JP2849275B2 - Answering machine service system, message service system and response message selection method - Google Patents

Description

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to an answering machine service system, a message service system, and a response message.
More specifically, the present invention relates to an answering machine service system, a message service system, and a response message selection method capable of transmitting a plurality of messages to a specific subscriber.

In recent years, exchanges have provided an answering machine function as a service. As a result, even a subscriber who does not have a terminal having an answering machine function can use the answering machine service by registering for this service. With the spread of this service, the more advanced answering service, such as changing the response message for each caller, or changing the message each time the same caller receives a call while answering, There is a demand for a proper use.

[0003]

2. Description of the Related Art FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing a configuration example of a conventional system. In the figure, 1 is an exchange (NW),
A plurality of subscribers 2 are connected. Reference numeral 3 denotes a control device (CC) for controlling switching of the exchange 1 and the like.
And a file memory (FM) 5 for backing up the main memory 4 and the like. Reference numeral 6 denotes a message storage device connected to the exchange 1. Reference numeral 5a denotes a subscriber data storage unit provided in the file memory 5 and registered as a service subscriber. The operation of the system configured as described above will be described below.

[0004] First, a telephone answering service registered subscriber who wants to activate the telephone answering service makes a service activation request to the exchange 1. When starting the service, the subscriber operates the telephone to start the service. For example, among the plurality of subscribers 2, Mr. A dials a number (access code for activation) or presses a specific button (activation key) to perform service registration. Upon receiving the special number, the control device 3 sets an answering machine service activation bit on the subscriber data of Mr. A in the subscriber data storage unit 5a.

[0005] It is assumed that the activation of the service has been completed in this way. It is assumed that, for example, when Mr. A is in a service registration activated state, Mr. C calls Mr. A, for example. When the control device 3 reads the contents of the subscriber data storage unit 5a into the main memory 4 and recognizes that the destination telephone number (here, Mr. A's telephone number) is a service registration subscriber, the control unit 3 shown in FIG. Instead of connecting directly to Mr. A, Mr. C is connected to the message storage device 6 as shown in FIG.

The caller C receives a response message from the message storage device 6 (for example, "I am away from A. Please say your requirements."). In response to this response message, C says a message addressed to A. This message is stored in the message storage device 6
Is accumulated in

Later, Mr. A dials a specific number (reproduction access code) or presses a specific button (reproduction key). When the control device 3 recognizes this code, it outputs A
And the message storage device 6 are connected. And A
Notify A of the contents of the recording area corresponding to. Thereby, Mr. A can hear the message recorded while he was away.

[0008]

The above-mentioned conventional answering service has the following problems. Regardless of the originating subscriber, the response message heard is the same. No matter how many times you call while the called subscriber is away, you will hear the same message. I don't know the power generation number of the caller who left the message.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION The present invention has been made in view of such a problem, and it is possible to change a response message according to a caller and the number of incoming calls from the caller, and to change the response message. Answering machine service system and message service system capable of storing power generation numbers
And a response message selection method .

[0010]

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the principle of the present invention. The same components as those in FIG. 14 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 1 denotes an exchange (NW) for controlling line switching, 3 denotes a control device (CC) for controlling the operation of the exchange 1, 10 denotes a memory connected to the control device 3, 2
Reference numeral 0 denotes a message storage device connected to the exchange 1. Here, the memory 10 is a concept including a main memory and a file memory.

In the memory 10, reference numeral 11 denotes a related information storage unit for storing information related to the answering machine service for each service subscriber. The related information storage unit 11 is provided in the memory 10 in the figure, but may be provided on the message storage device 20 side. In the message storage device 20, 2
Reference numeral 1 denotes a message storage unit for storing a response message to an incoming call during absence and a message message from a caller.
In the memory 10, reference numeral 12 denotes a related information storage memory 1.
3 is a flag table in which flag information for allocating a mosaic pattern between the storage area 1 and a storage area in the message storage unit 21 is stored.

[0012]

The related information storage unit 11 stores response messages (plurality) for each subscriber of a plurality of power generation numbers for each service registered subscriber, a message storage area, and an incoming call from a caller. An area for storing the number of times is provided. When there is a call from the caller to the service-registered subscriber, the control device 3 refers to the related information storage unit 11 so that an optimal response message is heard for each calling subscriber. be able to. Also, a response message corresponding to the number of incoming calls from the calling subscriber can be heard. Naturally, the related information storage unit 11 stores the telephone number of the power generation subscriber. As described above, according to the present invention, the response message can be changed according to the caller and the number of incoming calls from the caller, and the power generation number of the caller can be stored. .

[0013]

Embodiments of the present invention will be described below in detail with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of the related information storage unit 11. A and B as service registration subscribers
Shows that is registered. Then, for each service registered subscriber, a default storage unit (corresponding area when a call is received from a subscriber whose power generation number is not registered) 1
3 and two power generation number correspondence storage units 14 and 15. The default storage unit has one response area and 6 response areas.
It consists of three recording areas. In the response area,
Message storage unit 21 in which a response message is stored
The area number in the message storage unit 21 where the message message is stored is stored in the recording area.

The power generation number correspondence storage unit 14 is composed of two response areas for the subscriber of the power generation number, six recording areas, and one incoming call number storage unit. The first response area stores an area number of the message storage unit 21 in which the first response message is stored, and the second response area stores the second response area.
Message storage unit 2 in which the response message of
1 is stored. In the first to sixth recording areas, area numbers in the message storage unit 21 for storing the message of the power generation number subscriber are stored. The number-of-incoming-calls storage unit stores the number of outgoing calls made by the power generation number subscriber. The above configuration is based on the power generation number corresponding storage unit 1.
The same applies to No. 5. The same applies to the related information storage unit for Mr. B.

FIG. 3 is a diagram showing an example of the configuration of the flag table 12. One section shown in the figure corresponds to one storage area of the storage area in the message storage unit 21.
The portion where “1” is set for each segment indicates that the segment is already used in the message storage unit 21. The portion where “0” is stored indicates an unused area. Therefore, the control device 3 records (registers) a message message from the power generation number or the default telephone number.
To do so, it is necessary to record a message in the recording area where the flag table 12 is "0".

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a message storage method in the message storage unit. This figure corresponds to the flag table of FIG. That is, 1,0,1,1, of FIG.
Corresponding to 1, 0, 1 indicates that a message has already been stored in the message area of "1" and that the message has not been registered in the message area of "0". Thus, according to the present invention, the message storage unit 21
The message recording method adopts a mosaic method in which the message is stored in an empty message area with reference to the flag table 12. According to such a method, effective use of the message storage unit 21 can be achieved.

Next, a method of registering a plurality of response messages for each power generation number will be described. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a response message registration method. First, the service registration subscriber requests the message storage device 20 via the exchange 1 to inject a response message. For example, the user dials a registration access code or presses a specific button (message registration key) (S1). Upon recognizing this key input, the control device 3 (hereinafter simply abbreviated as an exchange) establishes a path between the service subscriber 2 and the message storage device 20.

Then, the exchange requests a power generation number from the service subscriber (S2). Here, the service subscriber sends a default value (for example, data of all 0s) to the exchange (S3). The exchange issues a message injection request to the service subscriber (S4). Service subscribers
Sparging the default message, the response message is stored in message memory 21.

Next, the exchange requests a power generation number from the service subscriber (S5). The service subscriber inputs a power generation number in response to the power generation number request (S6). After receiving the input of the power generation number, the exchange next issues a message injection request to the service subscriber (S7). The service subscriber blows the first message in response to the message blowing request (S8). After the first message has been blown, the service subscriber then outputs some delimiter (for example, hookflash) (S30).
9) The second message is blown (S10).

When the second subscriber has finished blowing the second message, the service subscriber outputs a delimiter (S11).
Next, the exchange issues a next power generation number request to the service subscriber (S12). In response to this power generation number request, the service subscriber inputs a power generation number (S13). After receiving the input of the power generation number, the exchange next issues a message injection request to the service subscriber (S14). The service subscriber blows a second message in response to the message blowing request (S15). After the first message has been blown, the service subscriber then outputs some delimiter (for example, hookflash) (S30).
16), the second message is blown (S17).

Next, the service subscriber sends a delimiter signal indicating the end of the blowing of the second message to the exchange (S18). When the exchange receives this delimiter signal, it disconnects the call (S19). In response, the service subscriber sends a release completion signal to the exchange (S20).

Next, a configuration example of the message storage unit 21 will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a response message and a message message are recorded adjacently for each power generation number. First, 30 is the default message recording area,
31 is a message message recording area for the default message, 32 is a recording area for a response message 1 to the power generation number, 33 is a recording area for a response message 2 to the power generation number, 34 is a message message recording area from the power generation number, and 35 is a recording message area from the power generation number. A recording area for a response message 1 to the power generation number, a recording area 36 for a response message 2 to the power generation number, and a recording area 37 for a message message from the power generation number. Thus, in this method, the recording area is fixed.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for recording a response message and a message message in different areas. In this configuration example, a response message recording area and a message message recording area are provided separately. In the response message recording area, 40 is a default message recording area, 41 is a recording area for a response message 1 to a power generation number, and 42 is a response message 2 to a power generation number.
Reference numeral 43 denotes a recording area for a response message 1 to a power generation number, and reference numeral 44 denotes a recording area for a response message 2 to a power generation number. In the message recording area,
50 is a message message recording area from the power generation number, 51
Is a recording area from the power generation number, and 52 is a message message recording area for the default message. This method also has a fixed recording area.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for recording a response message and a message message in a mosaic form, which is a configuration which characterizes the present invention. The configuration of the related information storage unit 11 is as follows.
As shown in FIG. 2, the corresponding recording areas in the related information storage unit 11 are associated with the message storage unit 21 by the flag table 12. For example, the corresponding recording area of the message storage unit 21 searched by the area number of the first response message to the default is 60. The corresponding recording area of the message storage unit 21 searched by the area number of the first response message to the power generation number is 61. The same applies hereinafter. By performing such a mosaic assignment, the memory area of the message storage unit 21 can be used efficiently. In the fixing method shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, there are areas to be allocated even if they are not used, and the memory utilization efficiency is not good.

Next, a method for selectively reproducing a response message according to the number of incoming calls from a specific power generation number will be described. When a service subscriber receives an incoming call, the control device 3
Forwards the incoming call to the related information storage unit 11. At that time, the exchange 1 (control device 3) detects the power generation number. The control device 3 analyzes the power generation number. Then, when the power generation number is a telephone number registered by the service subscriber, the content of the corresponding number-of-calls storage unit in the related information storage unit 11 is updated by one. Then, the control device 3 stores the response message corresponding to the new number of incoming calls in the message storage unit 2.
Read from 1 and let subscriber 2 hear. If the number of new incoming calls exceeds the number of registered messages for this power generation number, a response message (final response message) corresponding to the largest number of incoming calls is heard.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart showing an example of a method for selecting a response message. First, upon receiving a call, the control device 3 checks whether the called party is a subscriber registered in the answering machine service (S1). If it is a registered subscriber, the control device 3 checks whether a power generation number has been obtained (S2). If the power generation number cannot be obtained, a default message is sent to the calling subscriber (S3). When the power generation number is obtained, the control device 3
Checks whether the power generation number display restriction is imposed (S4). Here, the power generation number display restriction is a restriction that the power generation number of the caller is not known.

If the power generation number display is restricted,
The control device 3 transmits a default message to the calling subscriber (S3). If the power generation number display is not restricted, the control device 3 checks whether the power generation number is a telephone number registered by the service subscriber (S).
5). Specifically, it is checked whether or not the power generation number is registered with reference to the related information storage unit 11. If the power generation number has not been registered, the control device 3 transmits a default message to the calling subscriber (S3).

If the telephone number is registered as a power generation number, the control device 3 adds 1 to the number of incoming calls from this power generation number (S6). Specifically, the content of the number-of-calls storage unit corresponding to the power generation number in the related information storage unit 11 is updated by one. After the update, the control device 3 checks whether or not the number of incoming calls> the number of messages registered for this power generation number (S
7). If so, the final response message stored in the message storage unit 21 is transmitted to the calling subscriber as a response message (S8). Otherwise, a message corresponding to the number of incoming calls is read from the message storage unit 21 and transmitted to the calling subscriber (S
9). Thereafter, the process enters a message recording sequence of the calling subscriber.

Next, the operation of recording a message will be described. FIG. 10 is a diagram showing a sequence example in the case where the power generation number analysis / incoming number operation is performed in the message storage device 20. First, when a calling party makes a call (S1), the exchange performs a power generation number analysis (S2). Thereafter, it notifies the calling subscriber of the completion of the digit reception and makes a connection request to the message storage device 20 (S3). Message storage device 20
When the connection from the calling subscriber to the calling subscriber is completed (S4), the message storage device 20 analyzes the power generation number, reads the number of incoming calls, updates the number of incoming calls, selects a response message, and selects a recording area (S5).

Next, the message storage device 20 sends a response message to the calling subscriber (S6). A message is transmitted from the calling subscriber (S7). on the other hand,
When the timeout period (to) elapses, the message storage device 20 starts recording (S8). When the recording is completed (S9), a message indicating that the recording has been completed is sent from the message storage device 20 to the exchange after waiting for the elapse of the timeout period (S10). Upon receiving the recording completion notification, the exchange sends a call disconnection signal to both the message storage device 20 and the calling subscriber (S11). A release completion signal is transmitted from the message storage device 20 and the calling subscriber to the exchange (S12).

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in the case where the power generation number analysis / incoming number operation is performed by the exchange. First, when a call is made from a calling subscriber (S1), the switching center analyzes the power generation number,
Read incoming call count, update incoming call count, select response message,
A recording area is selected (S2). Next, the exchange notifies the calling subscriber of the completion of the digit reception and makes a connection request to the message storage device 20 (S3). When the connection from the message storage device 20 to the calling subscriber is completed (S
4) Send a response message to the calling subscriber (S)
5). Next, the exchange issues a recording request to the message storage device 20 (S6).

A message is transmitted from the calling subscriber (S7). On the other hand, the message storage device 20 starts recording (S8). When the recording is completed (S9), the message storage device 2 waits for the elapse of the timeout period.
0, a recording completion notification is sent to the exchange (S1).
0). Upon receiving the recording completion notification, the exchange sends a call disconnection signal to both the message storage device 20 and the calling subscriber (S11). A release completion signal is transmitted from the message storage device 20 and the calling subscriber to the exchange (S12).

Next, a method of reproducing a message will be described. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a signal message reproduction / power generation number display method. In this example, a power generation number is displayed in addition to a message message to notify a service registration subscriber. The service registration subscriber inputs a reproduction access code and issues a call setting request to the exchange (S1). After analyzing the received digits, the exchange notifies the service registration subscriber of the completion of the digit reception and issues a reproduction start command to the message storage device 20 (S3). In the message storage device 20,
The reproduction operation is started (S4).

First, a connection request is issued to the exchange, and a path is connected to the service registered subscriber (S5). When the path is established, the power generation number of the message message to be transmitted from the message storage device 20 is transmitted, and the power generation number is displayed on the display unit of the telephone terminal of the service registration subscriber (S).
6). As a result, the service registration subscriber can know from whom the call was received. After the transmission of the power generation number, the message from the subscriber of the power generation number is reproduced and transmitted (S7).

Next, the message storage device 20 sends out the power generation number of the message message to be transmitted next, and displays the power generation number on the display unit of the telephone terminal of the service registration subscriber (S).
8). After the transmission of the power generation number, the message from the subscriber of the power generation number is reproduced and transmitted (S9). When the reproduction of the message is completed (S10), the message storage device 20 issues a call disconnection request to the exchange (S1).
1). Thereby, the path between the message storage device 20 and the service registration subscriber is disconnected. Next, the exchange sends a release completion to the message storage device 20 (S1).
2), the service registration subscriber also sends a release completion to the exchange (S13).

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system of the present invention. 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals. In the figure, reference numeral 100 denotes a telephone exchange, which is a concept including a switch and a call processor 90. The call processor 90 is a concept including the memory 10 (main memory and file memory) and the control device 3 in FIG. Reference numeral 20 denotes a message storage device connected to the telephone exchange. In the message storage device 20, 2
2 is a drum (DRM) as a recording medium, and 23 is a trunk (TR) connected to the drum 22. The related information storage unit 11 and the flag table 12 of FIG.
Contained within.

Reference numeral 2 denotes a subscriber, which indicates a caller and a subscriber of the answering machine service registration, respectively. Telephone exchange 1
At 00, 70 is a concentrator connected to the caller (L
C) and 71 are concentrators (LC) connected to the answering machine service registration subscribers, 72 are trunks (TR) connected to the message storage device 20, and 73 is a common channel signal device (73) connected to the call processor 90. CSE). 74 is a secondary multiplexer (SMPX) connected to the concentrators 70 and 71, the trunk 72, and the common channel signal device 73.

Reference numeral 75 denotes a primary time switch (PTSW) connected to the secondary multiplexer 74, and reference numeral 76 denotes a received signal memory (RSW) also connected to the secondary multiplexer 74.
M) and 77 are space switches (SSW) connected to the primary time switch 75, 78 is a secondary time switch (STSW) connected to the space switch 77, and 79 is a transmission signal memory (SSM). The components 75 to 79 are controlled by the call processor 90. A secondary demultiplexer 80 is connected to the secondary time switch 78 and the transmission signal memory 79. Outputs of the secondary demultiplexer 80 are connected to concentrators 70 and 71, a trunk 72, and a common channel signal unit 73, respectively.

In the above description, the case where the related information storage unit 11 is included in the memory 10 is taken as an example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and may be provided on the message storage device 20 side.

As described above in detail, according to the present invention, the response message can be changed according to the caller and the number of incoming calls from the caller, and the power generation of the caller can be performed. Answering machine service system and message service system capable of storing numbers and responses
A message selection method can be provided.

[Brief description of the drawings]

FIG. 1 is a principle block diagram of the present invention.

FIG. 2 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a related information storage unit.

FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating a configuration example of a flag table.

FIG. 4 is an explanatory diagram of a message storage method in a message storage unit.

FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a response message registration method.

FIG. 6 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration in which a response message and a message message are recorded adjacently for each power generation number.

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for recording a response message and a message message in different areas.

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing an example of a configuration for recording a response message and a message message in a mosaic form.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating an example of a method for selecting a response message.

FIG. 10 is a diagram showing an example of a sequence in a case where power generation number analysis / incoming number operation is performed by a message storage device.

FIG. 11 is a diagram showing a sequence example in a case where power generation number analysis / incoming number operation is performed by an exchange.

FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram showing an example of a signal message reproduction / power generation number display method.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the overall configuration of the system of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram illustrating a configuration example of a conventional system.

[Explanation of symbols]

 REFERENCE SIGNS LIST 1 exchange 2 subscriber 3 control device 10 memory 11 related information storage unit 12 flag table 20 message storage device 21 message storage unit

Claims (6)

(57) [Claims] 1. An answering machine service, comprising: an exchange for performing exchange control; a memory for controlling the operation of the exchange; and a message storage device connected to the exchange, for managing the number of incoming calls for each caller. A related information storage unit for storing information is provided in the memory or the message storage device, and a message storage unit for storing a plurality of response messages to an incoming call while there is no answer and a message message from a caller is provided in the message storage device. provided within the control device, by referring to the related information storage unit, the message
Selected from the message store based on the number of callers
An answering machine service system, characterized in that the answering message is read out and made available to the caller. 2. A message service system capable of sending a response message to a caller and allowing the caller to store a message for the called subscriber. caller every store
Means for, hand for storing a plurality of response messages to be sent to the calling party
And respond to the incoming caller according to the number of calls received by the caller.
Select the response message and send the selected response message
Message service system characterized by comprising a means for 3. A response message is sent to the caller.
And the caller stores a message for the called subscriber
In a message service system capable of receiving, the number of calls received by the caller to the called subscriber is counted for each caller
And sending a response message to be sent to the caller
From the message storage unit, which is stored in association with
Step of selecting a response message according to the number of incoming calls
Sends the selected response message to the incoming caller
Response message comprising the steps of:
Selection method. 4. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the power generation numbers is stored in the message storage device.
Control of adjacent and stores the response message and Den word message
2. An answering machine according to claim 1, further comprising a control means.
Service system. 5. The system according to claim 1, wherein each of the power generation numbers is stored in the message storage device.
Reply messages and message messages in different areas
2. A control means for storing data in a memory.
Answering machine service system as described. 6. An answering machine service for each service subscriber
A related information storage means for storing related information is provided, and a response message or a message message in the related information storage means is provided.
When storing the message in the message storage means , the related information area and the message are stored adjacent to the related information storage unit.
A flag table to associate the storage
Only, to store the response message and voice mail message in a mosaic pattern
The answering machine according to claim 1, wherein the answering machine is provided.
Talk service system.