Method and apparatus for controlling restriction on call connections

An apparatus for controlling restriction on call connections of a plurality of terminals wherein one or more groups each including one or more terminals included in the plurality of terminals are provided, the apparatus comprising:

• station data for storing a predetermined normal restriction ratio and one or more restriction control records, each including a group restriction relaxing ratio and the maximum number of calling terminals in association with a group size range, the group restriction relaxing ratio indicating a relaxing degree of restriction with respect to the predetermined normal restriction ratio, wherein each of the one or more groups is associated with the group restriction relaxing ratio and the maximum number of calling terminals, via the group size range to which the each of the one or more groups belongs;
• and
• a group restriction control part for controlling restriction on call connections, a call connection of a first terminal belonging to none of the one or more groups being restricted on the basis of the predetermined normal restriction ratio, a call connection of a grouped terminal belonging to a first group included in the one or more groups being restricted on the basis of a group restriction ratio associated with the first group when the number of calling terminals within the first group is less than the maximum number of calling terminals that is associated with the first group, wherein
• the group restriction ratio associated with the first group is calculated using the predetermined normal restriction ratio and the group restriction relaxing ratio associated with the first group.

A system comprising:

• a plurality of terminals;
• a group management apparatus for creating one or more groups each including one or more terminals included in the plurality of terminals;
• and
• a call control apparatus for controlling restriction on call connections, the call control apparatus including:
• station data for storing a predetermined normal restriction ratio and one or more restriction control records, each including a group restriction relaxing ratio and the maximum number of calling terminals in association with a group size range, the group restriction relaxing ratio indicating a relaxing degree of restriction with respect to the predetermined normal restriction ratio, wherein each of the one or more groups is associated with the group restriction relaxing ratio and the maximum number of calling terminals, via the group size range to which the each of the one or more groups belongs;
• and
• a group restriction control part for controlling restriction on call connections, a call-connection of a first terminal belonging to none of the one or more groups being restricted on the basis of the predetermined normal restriction ratio, a call-connection of a grouped terminal belonging to a first group included in the one or more groups being restricted on the basis of a group restriction ratio associated with the first group when the number of calling terminals within the first group is less than the maximum number of calling terminals that is associated with the first group, wherein the group restriction ratio is calculated using the predetermined normal restriction ratio and a group restriction relaxing ratio associated with the first group.