Telephone exchange and control method of telephone exchange

The present invention relates to a telephone exchange device that executes a communication service function related to exchange between internal lines, between internal lines and external lines, and between external lines, and in particular, telephone exchange for improving failure recovery. The present invention relates to a control method of a device and a telephone exchange device.

Traditionally, telephone exchange devices such as button telephone devices and PBXs (Private Branch Exchange) have been widely used in office buildings and offices. In this type of telephone exchange device, for example, a telephone or the like is accommodated as an extension terminal, and a telephone can be exchanged and connected between the extension terminal and an external communication network such as a public network and between the extension terminals.

By the way, in such a telephone exchange device, even if the resource for executing the communication service function falls into an abnormal state for some reason, the maintenance staff or the like cannot recognize the abnormality of this resource. Therefore, the telephone exchange device is left for a long time with an abnormality in the resource, which may hinder the operation of the device.

Therefore, before using the resource, a method of determining the abnormality of the resource and initializing the process using this abnormal resource (for example, Patent Document 1), or the resource corresponding to the call is illegally used at the end of the call. A method of checking whether or not the resource has been used and releasing a resource that has been misused (for example, Patent Document 2) has been proposed.<patcit num="1"><text>Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2000-267869</text></patcit><patcit num="2"><text>Japanese Unexamined Patent Publication No. 2001-268607.</text></patcit>

<p> However, with the above method, if a failure occurs during execution of the communication service function, the corresponding resource cannot be released. Further, in the above method, if a resource is released while the communication service function is being executed or a process that uses the corresponding resource is initialized, even normal resources are affected.</p><p> Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a telephone exchange device and a control method of the telephone exchange device that can effectively deal with an operation abnormality that occurs for each communication service function.</p>

<p> The present invention is configured as follows in order to achieve the above object. A communication service function that accommodates multiple extensions to which a telephone terminal can be connected at each end, enables at least one external line to be connected, and is involved in the exchange of either between internal lines, between internal lines and external lines, or between external lines. A storage means for storing a plurality of resource information for executing a plurality of communication service functions different from each other, a recording medium for recording a communication signal to be processed for each resource information, and recording. The communication signal on the medium is managed for each resource, and a control means for releasing the corresponding resource area on the recording medium is provided according to the communication service function requested to be released.</p><p> According to this configuration, the communication signal recorded on the recording medium is managed for each resource, and the corresponding resource area on the recording medium is released according to the communication service function requested to be released. Therefore, it is possible to forcibly release only the resource in which the abnormality has occurred without affecting other resources.</p><p> The storage means stores a resource table that stores the setting information indicating the capture source of each of the plurality of resource information if it is free / in use or in use, and the control means is used for the communication service function requested to be released. Correspondingly, the corresponding resource area in the recording medium is released, and the corresponding setting information in the resource table is updated to a vacant space. According to this configuration, appropriate resource release processing can be performed with a simple procedure based on the setting information for each resource information accumulated and managed in the resource table.</p><p> The control means is characterized in that, based on the resource table, a plurality of corresponding resource areas in the recording medium are sequentially released according to preset conditions within the range required for release. According to this configuration, the failed function is released on a resource-by-resource basis, and if it is not recovered, the reset range is gradually expanded to minimize the impact on other services and cause a failure. It can be restored. In addition, a more reliable system can be provided by estimating the range from the system error at the time of failure and releasing resources while automatically expanding the stage.</p><p> The control means is characterized in that the corresponding resource area in the recording medium is released according to a preset condition. It is characterized in that a failure that occurs during execution of the communication service function is used to determine this condition.</p><p> According to this configuration, if a failure occurs during execution of the communication service function, the corresponding resource area in the recording medium is automatically released. Therefore, there is no concern that a resource failure will spread to other resources, which can prevent a system down.</p><p> When a failure occurs during the execution of the communication service function in order to request the release, the control means releases the corresponding resource area in the recording medium, and then reads the processing information from the release recording medium to respond. It is characterized by automatically executing the communication service function.</p><p> According to this configuration, when a failure occurs during execution of the communication service function, the corresponding resource area in the recording medium is automatically released, and thereafter, the processing information is read from the release recording medium to deal with it. The communication service function to be executed will be executed again. Therefore, it is not necessary to restart the executed communication service function from the beginning, and it is possible to recover quickly without waiting for the recovery operation. In addition, the user can continue the operation without being aware of the occurrence of the resource error.</p><p> The control means is characterized in that a plurality of corresponding resource areas on a recording medium are released for at least one of an extension, an outside line, and a system according to a communication service function requested to be released.</p><p> According to this configuration, regarding the function in which the failure has occurred, by releasing all the resources used by the function for the system, the failure is quickly caused without affecting other services as much as possible. It will be possible to recover.</p><p> The control means is characterized in that the interface for accommodating the extension, the interface for accommodating the outside line, and the on / off control or reset of the hardware in the apparatus are performed on demand. According to this configuration, if the failure is not recovered by releasing the resources, the failure can be quickly performed by turning on / off or resetting the interface for accommodating the extension, the interface for accommodating the outside line, and the hardware in the device. Can be restored and a more reliable system can be provided.</p>

<p> As described in detail above, according to the present invention, it is an object of the present invention to provide a telephone exchange device and a control method of the telephone exchange device that can effectively deal with an operation abnormality that occurs for each communication service function.</p>

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. (First Embodiment) FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a main configuration of an exchange system according to the present invention. As shown in the figure, this exchange system is configured by arbitrarily connecting a plurality of (maximum i) extension terminals 2 (2-1 to 2-i) to the main unit 1 via communication ports. ing. The extension terminal 2 includes, for example, a button telephone and a standard telephone.

The main unit 1 further includes a time switch 11, a plurality of (j) station line interface circuits 12 (12-1 to 12-j), and a plurality (i) extension interface circuits 13 (13-1 to 13-i). ), The control unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the data highway interface unit 16, and the time switch 11, the station line interface circuit 12, and the extension interface circuit 13 are connected to each other via the PCM highway 17.

Further, the station line interface circuit 12, the extension interface circuit 13, and the data highway interface unit 16 are connected to each other via the data highway 18. Further, the time switch 11, the control unit 14, the storage unit 15, and the data highway interface unit 16 are connected to each other via the CPU bus 19.

The time switch 11 arbitrarily exchanges and connects the extension interface circuits 13 with each other and the station line interface circuit 12 and the extension interface circuit 13 based on the control of the control unit 14.

Station lines L (L-1 to Lj) such as ISDN networks, public networks, and leased lines are connected to the station line interface circuit 12 as needed. The station line interface circuit 12 performs a station line interface operation with respect to the connected station line L. The station line interface operation is the conversion of an audio signal (analog) given via the station line L to a PCM signal, the conversion of a PCM signal given via the time switch 11 to an audio signal (analog), and the station line L. Status monitoring and transmission of various signals to the network connected via the station line L. Further, the station line interface circuit 12 exchanges various control information related to the station line interface operation with the control unit 14 via the data highway 18, the data highway interface unit 16, and the CPU bus 19.

The extension terminal 2 is connected to the extension interface circuit 13 as needed. The extension interface circuit 13 performs an extension interface operation with respect to the connected extension terminal 2. The extension interface operation includes extracting the PCM signal output from the extension terminal 2 from the PCM highway 17, monitoring the status of the extension terminal 2, and transmitting various signals to the extension terminal 2. Further, the extension interface circuit 13 exchanges various control information related to the extension interface operation between the data highway 18, the data highway interface unit 16, and the control unit 14 via the CPU bus 19.

The data highway interface unit 16 exchanges data between the data highway 18 and the CPU bus 19.

The control unit 14 comprehensively controls each of the time switch 11, the station line interface circuit 12, and the extension interface circuit 13 by performing processing based on the operation program stored in the storage unit 15, and serves as the main device 1. Realize the operation.

The storage unit 15 stores the operation program of the control unit 14 and various other data that are permanently used.

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing a connection relationship between the time switch 11, the control unit 14, and the storage unit 15.

In the main unit 1, as shown in the figure, the control target is divided into a line, a slot, a frame, and a system. In addition, various resource areas 151 necessary for each service to operate are prepared on the storage unit 15 together with the program and the work order data set by the user, and this area is dynamically acquired by starting and ending the service. ·To be released. In addition, each resource management process has a resource release process for each line / slot, each frame, and each system.

Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the storage unit 15 is provided with a resource table 152 that stores setting information indicating free / in use for each resource for each of the communication service functions.

The processing operation with the above configuration will be described. (Normal operation) (1) Calling from an extension to an ISDN trunk When an extension makes an ISDN trunk call, first, in order to memorize the dialed number, the outgoing dial storage area of the resource area 151 is set. Capture. When all dials are entered, the numbers are analyzed to determine which trunk to capture. Here, the trunk usage status in the resource area 151 is referred to, and if the trunk to be captured is already in use, the next candidate is searched for or a busy display is returned to the calling side. If the trunk you are trying to capture is not in use, put it in use, then capture the ISDN message accumulation in resource area 151 to create an ISDN message to send to the network, and then create an ISDN message. Make a trunk call.

(2) Incoming call from ISDN trunk When an incoming call is received from the ISDN trunk, the trunk usage status of the resource area 151 is assumed to be in use. Next, the ISDN message storage area of the resource area 151 is secured, the ISDN message received from the network is stored there, and the ISDN message is analyzed. When the recipient is confirmed as a result of the analysis, if the recipient is already in use, it is recorded in the camp-on registration status area of the resource area 151 that the recipient is registered during camp-on, and the camp-on status is set.

The above is the normal processing of ISDN trunk incoming / outgoing calls. Here, the case where each area is insufficient will be described. (3) When the outgoing dial storage area cannot be captured For outgoing calls, all outgoing calls to the trunk / extension cannot be made due to the shortage of the outgoing dial storage area. You can do incoming calls without any problems.

(4) When the trunk usage status area cannot be captured The trunk status cannot be maintained, and all incoming and outgoing trunk calls cannot be made.

You can make and receive extensions without any problems.

(5) If the ISDN message storage area cannot be captured, ISDN messages cannot be created and retained, and ISDN extensions and ISDN trunks cannot be made or received. You can make and receive analog extensions and analog trunks.

(6) When the camp-on registration status area cannot be captured When a trunk call arrives or the recipient is busy, camp-on cannot be performed. You can make a call. If the recipient is not busy, you can receive an incoming call without any problem.

As described above, even if a certain area (resource) cannot be acquired, it does not mean that all call processing of the system cannot be performed. Depending on the type of area (insufficient resource) that cannot be acquired, the call processing that can be performed can be performed. No call processing occurs. Therefore, if resources are released uniformly by system reset, it will affect the processing that is operating normally.

Therefore, the reset range is defined as shown in Fig. 4 (a), and resources and services are associated as shown in Fig. 4 (b).

Then, according to the reset range of FIG. 4 (a), the reset range of the specified resource is defined as follows. If any of the specified resources are used by the terminal accommodated in the port instructed to reset, they are released. If any of the specified resources are used by the terminal accommodated in the slot instructed to reset, they are released. If any of the specified resources are used by the terminal housed in the rack instructed to reset, release it. Release the specified resource.

In the resource table 152 shown in FIG. 3, all the resources 1 to 3 are targeted for the outgoing call service, and the outgoing dial storage area of 1 is targeted for the analog extension transmission.

According to this resource table 152, the specified range of resources is defined as follows. (Resource used by the requested service itself) For analog extension calls, the outgoing dial resource in 1.<u style="single">Here, let it be a.</u>

(Resources used by the service one step higher) If it is an analog extension transmission, it will be a resource (outgoing dial storage area / ISDN message area) related to extension transmission (outgoing to analog extension / outgoing to ISDN extension).<u style="single">Here, let it be b.</u>

(Resources used by the service one step higher) If it is an extension call, all resources related to the call service (trunk ISDN call, analog trunk call analog extension call, ISDN extension call) (call dial storage area, ISDN message) Area / trunk usage status).<u style="single">Here, let it be c.</u>

As described above, if the services are defined hierarchically, the highest level represents all the services provided by the main device 1. Here, let it be z (all resources).

By defining as above and resetting the service by combining the reset range of the specified resources A to D and the specified range of the resources a to z, it is possible to reset the service step by step. Become.

(1-1) Release the port to which the problematic terminal is connected if the outgoing dial storage area is used. (1-2) Release the outgoing dial storage area or ISDN message storage area, if any, for the port to which the terminal with the problem is connected. (1-3) Release the outgoing dial storage area, ISDN message storage area, or trunk usage area, if any, for the port to which the terminal with the problem is connected. (1-4) Release the port that belongs to the same slot as the terminal where the problem occurred if the outgoing dial storage area is used. (1-5) Release the outgoing dial storage area or ISDN message storage area, if any, for the port that belongs to the same slot as the terminal where the problem occurred.

Below, the resource release range is gradually expanded to recover from the failure. The end result is zD (reset of all services in the system).

In addition, after releasing the resources in the specified range, the event that caused the problem is processed again, and if the problem is not resolved, the above procedure, that is, the release of the resources in the range one step higher is automatically performed. This makes it possible to construct a more reliable system.

As described above, in the first embodiment, the control unit 14 manages communication signals such as ISDN messages recorded in the resource area 151 of the storage unit 15 for each resource, and according to the communication service function requested to be released. The corresponding resource area 151 on the storage unit 15 is released. Therefore, it is possible to forcibly release only the resource in which the abnormality has occurred without affecting other resources.

Further, in the first embodiment, it is possible to perform an appropriate resource release process by a simple procedure based on the setting information for each resource information accumulated and managed in the resource table 152.

(Second Embodiment) FIG. 5 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit 14 in the exchange system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

First, it is assumed that the user of extension terminal 2-1 performs a dial operation to make a call to extension terminal 2-2. Then, the control unit 14 records the dial operation information as an event in an area other than the resource area 151 of the storage unit 15 (step ST5a). Then, the control unit 14 records the event in the corresponding area of the resource area 151 and executes the process (step ST5b).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 monitors whether or not a failure related to the corresponding resource has occurred during the event processing (step ST5c), and ends the event processing if no failure occurs.

On the other hand, if a failure related to the corresponding resource occurs during event processing (Yes), the control unit 14 records the content of the failure in the storage unit 15 (step ST5d), and whether or not the same failure has occurred before. Make a judgment (step ST5e). Here, since a failure occurred for the first time (No), the control unit 14 reads the range from the resource table 152 to reset (step ST5f), releases the target resources within that range (step ST5g), and manages the failure occurrence status. The area is updated (step ST5h), the event already recorded in the storage unit 15 is read (step ST5i), and the process proceeds to step ST5b.

If the failure is not recovered even if the event processing is executed again, the control unit 14 expands the resource release range based on the resource table 152 and matches the preset range or recovers the failure by another means. Judge whether or not to perform the process again (step ST5j). Here, when it is necessary to perform the process again (Yes), the control unit 14 expands the range of the resources to be released by one step (step ST5k), and shifts to the process of the above step ST5g.

On the other hand, when it is not necessary to perform the processing again (No), the control unit 14 ends the event processing.

As described above, in the second embodiment, when a failure occurs during execution of the communication service function, the control unit 14 automatically releases the corresponding resource area 151 in the storage unit 15. Become. Therefore, there is no concern that a resource failure will spread to other resources, which can prevent the occurrence of invalid calls and the occurrence of system down.

Further, in the second embodiment, after the resource is released, the corresponding event is read from the storage unit 15, and the corresponding communication service function is executed again. Therefore, it is not necessary to restart the executed communication service function from the beginning, and it is possible to recover quickly without waiting for the recovery operation.

(Third Embodiment) FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing a processing procedure of the control unit 14 in the exchange system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

First, it is assumed that the user of the extension terminal 2-1 performs a dial operation to make a call to the subscriber terminal of the ISDN network. Then, the control unit 14 records the dial operation information as an event in an area other than the resource area 151 of the storage unit 15 (step ST6a). Then, the control unit 14 records the event in the corresponding area of the resource area 151 and executes the process (step ST6b).

Subsequently, the control unit 14 monitors whether or not a failure related to the corresponding resource has occurred during event processing (step ST6c), and if no failure occurs, terminates event processing and communicates with the ISDN network. Form a communication link.

On the other hand, if a failure related to the corresponding resource occurs during event processing (Yes), the control unit 14 records the content of the failure in the storage unit 15 (step ST6d), and whether or not the same failure has occurred before. Make a judgment (step ST6e). Here, since the failure occurred for the first time (No), the control unit 14 reads the resource information related to the analog extension transmission from the resource table 152 (step ST6f), releases the target resource for the problem port (step ST6g), and fails. The occurrence status management area is updated (step ST6h), the event already recorded in the storage unit 15 is read (step ST6i), and the process proceeds to step ST6b.

If the failure is not recovered even if the event processing is executed again, the control unit 14 acquires the resource information related to the extension transmission from the resource table 152 (step ST6j), and shifts to the processing of the above step ST6g again.

If the failure is not recovered even after executing the event processing, the control unit 14 acquires the resource information related to the outgoing service one step higher from the resource table 152 (step ST6k), and shifts to the processing of the above step ST6g again. To do.

Furthermore, if the failure is not recovered even after executing the event processing, the control unit 14 acquires the resource information related to the analog extension transmission from the resource table 152 (step ST6l), and releases the target resource for the problem occurrence slot (step ST6l). Step ST6m), the process proceeds to the above step ST6h again.

The above processing is repeated n times while expanding the range until the failure is recovered. If the failure is not recovered even after repeating n times, the control unit 14 resets each hardware in the extension interface circuit 13, the station line interface circuit 12, and the main unit 1.

As described above, in the third embodiment, when a failure occurs during execution of the communication service function, the control unit 14 automatically releases the corresponding resource area 151 in the storage unit 15, and the control unit 14 automatically releases the corresponding resource area 151. It is possible to recover the failure without affecting other services as much as possible by gradually expanding the reset range when the function in which the failure has occurred is released by the resource unit and is not recovered.

Further, in the third embodiment, when the failure is not recovered even by releasing the resource, the failure is quickly performed by resetting the hardware in the extension interface circuit 13, the station line interface circuit 12, and the main unit 1. Can be restored and a more reliable system can be provided.

(Other Embodiments) The present invention is not limited to each of the above embodiments. For example, in the third embodiment, the scope of the service for resetting to the port is expanded, and if the service is still not restored, the scope of the service for resetting to the slot is expanded. However, it is not limited to this, and by expanding it to the rack, it is possible to quickly restore the service.

In addition, it is possible to build a highly reliable system by automatically applying this procedure from the failure occurrence port and failure occurrence service included in the error message output by the system.

Furthermore, when a failure occurs, the service can be restored quickly by suddenly applying a service reset to all systems instead of expanding the scope of application step by step. For example, if the user requests that the entire system cannot be used due to an abnormal resource usage related to external line transmission, the system administrator will conduct a detailed investigation and system reset timing (reset after lunch break or after work). By releasing all resources related to the outside line outgoing service for the entire system without thinking about what to do, etc.), it is possible to recover the failure quickly and without affecting other services such as extension calls. It will be possible.

Further, in the second and third embodiments described above, an example of releasing the corresponding resource when a failure occurs has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the resource may be released on the condition of the user's request or the unauthorized use of the resource.

Further, in each of the above embodiments, the example in which the resource table and the resource area are provided on the same storage unit has been described, but the resource table and the resource area may be provided on different storage media.

In addition, the type and configuration of the system, the configuration of the main device, the stored contents of the resource table, the resource release procedure, and the like can be variously modified and implemented without departing from the gist of the present invention.

<figref num="1">The block diagram which shows the main part structure of the exchange system which concerns on this invention.</figref><figref num="2">The block diagram which shows the connection relationship with the time switch, a control part and a storage part shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="3">The figure which shows an example of the storage contents of the resource table shown in FIG.</figref><figref num="4">The figure which shows the correspondence relationship between a communication service function and a resource in the 1st Embodiment.</figref><figref num="5">The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the control part in the exchange system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment of this invention.</figref><figref num="6">The flowchart which shows the processing procedure of the control part in the exchange system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment of this invention.</figref>

Code description

1 ... main unit, 2 ... extension terminal, 11 ... time switch, 12 ... station line interface circuit, 13 ... extension interface circuit, 14 ... control unit, 15 ... memory Department, 16 ... Data Highway Interface Department, 17 ... PCM Highway, 18 ... Data Highway, 19 ... CPU Bus, 151 ... Resource Area, 152 ... Resource Table, L ... Local line.