is currently in a call (S901).

[0057] Upon receiving the response, the IP control unit 203 of the PBX 200 transmits a restriction sound (or a restriction message) to the telephone 100B that transmitted the release key information, notifying the telephone 100B that the free seating function cannot be released using the user's extension number at this time (S902). When the IP control unit 105 of the telephone 100B receives the notification, the voice control unit 104 outputs the notification via a handset (not shown). The user operating the telephone 100B hears the output notification and operates the telephone 100B at another time to execute the process of S802 on the telephone 100B, and the subsequent processes are carried out. Then, when the telephone 100B no longer receives the notification from the PBX 200 that the free seating function cannot be released, the processes from S804 onward shown in FIG. 8 are executed.

[0058] With this process, even if telephone 100A that has forgotten to log out is in the middle of a call, the user can check the notification and remotely log out outside of the call. This eliminates the inconvenience of a call being temporarily interrupted by a release notification being sent to someone else using the telephone, as in the past.

[0059] In the logout sequence shown in FIG. 9, a notification such as a restriction sound is sent to telephone 100B, operated by a user who has forgotten to perform the logout operation, to delay the timing of the logout operation for telephone 100A, which is currently in a call. However, because the time when the call on telephone 100A will end is uncertain for the user, it may be necessary to execute the process of S802 multiple times. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 10, IP control unit 203 of PBX 200 monitors the call status of telephone 100A and continues the call (S1001), and transmits a wait tone (or wait message) to telephone 100B (S1002). When IP control unit 203 of PBX 200 receives from telephone 100A a notification that the call has been released (e.g., a busy tone release signal) (S1003), it executes the process from S804 onward in FIG. 8 to remotely log out the user. This process enables automatic remote logout as soon as the call ends, even if telephone 100A is currently in a call, eliminating the need to execute the process of S802 multiple times.

[0060] As described above, in the telephone remote control system 1000 of this embodiment, a first telephone (e.g., telephone 100A) having a free address, a second telephone (e.g., telephone 100B) installed in a location different from the first telephone, and an exchange (e.g., exchange 200) that controls connection of calls between the first telephone and the second telephone via a network, the first telephone has a free address for transferring the extension number of a user set in the first telephone to the second telephone. a key setting unit (e.g., function key 108, state control unit 102) that receives a key operation for setting a calling function, and a telephone control unit (e.g., IP control unit 105) that receives a login operation for making a call using the extension number input from an input unit (e.g., push button) to control a call using the first telephone, and transmits the extension number (e.g., extension number "30002") and first key information (e.g., function key "F1") set by the key operation to the exchange, and the exchange a storage unit (e.g., storage area 201) that stores telephone information (e.g., telephone information 2013) that associates the extension number, the first key information, and the usage status of the free seating function by the extension number received from the telephone, second key information (e.g., release key information 2012, function key "F10") for logging out the first telephone that has logged in by the login operation, and authentication information (e.g., authentication number 2011) for authenticating that the user is the user that has performed the login operation on the first telephone. and an exchange control unit (e.g., IP control unit 203) that registers in the telephone information that the extension number has been set in the first telephone set by the first key information and permits the first telephone set to log in with the extension number by the first key information, wherein the exchange control unit of the exchange receives, from the second telephone set, release information that associates the second key information, the authentication information, and the extension number, as described with reference to FIG. 8, and performs the following operation based on the release information, the second key information stored in the storage unit, and the authentication information:The free seating function using the extension number set in the first telephone is cancelled, and the first telephone is logged out. This allows the user to remotely log out from the telephone to which they wish to log in, even if they forget to log out. At this time, by entering and verifying a predetermined authentication number, it is possible to prevent unauthorized logging out by others.

[0061] 10, the switch control unit of the switch monitors the call status of the first telephone, and when it receives information from the first telephone that the call has been canceled (for example, a busy tone cancellation signal), it cancels the free seating function by the extension number set in the first telephone and logs out the first telephone. This allows automatic remote logout as soon as the call on telephone 100 ends.

[0062] Furthermore, when the switch control unit of the switch receives a response (for example, a busy tone) from the first telephone indicating that the free seating function cannot be cancelled because a call is in progress, it transmits restriction information (for example, a restriction sound (or a restriction message)) to the second telephone to notify the second telephone that the free seating function cannot be cancelled. This allows the logout operation to be performed remotely outside the call.

[0063] Although the present invention has been described in detail above using the drawings, it is not limited to the various examples described above, and various modifications are possible without departing from the spirit of the present invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0064] 1000 Telephone Remote Control System 100 telephones 200 Exchange (PBX) 101 Display control unit 102 State control unit 103 Call control unit 1031 Lamp Information 1032 Key Information 104 Audio control unit 105 IP control section 106 LCD 107 Lamp 108 function keys (free-seating keys) 109 processors 201 Storage area 2011 Certification Number 2012 Unlock Key Information 2013 Phone Information 2014 Extension Number 2015 Usage 2016 Key Information 202 Call control unit 203 IP control section 204 processors N Network

Claims

1. A telephone remote control system comprising a first telephone having a free address, a second telephone installed in a location different from that of the first telephone, and an exchange that controls connection of calls between the first telephone and the second telephone via a network, The first telephone An IP telephone that can log in to the exchange where the user's extension number is registered and has a button for setting a free seating function, and is configured as an IP telephone that can change the setting of another user's extension number by operating the button, thereby being configured as a telephone with the free address, a key setting unit that accepts a key operation to set the free seating function for moving the extension number of the user set in the first telephone to the second telephone; a telephone control unit that receives a login operation for making a call using the extension number input from an input unit, controls the call using the first telephone, and transmits the extension number and first key information set by the key operation to the exchange; The exchange a storage unit that stores telephone information that associates the extension number, the first key information, and the usage status of the free seating function by the extension number received from the first telephone, second key information for logging out the first telephone that has logged in by the login operation, and authentication information for authenticating that the user is the user that performed the login operation on the first telephone; a switchboard control unit that registers in the telephone information that the extension number has been set in the first telephone set by the first key information, and permits the first telephone set to log in using the extension number by the first key information; the exchange control unit of the exchange receives, from the second telephone, release information associating the second key information, the authentication information, and the extension number, and releases the free seating function by the extension number set in the first telephone based on the release information and the second key information and the authentication information stored in the storage unit, and logs out the first telephone.

1. A telephone remote control system comprising:

2. the exchange control unit of the exchange monitors the call status of the first telephone, and when receiving information from the first telephone that the call has been cancelled, cancels the free seating function by the extension number set in the first telephone and logs out the first telephone; 2. The telephone remote control system of claim 1.

3. When the exchange control unit of the exchange receives a response from the first telephone indicating that the free seating function cannot be cancelled because a call is in progress, the exchange control unit transmits restriction information to the second telephone to notify the second telephone that the free seating function cannot be cancelled.

2. The telephone remote control system of claim 1.

4. A telephone remote control method carried out in a telephone remote control system having a first telephone having a free address, a second telephone installed in a location different from that of the first telephone, and an exchange that controls connection of calls between the first telephone and the second telephone via a network, the method comprising: a key setting unit of the first telephone, which is an IP telephone that can log in to the exchange in which the user's extension number is registered and has a button for setting a free seating function, and is configured as an IP telephone that can change the setting of another user's extension number by operating the button, thereby being configured as a telephone with the free address, accepts a key operation to set the free seating function for moving the user's extension number set in the first telephone to the second telephone; a telephone control unit of the first telephone receiving a login operation for making a call using the extension number input from an input unit, controlling the call using the first telephone, and transmitting the extension number and first key information set by the key operation to the exchange; a storage unit of the exchange stores telephone information that associates the extension number, the first key information, and the usage status of the free seating function by the extension number received from the first telephone, second key information for logging out the first telephone that has logged in by the login operation, and authentication information for authenticating that the user is the user that performed the login operation on the first telephone; a switch control unit of the switch registers in the telephone information that the extension number has been set in the first telephone set by the first key information, and permits the first telephone set to log in with the extension number by the first key information; the exchange control unit of the exchange receives, from the second telephone, release information associating the second key information, the authentication information, and the extension number, and releases the free seating function by the extension number set in the first telephone based on the release information and the second key information and the authentication information stored in the storage unit, and logs out the first telephone.

10. A method for remotely controlling a telephone, comprising:

5. the exchange control unit of the exchange monitors the call status of the first telephone, and when receiving information from the first telephone that the call has been cancelled, cancels the free seating function by the extension number set in the first telephone and logs out the first telephone; 5. The method of claim 4, wherein the telephone remote control is

6. When the exchange control unit of the exchange receives a response from the first telephone indicating that the free seating function cannot be cancelled because a call is in progress, the exchange control unit transmits restriction information to the second telephone to notify the second telephone that the free seating function cannot be cancelled.

5. The method of claim 4, wherein the telephone remote control is

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