JP2006005590A - Remote conference system, shared work space server, and remote conference method and program - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a remote conference system for furthermore enhancing the convenience of users. <P>SOLUTION: The remote conference system includes: point servers 100, 200 for controlling conference apparatuses; and a shared work space server 30 for interconnecting selected point systems and generating a work space for managing tasks for realizing cooperation between the point systems. The shared work space server 30 generates a theme dependent point system image 85 on which the point systems making a remote conference under a relate theme are displayed on one screen and displays the image 85 on display apparatuses of the point systems on request. Thus, the points making a conference under the related theme can simply be found out and a user can simply connect with the point systems to take part in the conference. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a remote conference system that connects a plurality of bases to realize remote collaborative work.

  Recently, there is an increasing demand for network computing technology for connecting computers to each other. By connecting computers to each other via a network, it is possible to smoothly share computer resources and share and distribute information.

  For example, a video conference system can be cited as a system that realizes collaborative work by a plurality of people via a network. According to the video conference system, it is possible to manage the conference while transmitting images and sounds between conference rooms located at points away from each other and watching the faces of the participants on the TV screen. In reality, participants in remote locations can proceed with the proceedings as if they were in the same conference room. Moreover, since each person's actual movement is not accompanied, it leads also to effective use of time and reduction of expenses, such as travel expenses.

  A video conference system is generally composed of an image and audio input / output device such as a camera, a microphone, a monitor, and a speaker, an image and audio encoding / decoding device, a communication device and a line connecting each point. In addition, in order to share data between remote conference rooms, an electronic blackboard is prepared for both parties to write on each other, and an application is shared and operated.

  For example, in Patent Document 1, in a communication conference system using multimedia, a conference table imitating an actual conference room, a conference table, a conference table, so that even a participant unfamiliar with the procedure of the conference system can use the system easily. Provides a graphical user interface with icons such as a telephone.

JP-A-8-251568

  However, the conventional teleconference system has room for further enhancing user convenience.

  For example, in a remote conference system, remote conferences are performed by connecting bases to each other, but if it is possible to easily understand what kind of conference is being held between each base or between bases, Convenience as a conference system can be further enhanced. In other words, if a meeting held on a related theme or a meeting that is being held is easily known, meeting materials can be shared, or a line can be connected to easily join the meeting.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object thereof is to provide a remote conference system, a shared work space server, a remote conference method, and a program that further enhance user convenience.

  In order to achieve such an object, a remote conference system of the present invention manages a task for realizing a collaboration between a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged and the base systems by network connection. A shared workspace server that generates a workspace, and the shared workspace server displays a base system that displays a base system performing a conference or a remote conference by connecting between base systems with a related theme. Is created and displayed on the requested base system.

  In this way, a graphical user interface screen that displays a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference on a related theme is created and displayed on the requested base system, so a conference is held on a related theme. The base system can be easily found, and the base system can be easily connected to participate in the conference.

  In the above-described remote conference system, the shared workspace server associates the location information of the base system that is performing the conference or the remote conference with the related theme and the face image of the conference participant. The displayed graphical user interface screen may be created.

  In this way, the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is held on the related theme and the face image of the conference participant are displayed in association with each other, thereby displaying the location system of the base system that is holding the conference. It is possible to easily recognize the place and the conference participants in the place.

  In the above-described remote conference system, the shared workspace server may create the graphical user interface screen displaying the plurality of base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by color, the base system that is performing remote conferences becomes clear.

  In the above-described remote conference system, the shared workspace server creates the graphical user interface screen displaying a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme for each remotely connected group. Good.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by groups that are remotely connected, the groups that are performing remote conferences with the related themes become clear.

  In the remote conference system, the shared workspace server may display a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of participants who are scheduled to participate in the conference or the remote conference on the base system.

  Thus, by displaying the list of participants in the conference or the remote conference, the conference participants can be easily recognized.

  In the above-mentioned remote conference system, a user database in which authentication data for authenticating an individual is recorded, and the base server reads card information of an IC card by a card reader as the conference device, and authentication data is obtained from the card information. Is sent to the user database for authentication, and when the authentication is completed normally, user information including the face image of the cardholder is taken out from the card information and sent to the shared workspace server. It is configured to register.

  Since the card information of the IC card is read and authentication is performed, only registered users can be permitted to use the system. In addition, by registering user information of conference participants, the participants can be managed for each conference.

  In the above remote conference system, the shared workspace server includes a graphical user interface for acquiring conference resources including the conference material used for a conference and the history data generated as a record of the conference, and the conference It is preferable to provide the base server with a graphical user interface for connecting the systems.

  A shared workspace server provides a user interface for acquiring conference resources including conference materials used for conferences and historical data generated as conference records, and a user interface for connecting between conference systems is doing. Accordingly, the conference participants can easily acquire the conference materials by accessing the shared workspace server that collectively manages the conference materials, and can easily realize a conference connecting a plurality of conference systems.

  A shared workspace server of the present invention is a shared workspace server that connects a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network, and manages tasks for realizing cooperation between the base systems. A graphical user interface screen displaying a base system performing a conference or a remote conference performed by connecting between base systems by theme is created and displayed on the base system requested.

  In this way, a graphical user interface screen that displays a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference on a related theme is created and displayed on the requested base system, so a conference is held on a related theme. The base system can be easily found, and the base system can be easily connected to participate in the conference.

  In the shared workspace server, the graphical user interface screen associates location information of a base system that is holding the conference or the remote conference with the related theme and a face image of a conference participant. The screen should be displayed.

  In this way, the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is held on the related theme and the face image of the conference participant are displayed in association with each other, thereby displaying the location system of the base system that is holding the conference. It is possible to easily recognize the place and the conference participants in the place.

  In the above-described shared workspace server, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen displaying a plurality of base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by color, the base system that is performing remote conferences becomes clear.

  In the shared workspace server, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen displaying a plurality of the base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme for each group that is remotely connected.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by groups that are remotely connected, the groups that are performing remote conferences with the related themes become clear.

  In the shared space search server described above, a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of prospective participants of the conference or the remote conference may be displayed on the base system.

  Thus, by displaying the list of participants in the conference or the remote conference, the conference participants can be easily recognized.

  The remote conference method of the present invention is a remote conference method for performing a remote conference by connecting a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network, and the step of selecting a conference theme in the base system that has requested the connection. Creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference connecting between base systems with a theme related to the selected theme; and And a step of displaying on the base system.

  In this way, a graphical user interface screen that displays a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference on a related theme is created and displayed on the requested base system, so a conference is held on a related theme. The base system can be easily found, and the base system can be easily connected to participate in the conference.

  In the above-described remote conference method, the graphical user interface screen associates the location information of the base system that is performing the conference or the remote conference with the related theme and the face image of the conference participant. It should be the displayed screen.

  In this way, the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is held on the related theme and the face image of the conference participant are displayed in association with each other, thereby displaying the location system of the base system that is holding the conference. It is possible to easily recognize the place and the conference participants in the place.

  In the above-described remote conference method, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen displaying a plurality of base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by color, the base system that is performing remote conferences becomes clear.

  In the above-described remote conference method, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen that displays a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme for each remotely connected group.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by groups that are remotely connected, the groups that are performing remote conferences with the related themes become clear.

  In the above-described remote conference method, a step of creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of participants who are expected to participate in the conference or the remote conference, and a step of transferring and displaying the created graphical user interface screen to the base system It is good to comprise further.

  Thus, by displaying the list of participants in the conference or the remote conference, the conference participants can be easily recognized.

  In the above remote conference method, an authentication step for performing authentication by reading authentication data recorded on an IC card, and user identification information for identifying a participant is extracted from the IC card when authentication is normally completed, and a conference participant is selected. A participant registration step for registration may be further included.

  Since the card information of the IC card is read and authentication is performed, only registered users can be permitted to use the system. In addition, by registering user information of conference participants, the participants can be managed for each conference.

  The remote conference program of the present invention is a remote conference program for performing a remote conference by connecting a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network, and relates to a conference theme selected in the base system that has requested connection. A process of creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a base system performing a conference or a remote conference connecting between base systems by the theme and a process of displaying the created graphical user interface screen on the base system are executed. It is configured as follows.

  In this way, a graphical user interface screen that displays a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference on a related theme is created and displayed on the requested base system, so a conference is held on a related theme. The base system can be easily found, and the base system can be easily connected to participate in the conference.

  In the above-mentioned remote conference program, the graphical user interface screen associates the location information of the base system that is performing the conference or the remote conference with the related theme and the face image of the conference participant. It should be the displayed screen.

  In this way, the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is held on the related theme and the face image of the conference participant are displayed in association with each other, thereby displaying the location system of the base system that is holding the conference. It is possible to easily recognize the place and the conference participants in the place.

  In the above-described remote conference program, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen that displays a plurality of base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by color, the base system that is performing remote conferences becomes clear.

  In the above-described remote conference program, the graphical user interface screen may be a screen that displays a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme for each remotely connected group.

  In this way, by displaying a plurality of base systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes by groups that are remotely connected, the groups that are performing remote conferences with the related themes become clear.

  In the above-described remote conference program, a process of creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of participants who are expected to participate in the conference or the remote conference, and a process of transferring the created graphical user interface screen to the base system for display It is good to further execute.

  Thus, by displaying the list of participants in the conference or the remote conference, the conference participants can be easily recognized.

  In the above remote conference program, the authentication process for reading the authentication data recorded on the IC card and performing authentication, and the user identification information for identifying the participant is extracted from the IC card when the authentication is normally completed, and the conference participant is The participant registration process to be registered may be further executed.

  Since the card information of the IC card is read and authentication is performed, only registered users can be permitted to use the system. In addition, by registering user information of conference participants, the participants can be managed for each conference.

  The present invention can easily find a base system that conducts a conference or a remote conference on a related theme, and can further improve the convenience for the user.

  Next, preferred embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

  FIG. 1 shows a configuration of a remote conference system 1 of the present embodiment. As shown in the figure, the remote conference system 1 has a configuration in which two base systems 10 and 20 are interconnected by a shared work space server 30. In the example shown in the figure, the shared workspace server 30 is drawn so as to connect two base systems for the sake of simplification of the drawing. These bases can be interconnected.

  The shared workspace server 30 is different from a multipoint connection device that is positioned as the center of a star connection using a circuit switching system communication path such as a telephone line between systems. As will be described later, the shared workspace server 30 uses a session for managing the connection between the base systems, a file used during the conference or generated as a record of the conference, and a reference (URL :) to a resource related to the conference. Uniform Resource Locator) information and history information of access to files etc. performed by conference participants are managed.

  The base systems 10 and 20 operate independently of each other, and a conference apparatus is arranged for each base to manage the conference. These conference apparatuses can be configured based on a conventional video conference system. For example, video / audio servers 11 and 21 are equipped, and input / output of images and sounds from cameras, microphones, monitors, speakers, etc., and encoding / decoding of images and sounds, and transmission / reception with other base systems. Share the behavior and behavior of the participants at each site.

  Also, the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 are prepared for both, and writing is performed at each base. In addition, the application is shared between the base systems. In the present embodiment, a graphical user interface (GUI) provided by the shared workspace is presented on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22, and the participants of the conference operate to operate the multimedia communication conference system. Connections can be made and information such as files related to the conference can be accessed (described later).

  Participants of the conference at each site are users of the remote conference system 1. The conference participants can connect to the multimedia communication conference system without being aware of the call address of the individual multimedia communication conference system by operating the graphical user interface provided by the shared workspace. Information such as files related to can be easily accessed from the base system.

  Each base system 10 and 20 is equipped with an authentication device for authenticating a conference participant. In this embodiment, each participant carries an IC card as a personal authentication medium, and the base systems 10 and 20 are equipped with card readers 13 and 23 for accessing the IC card to perform authentication processing and authority. Can be confirmed.

  The shared work space type remote conference system 1 as shown in FIG. 1 can support the collaborative work between remote locations by realizing the following matters.

(1) Immediately connect with collaborators.
(2) Take out documents necessary for collaboration immediately.
(3) Immediately link the results of collaboration to the next process.

  In the remote conference system 1 of the present embodiment, a modality and a combination of modalities necessary for collaborative work are provided to each base. For example, files such as audio and presentation materials, electronic blackboards, facial video distribution and remote collaborative editing can be packaged and used.

  Further, in the remote conference system 1, by presenting documents related to the collaborative work and automatically connecting to the members participating in the collaborative work, the space in which the collaborative work is performed can be individually assigned to each work group (base). Adapt.

  In the remote conference system 1, real-time collaboration and non-real-time collaboration are performed. In other words, real-time collaboration is recorded (for example, an electronic blackboard or used presentation material is stored) and linked to non-real-time collaboration, or a document is linked to real-time collaboration and non-real-time collaboration is linked.

  A schematic operation procedure of the shared workspace type remote conference system 1 is shown below.

(1) When the user uses the base system, the user selects a shared workspace (login to the workspace or access with recognition). For example, an ID is input to the system using an IC card corresponding to the shared workspace on a one-to-one basis. Alternatively, an individual logs in and selects a workspace by a GUI operation.
(2) By opening a shared workspace, it recognizes who is currently sharing the workspace and who is communicating with the base system.
(3) If you select “Conference” in the shared workspace, you can participate in the remote conference from that location (multiple conferences and individual-specific conferences may be held in the shared workspace. ).
(4) Documents can be stored in the shared workspace, and documents can be referred to during the meeting or images on the electronic blackboard of the meeting can be stored.
(5) The shared workspace is hierarchized, and mutual links are made by hyperlinks.
(6) The sub-workspace can be referred to while participating in the shared workspace.
(7) Operate the sub-workspace to disclose information to the shared workspace (drag and drop from the personal workspace).

  FIG. 2 schematically shows a functional configuration of the base server 100 for managing a conference (such as a video conference) in the base system 10. Although not shown, the base server 200 in the other base system 20 has the same configuration.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the site server 100 includes a site server control unit 101, a subsystem management unit 102, an authentication unit 103, a history management unit 104, a history display unit 105, and a communication control unit 106.

  The base server control unit 101 controls each functional unit in the base server 100 and controls the electronic blackboard 12, the video / audio server 11, and the card reader 13.

  The subsystem management unit 102 manages network addresses of subsystems constituting the base system such as the electronic blackboard 12 and the video / audio server 11 grounded to the base. The authentication unit 103 executes some steps of authentication based on the authentication information of the IC card 2 read by the card reader 13.

  When the conference material is displayed on the electronic blackboard 12, the history management unit 104 overwrites the conference material with the memo written on the electronic blackboard 12, and stores the history data. The history display unit 105 displays the history data stored in the history management unit 104 on the display device. Although not shown, these functional units can be configured by software modules. Software modules can perform some authentication steps at the site, and manage the network addresses of subsystems that make up the site system such as the electronic blackboard and video / audio server installed at the site. It is.

  The base server 100 communicates with the shared workspace server 30 based on the authentication information and authority information read from the IC card held by the conference participant using the connected card reader 13, and Realize usage.

  In the base system 10, a graphical user interface is provided, and conference participants use the user interface to specify the same session provided in the workspace, thereby enabling collaboration call setting and information sharing. Can be performed. Further, the resource related to the conference may exist in the base system 10, for example, or may be stored in another storage location in the base or a server outside the base, for example, described in URL format Is done.

  The base server 100 is realized, for example, by starting a predetermined server application on a general computer system such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) connected to a network.

  As already described with reference to FIG. 1, the base systems 10 and 20 are interconnected by the shared workspace server 30. FIG. 3 schematically shows the functional configuration of the shared workspace server 30.

  The shared work space server 30 is arranged to share a work space, which is an object for managing and using a task, which is a unit of collaboration, between the bases.

  The workspace manager 31 manages the workspace generated at each site in the remote conference system 1.

  An access control list (ACL) is provided for each work space, and the work space manager 31 works across multiple bases based on authentication information and authority information read from the IC card held by the conference participants. Manage or limit space usage.

  Each workspace is done by a session that manages the connection between sites or site systems, files that are used during conferences or generated as conference records, reference information for conference-related resources, and conference participants History information on access to files and resources is managed.

  An access control list (ACL) is assigned to each session, file, reference information, and access history information in the workspace. Therefore, the workspace manager 31 can manage or restrict the use in units of workspaces, and can also set the bases with fine granularity such as session units, file units, reference information units, or access history information units in the workspace. It is also possible to perform access control.

  The shared workspace server 30 is realized, for example, by starting a predetermined server application on a general computer system such as a personal computer (PC) or a workstation (WS) connected to a network.

  FIG. 4 shows the configuration of the management table of the personal file database 32 and the shared file database 33 connected to the shared workspace server 30. The personal file database 32 stores personal meeting materials generated by the conference participants, and a personal file is registered in association with the user ID for identifying the user as shown in FIG. . The shared file database 33 stores meeting materials set in a shared file that can be used in common by the meeting participants. As shown in FIG. A shared file is registered in association.

  The shared workspace server 30 returns the intended shared workspace as a response based on the user information read from the IC card 2 possessed by the user and transmitted from the base servers 100 and 200. The shared workspace server 30 extracts information necessary for configuring the GUI of the shared workspace based on the specified shared workspace information, and transfers the information to the base servers 100 and 200. At this time, in order to select an initial shared workspace suitable for the user in addition to the user information, the shared workspace server 30 performs prioritization using a part or all of the following information. May be.

-Network information such as network addresses and host names of the base servers 100, 200-Location information indicating where the base servers 100, 200 are installed-Shared workspace name, file name, URL received from the base servers 100, 200・ User schedule information and current time ・ Which user is with ・ What kind of shared workspace have you used in the past?

  FIG. 5 schematically shows a state in which a plurality of shared workspaces are connected by hyperlinks.

  The shared workspace server 30 may prioritize all of these shared workspaces when selecting an initial shared workspace, or a portion of the shared workspace that the user previously specified with a bookmark or the like Prioritization may be performed only on the set.

  Further, when presenting a plurality of shared workspaces and allowing the user to select one of them, any one of the following methods or a part or all of them may be used.

• Use normal hypertext navigation style • Use menus • Display part or all of the graph structure composed of shared workspaces

  The user moves by selecting a node as necessary along a graph structure constituted by a plurality of workspaces provided by the shared workspace server 30, and selects a desired shared workspace. At this time, when displaying a plurality of workspaces, the color, size, shape, position or a combination thereof is changed according to the prioritization as described above, thereby assisting the user in selecting. Also good.

  In addition, when the shared workspace server 30 detects that a base system specifying the same session has been added, it issues a request to connect all the registered base systems to other base systems. To do. As a result, it is possible to immediately connect with the partner of cooperation. In this case, any of the following may be used as the connection form between the plurality of base systems.

・ Hub type ・ Full graph type ・ Spanning tree type

  For example, when the user 1 of the base system 10 and the user 2 of the base system 20 select the same session A, screen sharing of the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 in the base systems 10 and 20 is started. User 1 and user 2 can access files necessary for the conference, such as presentation materials, via the electronic blackboards 12 and 22, respectively. In other words, documents necessary for collaboration can be immediately extracted.

  Screen sharing is performed by hooking input / output to an application. In addition, when screen sharing is performed, a mechanism for changing the color of characters and lines depending on which site is input in response to input requests from a plurality of sites may be provided. The reference history of files and resources generated by applications driven by screen sharing is stored in the shared workspace A (see FIG. 3).

  The process of registering and referring to the history of file and resource references will be described below.

The process of registering the history in Recently Used:
There are computers that provide multiple workspaces on the network.
Each user selects the workspace (s) on the electronic blackboard or other client terminal.
Each user opens a file and browses and searches for information on the Web (or other wide area information search system).
A reference (URL) related to the opened file or the Web page from which information was browsed is stored in the user's client terminal.
Select a reference to be registered in the workspace among the references stored on the user's client terminal.
Transfer the selected reference to all workspaces (or selected workspaces). The workspace registers the received reference.

Referencing Recently Used:
Each user selects the workspace (s) on the electronic blackboard or client terminal.
Each user performs an operation of viewing the history of the workspace on the electronic blackboard or the client terminal.
A list of workspaces sorted in “date order”, “reference count order”, or “importance order” is presented on the electronic blackboard or Klein plan and the terminal screen.
At this time, the history of a plurality of workspaces is displayed in the form of “individual”, “union”, or “intersection”.
Each user can open a file or browse the Web by selecting a reference from the list.

  Next, an outline of the operation of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 6 to 11 show the state of the electronic blackboard 12 and the video / audio server 11 arranged in the base system 10, and the state of the electronic blackboard 22 and the video / audio server 21 arranged in the base system 20. ing. Here, by specifying the same shared workspace in the base system 10 and the base system 20, the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 constituting each base system are connected, and the video servers 11 and 21 constituting each base system are connected. An example of the operation will be described.

  In this operation example, only one session is managed in each shared workspace. When a plurality of base systems select the same shared workspace, the base systems are connected and a session is started.

  (1) The base system 10 and the base system 20 display a screen prompting login using an IC card as an initial screen on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 (or the client terminal of the user) (see FIG. 6). When the IC card 2 is connected to the base server 100 of the base system 10, a list of shared workspaces related to the user is displayed on the electronic blackboard 12 of the base system 10 (see FIG. 7).

  (2) Here, it is assumed that the user selects a shared workspace named “Project X” from among the plurality of shared workspaces displayed on the electronic blackboard 12.

  (3) The site system 10 transmits the shared workspace reference selected by the user to the shared workspace server 30.

  (4) The shared workspace server 30 transmits a list of file references held in the shared workspace to the base server 100. Further, the shared workspace server 30 holds the network address of the base server 100 in order to enable connection between the base servers that have selected the project X of the shared workspace.

  (5) The base server 100 displays a list of transmitted file references on the electronic blackboard 12 (see FIG. 8).

  (6) When another user connects the IC card 2 to the base server 200 of the base system 20 corresponding to the conference room B, a list of shared workspaces related to the user is displayed on the electronic blackboard of the base system 20 22 (see FIG. 9).

  (7) Here, the user in the conference room B selects the shared workspace named “Project X” among the plurality of shared workspaces displayed on the electronic blackboard 22.

  (8) In response to this selection operation, the shared workspace server 30 transmits a list of file references held in the shared workspace 1 to the base server 200. The shared workspace server 30 holds the network address of the base server 200 in order to enable connection between the base servers that have selected the project X of the shared workspace.

  (9) By the above-described procedure, two or more base servers have selected the same shared workspace. For this reason, the shared workspace server 30 issues a request to connect all the registered base servers to other base servers. More specifically, a request to connect to the base server 200 is issued to the base server 100, and a request to connect to the base server 100 is issued to the base server 200.

  (10) The base server 100 and the base server 200 issue a request to connect both video / audio servers, connect the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 to the shared workspace server 30, and share input / output to the application. Start.

  (11) In this embodiment, the base system 10 and the base system 20 hold the video / audio servers 11 and 21, respectively. The base server 100 transmits a request to the video / audio server 11 to receive video and audio from the video / audio server 21. Similarly, the base server 200 transmits a request to the video / audio server 21 to receive video and audio from the video / audio server 11.

  (12) The video / audio server 11 starts receiving video and audio from the video / audio server 21, and the video / audio server 21 starts receiving video and audio from the video / audio server 11. FIG. 10 shows a state in which the video and audio data received from the video server at the other site are output to each site on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22.

  (13) Here, it is assumed that the user selects the file P via the graphical user interface presented on the electronic blackboard 12 of the base system 10. In response to this, an application associated with the file is started in the shared workspace server 30.

  (14) The shared workspace server 30 transfers the screen display performed by the application to the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 in the base systems 10 and 20.

  (15) Both the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 display the application screen based on the screen display information transmitted from the shared workspace server 30. FIG. 11 shows a state in which screen display information received from the shared workspace server 30 is displayed and output on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 at each site.

  (16) The users of the base system 100 and the base system 200 exchange information on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 using a user input device such as a keyboard and a pointing device and the video / audio servers 11 and 22, respectively. Then proceed with the meeting.

  (17) When the user operating the electronic blackboard 12 instructs to end the application, the file used in the application is stored in the shared workspace. Or you may store in the file server (not shown) which the reference on a shared workspace instruct | indicates.

  (18) In the base server 200, the user instructs the logout from the base server 200 and the end of use by connecting the IC card 2. As a result, the base server 200 ends the session.

  (19) In the base server 100, the user instructs the logout from the base server 100 and the end of system use by moving the IC card outside the card recognizable range of the card reader 13.

  Next, each procedure described above will be described in more detail. First, an authentication procedure performed using the IC card 2 possessed by the user in order to use the remote conference system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. In the following description, the operation of the base system 10 is described as an example, but the base system 20 performs the same operation as the base system 10.

  In order to use the remote conference system 1, the user must log in to the system by reading the user information of the IC card 2 into the card reader 13 for authentication. The IC card 2 stores, for example, personal information such as a user's name and department, user information such as a password, authentication data, a user ID, and a user's face photo.

  The card reader 13 reads user information from the IC card 2 and transmits it to the base server 100. The base server 100 records the user information read by the card reader 13 in the authentication unit 103, extracts authentication data from the user information, and transmits it to the user database 40 via the communication control unit 106. In the user database 40, data for authenticating a user who can use the remote conference system 1 is recorded. For example, the secret key issued by the certification authority is recorded in the user database 40, and it is determined whether the user is a legitimate user by authenticating with the public key read from the IC card 2. When the authentication is successful, the user database 40 transmits certificate data certifying that the corresponding user is an authorized user who can use the system to the base server 100.

  If the authentication is successful, the site server 100 logs in to the shared workspace server 30 using the certificate data transmitted from the user database 40. When the shared workspace server 30 receives a login request with a certificate from the base server 100, the shared workspace server 30 receives the request. The shared workspace server 30 receives the login request and transmits file selection screen data to the base server 100. The screen data is data for the user to select a file to be displayed on the electronic blackboard 12. The meeting body selection screen data shown in FIG. 14 and the file list screen data shown in FIG. 18 correspond to this.

  Next, a communication procedure for selecting a conference body and performing a remote conference will be described with reference to FIG. Note that the conference body indicates a conference using the remote conference system 1 that is performed by connecting a plurality of base systems 10 and 20, and each conference body has a conference body ID for identifying the conference body shown in FIG. Assigned and managed by the workspace manager 31. That is, a user ID for identifying a conference participant, a shared file, a session, a file, a reference (URL), an access history, and the like are managed by the workspace. Note that the procedure for logging in to the shared workspace server 30 by the users of the base system 10 and the base system 20 is omitted.

    If the authentication is successful, the base server 100 transmits the certificate data to the shared workspace server 30 and logs in. The shared workspace server 30 that has received access with a certificate from the base server 100 transmits the conference theme selection screen data 80 shown in FIG. 14 to the base server 100 to display a list of shared workspaces (conference bodies). . As shown in FIG. 14, the conference theme selection screen 80 displays a plurality of conferences held or held in the remote conference system 1 classified by theme. The conference participant selects a conference that matches his / her theme from the conference theme selection screen 80 shown in FIG.

  If there is no meeting body that matches the own meeting theme, the new registration button 83 shown in FIG. 14 is pressed to newly set the meeting body. When the new registration button 83 is pressed, a new meeting body generation request is transmitted to the shared workspace server 30. The shared workspace server 30 requests the base server 100 to input information such as a conference theme and conference participants. The base server 100 transmits the information input by the user to the shared workspace server 30 and registers the conference body.

  Next, the user of the base system 20 logs in to the shared workspace server 30 and performs settings for performing a remote conference with the base system 10. The shared workspace server 30 that has received access with a certificate from the base server 200 transmits the conference theme selection screen data 80 shown in FIG. 14 to the base server 200 to display a list of shared workspaces (conference bodies). . The conference participant selects a conference body that matches the conference theme of the conference from the conference theme selection screen 80 shown in FIG.

  When the enter button 82 is pressed, the shared workspace server 30 causes the site server 200 to display the theme-based site system screen 85 shown in FIG. As shown in FIG. 15, the theme-based site system screen 85 displays the location information of the site system in which the conference is held and the images (face images) of the conference participants at each site in association with each other. The image of the conference participant may be recorded in advance on the IC card 2, for example, and may be read and registered in the shared workspace server 30 when logging in to the shared workspace server 30. In addition, the theme-based site system screen 85 shown in FIG. 15 is displayed in different colors so that the site system where the remote conference is performed can be understood. For example, as shown in FIG. 15, the display colors of Akasaka and Ebina that are performing a teleconference are displayed in the same color, and Roppongi that is performing the conference alone is displayed in a color different from Akasaka and Ebina.

  In addition, on the theme-specific site system screen 85, a plurality of site systems that are performing remote conferences with related themes can be displayed for each remotely connected group. By displaying according to the group that is performing the remote conference, the group that is performing the remote conference on the related theme becomes clear.

  Further, when the prospective participant list button 86 shown in FIG. 15 on the theme-based site system screen 85 is pressed, a screen 88 showing a list of prospective participants of the conference shown in FIG. A user who has logged in to the shared workspace server 30 and has already participated in the conference will see his / her image (face image) as shown in FIG. Is done.

  The participant selects a conference body to join from the theme-based site system screen 85 shown in FIG. 15 and presses the connection button 87. As a result, ID information for identifying the meeting object is transmitted to the shared workspace server 30. The shared workspace server 30 that has received the conference body ID information notifies the base server 100 of the address information of the base system that is holding the conference. The base server 200 accesses the base system that is carrying out the conference using the address transferred from the shared workspace server 30, and the base server 100 and the base server 200 are connected by a line. As a result, an image photographed by the camera is displayed on the display device of the partner base system 20, or voice data collected by the microphone is output from the partner speaker. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1, one site server manages one site system, so that the addresses indicate the addresses of the site servers 100 and 200. In addition, when managing a conference apparatus placed in a plurality of conference rooms with one base server, the address is an address for connecting to the conference apparatus placed in each conference room.

  In this way, the base system by theme 85 that displays the bases that are performing conferences or remote conferences with related themes is displayed on the base system that requested the connection. You can easily find them and easily connect to these base systems to attend meetings.

  Next, a procedure for switching a file to be displayed on the electronic blackboard to another user's file will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the base server 100 and the base server 200 have already logged in to the shared workspace server 30 by the procedure described above. Further, the user who provides the conference material accesses the shared workspace server 30 and registers the file used in the conference in the personal file database 32 shown in FIG.

  A user who makes a presentation using the conference material causes the card reader 13 to read the user information of the IC card 2 in order to display the created file on the electronic blackboard 12. Since the base server 100 is already authenticated user information, the shared workspace server 30 sends the certificate data, the user ID of the corresponding individual, and the conference body ID for identifying the conference body to the shared workspace server 30. Send to.

  The shared workspace server 30 searches the personal file database 32 and the shared file database 33 from the transmitted user ID and conference body ID, and finds the personal file of the individual and the shared file of the conference body. To detect. When the file is detected, the shared workspace server 30 transmits data on the file list screen shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 18, the file list screen is a screen in which a list of files prepared for a conference by individual users and a list of files shared by conference participants are displayed as tags. Meeting materials are displayed on the electronic blackboard 12 by selecting a file from the file list displayed on the list screen. The screen displayed on the electronic blackboard 12 is also displayed on the electronic blackboard 22 of another base system that has entered the same conference.

  Since the base server 100 and the base server 200 are set in the same conference body (work space), the conference material selected by the user in the base system 100 is also displayed on the electronic blackboard 22 of the base system 20. Therefore, the user in the base system 10 can explain the conference material to the user in the base system 20.

  When the memo is written on the electronic blackboard 12, the base server 100 transmits the memo data from the electronic blackboard 12 to the shared workspace server 30. The memo data consists of information on the coordinate values that have been written. The shared workspace server 30 transmits the memo data to all the base servers used for the same conference. Here, the memo data is transmitted to the base server 200. The base server 200 displays the memo data transmitted from the shared workspace server 30 on the electronic blackboard 22 so as to overlap the document data. In this embodiment, the written memo data is transmitted to other base servers via the shared workspace server 30, but the base servers are directly connected to each other and the memo data is transmitted and received between the base servers. May be performed.

  Here, the details of the screen data for file selection transmitted from the shared workspace server 30 will be described. The file list screen 50 shown in FIG. 18 displays a tag list of a file list screen 51 prepared for a conference by individual users and a file list screen 52 shared by the conference participants. On this screen, a user switching button 54, a remote button 55, a conference end button 56, and a wall control button 53 are displayed.

  The user switching button 54 is a button for switching the user of the electronic blackboard, and is used when the file displayed on the electronic blackboard 12 or 22 is switched to a file created by another user. For example, by pressing the user switching button 54, a list of conference participants is displayed. Of course, when the conference is performed remotely, the names of participants in other base systems are also displayed. A conference participant who displays the created conference material on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 and explains or proposes selects his / her name. As a result, its own file list screen is displayed on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22. Of course, the same screen is also displayed on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 of the remote base system where the same conference is held.

  The remote button 55 is a button used when a remote conference is performed by connecting to a remote base system. This button operation connects or disconnects the rotation from other base systems.

  When the wall control button 53 is selected, a wall control screen 60 shown in FIG. 19 is displayed. On the wall control screen 60, it is possible to refer to the preview screen 61 that simply displays the page of each file. Since this preview screen 61 shows a simple display of page contents, it is possible to easily find a page to be displayed on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22. On the wall control screen 60, buttons 62 for selecting the data displayed on the preview screen, the first 62, the last 63, the previous page 64, the next page 65, the screen save 66, the screen print 67, the file print 68, and the participants are displayed. Operation buttons such as a list 69 and a deletion 70 are provided.

  The conference end button 56 is a button that is pressed when the conference is ended. By pressing this button, a history data selection screen 90 shown in FIG. 20 is displayed. The history data is data in which memos written on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 during the meeting are stored, and the memo data is overwritten and stored in the conference material. When a file to be shared is selected on the history data selection screen 90, the file is stored in the shared file database 33 of the shared workspace server 30 shown in FIG. Once selected as a shared file, any meeting participant can access and view this file.

  Next, a second embodiment will be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. This embodiment is an embodiment of a history data storage program. FIG. 21 shows the configuration of the shared workspace server 30 and the base servers 100 and 200 as processing devices. As shown in FIG. 21, these processing devices include a CPU 41, a ROM 42 that records a history data storage program, a RAM 43 that operates as a work area of the CPU, an operation unit 44, and an I / O as a connection means with an external device. The F unit 45 is connected via a bus. The CPUs 41 of the base servers 100 and 200 operate according to a program read from the ROM 42. A graphical user interface (GUI) screen created by the shared workspace server 30 by the operation according to this program is displayed on the display device of the base system, and input from the user of the base system is displayed on the shared workspace server 30. An operation of transmitting the conference material from the shared workspace server 30 and displaying it on the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 is performed.

  The CPU 41 of the shared workspace server 30 also operates according to the program read from the ROM 42. The operation according to the program of the CPU 41 generates a theme-based site system screen 85 that displays the site system that has a meeting with the related theme, and transmits it to the site servers 100 and 200, and the setting operation of the shared workspace. Or transmitting conference materials to the base servers 100 and 200, and storing history data transmitted from the base servers 100 and 200. In this way, the present embodiment can obtain the same effects as the above-described embodiments.

  The embodiment described above is a preferred embodiment of the present invention. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and various modifications can be made without departing from the scope of the present invention. For example, in the above description, an embodiment has been described in which one site server (electronic blackboard, video / audio server, card reader) is managed by one site server. The present invention is not limited to such a form, and each device provided in each of a plurality of conference rooms may be managed by one base server.

1 is a diagram schematically illustrating a configuration of a remote conference system 1. FIG. It is the figure which showed typically the function structure of the base server 100 for managing the meeting (video conference etc.) in the base system 10. FIG. 3 is a diagram schematically showing a functional configuration of a shared workspace server 30. FIG. (A) is a figure which shows the data management table of the personal file database 33, (B) is a figure which shows the data management table of the shared file database 33. It is the figure which showed typically a mode that the some shared workspace was couple | bonded by the hyperlink. It is the figure which showed the example of a screen display which prompts the login using an IC card. It is the figure which showed a mode that the list | wrist of the shared workspace with which a user relates is displayed on the display apparatus of the base system 10 by connecting an IC card to the base server 100 of the base system 10. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing a state in which a reference list of files included in a project X is displayed on the electronic blackboard 12. FIG. It is the figure which showed a mode that the list of the shared workspace with which this user is related is displayed on the display apparatus of the base system 20, when another user connects an IC card to the base server 200 of the base system 20. It is the figure which showed a mode that the video and audio | voice data received from the video server of the other base in the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 to each base are output. It is the figure which showed a mode that the information of the screen display received from the shared workspace server 30 was displayed and output in the electronic blackboards 12 and 22 of each base. It is a figure which shows the procedure which authenticates with the authentication data of an IC card. It is a figure which shows the procedure which selects the location which is carrying out the meeting on a common theme and participates in the meeting. It is a figure which shows the meeting theme selection screen. It is a figure which shows the base system screen 85 classified by theme. It is a figure which shows the screen 88 which shows the list of prospective participants. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a procedure for acquiring desired data from a shared workspace server 30. 5 is a diagram showing an example of a file list selection screen 50. FIG. 5 is a diagram illustrating an example of a wall control screen 60. FIG. It is a figure which shows an example of the log | history data selection screen. It is a figure which shows the structure of the shared workspace server 30, the base server 100, and the base server 200 as a processing apparatus.

Explanation of symbols

1 Bi-conference system 2 IC card 10, 20 Base system 11, 21 Video / audio server 12, 22 Electronic blackboard 13, 23 Card reader 31 Workspace manager 32 Personal file database 33 Shared file database 50 File list selection screen 60 Wall Control screen 80 Conference theme selection screen 85 Thematic base system screen 90 History data selection screen 100, 200 Base server 101 Base server control unit 102 Subsystem management unit 103 Authentication unit 104 History management unit 105 History display unit 106 Communication control unit

Claims (24)

Multiple base systems with conference equipment,
A network connection between the base systems, and a shared workspace server that generates a workspace for managing tasks for realizing cooperation between the base systems,
The shared workspace server creates a graphical user interface screen displaying a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference by connecting between base systems with related themes, and displays the graphical user interface screen on the requested base system. Remote conference system characterized by   The shared workspace server includes the graphical user interface that displays the location information of the base system that is holding the conference or the remote conference on the related theme and the face images of the conference participants in association with each other. The remote conference system according to claim 1, wherein a screen is created.   3. The remote according to claim 1, wherein the shared workspace server creates the graphical user interface screen displaying a plurality of the base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color. 4. Conference system.   The shared workspace server creates the graphical user interface screen displaying a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme for each remotely connected group. The remote conference system according to any one of 1 to 3.   5. The remote according to claim 1, wherein the shared workspace server causes the base system to display a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of prospective participants of the conference or the remote conference. Conference system. It has a user database that records authentication data for authenticating individuals,
The base server reads the card information of the IC card by a card reading device as the conference device, extracts authentication data from the card information, transmits it to the user database, performs authentication, and when the authentication ends normally, the card 6. The remote conference system according to claim 1, wherein user information including a face image of a cardholder is extracted from the information and transmitted to the shared workspace server to register a conference participant. .   The shared workspace server is for connecting between the conference system and a graphical user interface for acquiring conference resources including the conference material used for a conference and the history data generated as a conference record. The remote conference system according to claim 1, wherein a graphical user interface is provided to the base system. A shared workspace server that connects a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network and manages tasks for realizing cooperation between the base systems,
A shared workspace characterized by creating a graphical user interface screen that displays a base system that is performing a conference or a remote conference by connecting between base systems with a related theme and displaying it on the base system that requested it server.   The graphical user interface screen is a screen in which the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is being performed on the related theme and the face images of the conference participants are displayed in association with each other. The shared workspace server according to claim 8.   The shared workspace server according to claim 8 or 9, wherein the graphical user interface screen is a screen displaying a plurality of the base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.   11. The screen according to claim 8, wherein the graphical user interface screen is a screen displaying a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme according to a group that is remotely connected. A shared workspace server described in Crab.   The shared workspace server according to any one of claims 8 to 11, wherein a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of prospective participants of the conference or the remote conference is displayed on the base system. A remote conference method for performing a remote conference by connecting a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network,
Selecting a conference theme in the site system that requested the connection;
Creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a base system performing a conference or a remote conference connecting between base systems with a theme related to the selected theme;
And a step of displaying the created graphical user interface screen on the base system.   The graphical user interface screen is a screen in which the location information of the base system where the conference or the remote conference is being performed on the related theme and the face images of the conference participants are displayed in association with each other. The remote conference method according to claim 13.   15. The remote conference method according to claim 13 or 14, wherein the graphical user interface screen is a screen displaying a plurality of the base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.   16. The screen according to claim 13, wherein the graphical user interface screen is a screen that displays a plurality of the base systems that are performing the remote conference on the related theme according to a group that is remotely connected. The remote conference method according to the above. Creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of prospective participants for the conference or the remote conference;
The remote conference method according to claim 13, further comprising a step of transferring and displaying the created graphical user interface screen to the base system. An authentication step of performing authentication by reading authentication data recorded on the IC card;
18. A participant registration step of registering a conference participant by extracting user identification information for identifying a participant from the IC card when authentication is completed normally. Remote conference method. A teleconferencing program that connects a plurality of base systems in which conference devices are arranged to a network to perform a remote conference,
A process of creating a graphical user interface screen displaying a base system performing a conference or a remote conference connecting between base systems with a theme related to the conference theme selected in the base system that requested the connection;
A remote conference program that executes a process of displaying the created graphical user interface screen on the base system.   The graphical user interface screen is a screen that displays the location information of the base system that is performing the conference or the remote conference on the related theme and the face images of the conference participants in association with each other. 20. The remote conference program according to claim 19, wherein:   21. The remote conference program according to claim 19 or 20, wherein the graphical user interface screen is a screen that displays a plurality of base systems performing the remote conference on the related theme by color.   The said graphical user interface screen is the screen which displayed the said some base system which is performing the said remote conference by the said related theme according to the group which is connected remotely, Any one of Claim 19 to 21 characterized by the above-mentioned. The remote conference program described in Crab. Processing to create a graphical user interface screen displaying a list of prospective participants of the conference or the remote conference;
The remote conference program according to any one of claims 19 to 22, further comprising executing a process of transferring and displaying the created graphical user interface screen to the base system. An authentication process for performing authentication by reading authentication data recorded on the IC card;
24. Participant registration processing for extracting user identification information for identifying a participant from the IC card and registering a conference participant upon successful completion of authentication is further executed. The remote conference program described.

Images