JP6520990B2 - Management system, transmission system, transmission management method, and program - Google Patents

Description

  The present invention relates to a management system, a transmission system, a transmission management method, and a program.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, in response to a request for reducing business trip expenses and business trip time, a video conference system for conducting a video conference via a communication network such as the Internet has become widespread. In such a video conference system, when a call is started between a plurality of terminals, transmission and reception of call data such as image data and audio data can be performed to realize a video conference.

  In addition, with the enhancement of the broadband environment in recent years, it has become possible to transmit and receive high-quality image data and high-quality sound data among a plurality of call terminals. As a result, it becomes easier to grasp the situation of the other party of the video conference, and it becomes possible to improve the fullness of communication through conversation.

  There is also known a video conference system that has a function of creating a virtual conference room that distinguishes communication on the network for each conference, and a user selects the conference room and starts communication between terminals. Patent Document 1 discloses an invention of a conference system which suppresses consumption of resources of a conference system by control according to the number of terminals participating in a conference when communicating by a virtual conference room.

  However, in a transmission system such as a conventional video conference system that provides a virtual conference room on a network, if information such as the conference name is not known, it participates in communication performed using the virtual conference room. I could not.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above, and enables management using a virtual conference room to communicate with a destination terminal even if information for identifying a conference such as a conference name is not accurately known. System, transmission system, transmission management method, and program

In order to solve the problems described above and achieve the object, the present invention is a management system that manages communication of a plurality of terminals that transmit and receive content data, and one or more of the terminals specified in advance can participate. A conference management unit that associates and manages conference identification information for identifying a conference and terminal identification information for identifying the one or more specified terminals; terminal identification information of a first terminal; A destination terminal information management unit that associates and manages terminal identification information of one or more second terminals that are candidates for communication destinations of one terminal, and the first terminal managed by the destination terminal information management unit the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminal associated with the terminal identification information, meeting identification that is associated with one of the one or more terminal identification information of the second terminal in the conference management unit and information And a transmission unit for transmitting to the serial first terminal. Among the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals displayed on the display screen from the first terminal, a first communication addressed to the terminal identification information of the second terminal selected on the display screen Connection control for establishing communication for transmitting the content data to which a plurality of terminals including the terminal identified by the terminal identification information of the selected second terminal can participate when the start request of And the second communication start request associated with the conference selected on the display screen, the conference being identified by the conference identification information transmitted by the transmission unit, And performing connection control for establishing communication for transmitting the content data to which one or more pre-designated terminals associated with the held conference can participate .

  According to the present invention, it is possible to communicate with the destination terminal using a virtual conference room, even if the information for identifying the conference, such as the conference name, is not accurately known.

FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 2 is an external view of a terminal according to the present embodiment. FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of a terminal according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a management system, a relay apparatus, a program providing system, or a maintenance system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of each terminal, apparatus, and system that constitute a transmission system according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 6 is a functional block diagram showing the state management unit 53 of FIG. 5 in detail. FIG. 7 is a functional block diagram showing the relaying apparatus selection unit 56 of FIG. 5 in detail. FIG. 8 is a conceptual diagram showing a relay device management table. FIG. 9 is a conceptual diagram showing a terminal authentication management table. FIG. 10 is a conceptual diagram showing a terminal management table. FIG. 11 is a conceptual diagram showing a destination list management table. FIG. 12 is a conceptual diagram showing a session management table. FIG. 13 is a conceptual diagram showing a relay apparatus selection management table. FIG. 14 is a conceptual diagram showing an entry management table. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram showing a conference room management table. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a process of managing state information indicating the operating state of each relay device. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing the state of transmission and reception of image data, audio data, and various management information in the transmission system. FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an image including destination terminal state list information. FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a process of displaying an image including destination terminal state list information on a terminal. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting the start of communication. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a process of permitting a request for starting communication. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing a process of rejecting a request to start communication. FIG. 23 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting relay of call data. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting participation in a call data session. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting to leave the call data session. FIG. 26 is a view showing a function list image showing a function list of the terminal. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing a conference room list image showing a conference room list. FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a newly created meeting room image displayed when a meeting room is newly created. FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram showing processing of displaying a meeting room list and creating a new meeting room. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a conference room detailed image showing detailed information on the conference room. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a conference room edit image displayed when the conference room information is edited. FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram showing processing of displaying a meeting room list and editing the meeting room. FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram showing a process when entering a conference room from the conference room list. FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a process according to the result of the room entry determination. FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram showing processing when communication is started by selecting an on-line (during a call) destination terminal from the destination list. FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting an on-line (callable) destination terminal from the destination list and entering the conference room.

<< Whole Configuration of Embodiment >>
Hereinafter, one embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. FIG. 1 is a schematic view of a transmission system 1 according to an embodiment of the present invention. First, the outline of the embodiment will be described with reference to FIG.

  In the transmission system, a data providing system that transmits content data in one direction from one terminal to the other through the management system, and information, emotions, etc., are mutually transmitted among a plurality of terminals through the management system. Communication system is included. This communication system is a system for mutually transmitting information, emotions, etc. between a plurality of communication terminals (equivalent to "terminals") via a communication management system (equivalent to "management systems"), and a video conference system And a video telephone system, a voice conference system, a voice telephone system, a PC (Personal Computer) screen sharing system, and the like.

  In this embodiment, assuming a video conference system as an example of a communication system, a video conference management system as an example of a communication management system, and a video conference terminal as an example of a communication terminal, a transmission system, a management system, and The terminal will be described. That is, the terminal and management system of the present invention are applied not only to the video conference system but also to the communication system or the transmission system.

  The transmission system 1 illustrated in FIG. 1 includes a plurality of terminals (10aa, 10ab, ...), displays (120aa, 120ab, ...) for each terminal (10aa, 10ab, ...), and a plurality of relay devices (30a, 30b, 30c). , 30d, and 30e), and a management system 50, a program providing system 90, and a maintenance system 100.

  In addition, in this embodiment, when showing arbitrary terminals among terminals (10aa, 10ab, ...), it only calls "the terminal 10." In the case of showing any display among the displays (120aa, 120ab,...), It is simply referred to as “display 120”. When any relay device is shown among the relay devices (30a, 30b, 30c, 30d, 30e), it is simply referred to as "the relay device 30".

  The terminal 10 transmits and receives image data and audio data as an example of content data. That is, the call according to the present embodiment includes not only transmission and reception of audio data but also transmission and reception of image data. That is, the terminal 10 in the present embodiment transmits and receives image data and audio data. However, the terminal 10 may transmit and receive audio data without transmitting and receiving image data.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the image of the image data is a moving image will be described, but it may be a still image as well as the moving image. Further, the image of the image data may include both a moving image and a still image.

  The relay device 30 relays image data and audio data between the plurality of terminals 10. The management system 50 manages communication of a plurality of terminals 10 that transmit and receive content data. Information related to the communication of the terminal 10 includes information related to the terminal 10, information related to the relay device 30 relaying communication between the terminal 10 and the terminal 10, and setting of communication using the terminal 10 and the relay device 30. It is the information concerned. More specifically, the management system 50 stores the operating state of the relay device 30, information for each relay device 30, such as an IP address, and information for determining the relay device 30 used by the terminal 10, and the like. . Also, the management system 50 includes authentication information (terminal ID and password) for the terminal 10 to log in to the transmission system 1, information of the terminal serving as a communication destination registered for each terminal 10, and the terminal 10 and relay device. 30 stores information related to communication (session) using 30. Further, the management system 50 stores information related to the setting of communication in which one or more designated terminals 10 can participate. Details of the information stored in the management system 50 will be described later.

  Also, the plurality of routers (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70ab, 70cd) shown in FIG. 1 perform selection of optimal paths of image data and audio data. In the present embodiment, “router 70” is used to indicate an arbitrary router among the routers (70a, 70b, 70c, 70d, 70ab, 70cd).

  The program providing system 90 includes an HD (Hard Disk) (not shown) which stores a terminal program for realizing various functions or various means in the terminal 10, and transmits the terminal program to the terminal 10. be able to. The HD for the program providing system 90 also stores a relay device program for causing the relay device 30 to realize various functions or various means, and the relay device program can be transmitted to the relay device 30. . Furthermore, a transmission management program for causing the management system 50 to realize various functions or various means is also stored in the HD of the program providing system 90, and the transmission management program can be transmitted to the management system 50. .

  The maintenance system 100 is a computer for performing maintenance, management, or maintenance of at least one of the terminal 10, the relay device 30, the management system 50, and the program providing system 90. For example, when the maintenance system 100 is installed in the country, and the terminal 10, the relay device 30, the management system 50, or the program providing system 90 is installed outside the country, the maintenance system 100 can remotely communicate via the communication network 2. And maintenance such as maintenance, management, and maintenance of at least one of the terminal 10, the relay device 30, the management system 50, and the program providing system 90. Further, the maintenance system 100 does not go through the communication network 2, but at least one of the terminal 10, the relay device 30, the management system 50, and the program providing system 90, a model number, a serial number, a sales destination, maintenance inspection, Or perform maintenance such as management of failure history.

  Further, the terminals (10aa, 10ab, 10ac, 10a,...), The relay device 30a, and the router 70a are communicably connected by the LAN 2a. The terminals (10ba, 10bb, 10bc, 10b,...), The relay device 30b, and the router 70b are communicably connected by the LAN 2b. The LAN 2a and the LAN 2b are communicably connected by a dedicated line 2ab including a router 70ab, and are constructed in a predetermined area A. For example, the region A is Japan, the LAN 2a is built in an office in Tokyo, and the LAN 2b is built in an office in Osaka.

  On the other hand, the terminals (10ca, 10cb, 10cc, 10c,...), The relay device 30c, and the router 70c are communicably connected by the LAN 2c. The terminals (10da, 10db, 10dc, 10d...), The relay device 30d, and the router 70d are communicably connected by a LAN 2d. The LAN 2 c and the LAN 2 d are communicably connected by a dedicated line 2 cd including a router 70 cd and are constructed in a predetermined area B. For example, Region B is the United States, LAN2c is built in a New York office, and LAN2d is Washington D.W. C. It is built in the office of The area A and the area B are communicably connected from the routers (70ab and 70cd) via the Internet 2i.

  The management system 50 and the program providing system 90 are communicably connected to the terminal 10 and the relay device 30 via the Internet 2i. The management system 50 and the program providing system 90 may be installed in the area A or the area B, or may be installed in areas other than these.

  The relay device 30 e is communicably connected to all the terminals 10 of the transmission system 1 via the communication network 2. The relay device 30e is always in operation, and is installed in areas other than the area A or the area B in order to reduce the influence of the traffic in the local area. Thereby, when the terminal 10 makes a call with a terminal installed in another local area, the relay device 30e is used as a relay device for relaying call data. Also, when making a call between terminals in the same local area, the relaying apparatus 30e is used as an emergency relaying apparatus even when the relaying apparatus installed in the local area is not operating.

  In the present embodiment, the communication network 2 of the present embodiment is constructed by the LAN 2a, the LAN 2b, the dedicated line 2ab, the Internet 2i, the dedicated line 2cd, the LAN 2c, and the LAN 2d. The communication network 2 may have a place where not only wired communication but also wireless communication is performed.

  Also, in FIG. 1, four sets of numbers shown under each terminal 10, each relay device 30, management system 50, each router 70, program providing system 90, and maintenance system 100 correspond to those in general IPv4. The IP address is simply shown. For example, the IP address of the terminal 10aa is "1.2.1.3". Also, although IPv6 may be used instead of IPv4, in order to simplify the description, IPv4 will be used.

<< Hardware Configuration of Embodiment >>
Next, the hardware configuration of the present embodiment will be described.

  FIG. 2 is an external view of the terminal 10 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the longitudinal direction of the terminal 10 will be described as an X axis direction, a direction perpendicular to the X axis direction in a horizontal plane as a Y axis direction, and a direction (vertical direction) orthogonal to the X axis direction and the Y axis direction as a Z axis direction.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the terminal 10 includes a housing 1100, an arm 1200, and a camera housing 1300. Among them, the front wall surface 1110 of the housing 1100 is provided with a suction surface (not shown) formed by a plurality of suction holes, and the rear wall surface 1120 of the housing 1100 is formed with a plurality of exhaust holes. An exhaust surface 1121 is provided. As a result, by driving the cooling fan incorporated in the housing 1100, the outside air at the rear of the terminal 10 can be taken in via the air intake surface (not shown) and exhausted to the rear of the terminal 10 via the exhaust surface 1121. A sound collection hole 1131 is formed on the right side wall surface 1130 of the housing 1100, and a sound such as voice, object sound, and noise can be collected by a built-in microphone 114 described later.

  An operation panel 1150 is formed on the right wall surface 1130 side of the housing 1100. The operation panel 1150 is provided with a plurality of operation buttons (108a to 108e) which will be described later, a power switch 109 which will be described later, and an alarm lamp 119 which will be described later. A sound output surface 1151 formed by a plurality of sound output holes for passing therethrough is formed. Further, on the side of the left side wall surface 1140 of the housing 1100, a housing portion 1160 as a concave portion for housing the arm 1200 and the camera housing 1300 is formed. The right wall surface 1130 of the housing 1100 is provided with a plurality of connection ports (1132 a to 1132 c) for electrically connecting a cable to an external device connection I / F 118 described later. On the other hand, the left wall surface 1140 of the housing 1100 is provided with a connection port (not shown) for electrically connecting a cable 120 c for the display 120 to an external device connection I / F 118 described later.

  In the following, the "operation button 108" is used to indicate any of the operation buttons (108a to 108e), and "if any connection port of the connection ports (1132a to 1132c) is indicated. Description will be made using the connection port 1132 ".

  Next, the arm 1200 is attached to the housing 1100 via the torque hinge 1210, and the arm 1200 is configured to be vertically rotatable with respect to the housing 1100 within the range of the tilt angle θ1 of 135 degrees. ing. FIG. 2 shows a state in which the tilt angle θ1 is 90 degrees.

  The camera housing 1300 is provided with a built-in camera 1021 described later, and can image a user, a document, a room, and the like. Further, a torque hinge 1310 is formed in the camera housing 1300. The camera housing 1300 is attached to the arm 1200 via a torque hinge 1310. The camera housing 1300 is attached to the arm 1200 via the torque hinge 1310, and the camera housing 1300 is at a pan angle θ2 of ± 180 degrees with the state shown in FIG. In the range of ± 45 degrees, and in the range of the tilt angle θ3, it is configured to be rotatable in the vertical and horizontal directions.

  Since the relay device 30, the management system 50, the program providing system 90, and the maintenance system 100 are the same as the appearance of a general server computer, the description of the appearance will be omitted.

  FIG. 3 is a hardware configuration diagram of the terminal 10 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 3, the terminal 10 according to the present embodiment includes a central processing unit (CPU) 101 that controls the overall operation of the terminal 10, a read only memory (ROM) 102 that stores a program for the terminal, and a CPU 101. RAM (Random Access Memory) 103 used as a work area, flash memory 104 for storing various data such as image data and audio data, and SSD for controlling reading or writing of various data to flash memory 104 under the control of CPU 101 Solid State Drive) 105, a media drive 107 for controlling reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 106 such as a flash memory, a destination of the terminal 10 , The power switch 109 for switching the power on / off of the terminal 10, and a network I / F (Interface) 111 for data transmission using the communication network 2. Is equipped.

  The terminal 10 also has a built-in camera 112 that captures an object and obtains an image according to control of the CPU 101, an imaging device I / F 113 that controls driving of the camera 112, a built-in speaker 115 that outputs sound, and the CPU 101. An audio input / output I / F 116 for processing input and output of audio signals between the microphone 114 and the speaker 115 according to control, a display I / F 117 for transmitting image data to the external display 120 according to control of the CPU 101, shown in FIG. An external device connection I / F 118 attached to the connection ports 1132a to 113c which are connected to connect various external devices, an alarm lamp 119 notifying abnormality of various functions of the terminal 10, and the above respective components are shown in FIG. Bus lines such as address bus and data bus to connect electrically as It is equipped with a 10.

  The display 120 is a display unit configured of a liquid crystal or an organic EL that displays an image of a subject, an operation icon, and the like. The display 120 is also connected to the display I / F 117 by a cable 120c. The cable 120c may be a cable for analog RGB (VGA) signals or a cable for component video, or may be a high-definition multimedia interface (HDMI (registered trademark)) or digital video (DVI) (Interactive) signal cable may be used.

  The camera 112 includes a lens and a solid-state imaging device that converts light into electric charge to digitize an image (image) of a subject, and as a solid-state imaging device, a complementary metal oxide semiconductor (CMOS) or a charge coupled device (CCD) Etc. are used.

  An external device such as an external camera, an external microphone, and an external speaker can be connected to the external device connection I / F 118 by a USB (Universal Serial Bus) cable or the like. When an external camera is connected, the external camera is driven prior to the built-in camera 112 according to the control of the CPU 101. Similarly, when an external microphone is connected or an external speaker is connected, the external microphone or the external speaker 115 is given priority over the built-in microphone 114 or the built-in speaker 115 according to the control of the CPU 101. External speakers drive.

  The recording medium 106 is configured to be removable from the terminal 10. Further, as long as the nonvolatile memory performs reading or writing of data according to the control of the CPU 101, not only the flash memory 104 but also EEPROM (Electrically Erasable and Programmable ROM) or the like may be used.

  Furthermore, the terminal program may be recorded and distributed in a computer readable recording medium such as the recording medium 106 in the form of an installable or executable file.

  FIG. 4 is a hardware configuration diagram of a management system according to an embodiment of the present invention. The management system 50 controls the entire operation of the management system 50, a ROM 202 storing a transmission management program, a RAM 203 used as a work area for the CPU 201, an HD (Hard Disk) 204 for storing various data, and control of the CPU 201. HDD (Hard Disk Drive) 205 that controls reading or writing of various data to the HD 204 according to the above, a media drive 207 that controls reading or writing (storage) of data to a recording medium 206 such as a flash memory, a cursor, a menu, a window, Display 208 for displaying various information such as characters or images, network I / F 209 for data transmission using communication network 2, characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc. A keyboard 211 having a plurality of keys for inputting, selection and execution of various instructions, a mouse 212 for selecting a processing target, movement of a cursor, and the like, and a CD-ROM (Compact Disc Read as an example of a removable recording medium CD-ROM drive 214 that controls reading or writing of data to or from Only Memory) 213, and a bus such as an address bus or data bus for electrically connecting the above-described components as shown in FIG. A line 210 is provided.

  The transmission management program may be a file in an installable format or an executable format, and may be distributed by being recorded in a computer readable storage medium such as the storage medium 206 or the CD-ROM 213. .

  Further, since the relay device 30 has the same hardware configuration as the management system 50, the description thereof will be omitted. However, the relay device program for controlling the relay device 30 is recorded in the ROM 202. Also in this case, the program for the relay device may be recorded and distributed in a computer readable recording medium such as the recording medium 206 and the CD-ROM 213 in the form of an installable or executable file. Good.

  Furthermore, since the program providing system 90 has the same hardware configuration as the management system 50, the description thereof will be omitted. However, a program providing program for controlling the program providing system 90 is recorded in the ROM 202. Also in this case, the program for program provision is a file of an installable format or an executable format, and may be recorded and distributed in a computer readable recording medium such as the recording medium 206 or the CD-ROM 213. Good.

  Further, since the maintenance system 100 has the same hardware configuration as the management system 50, the description thereof will be omitted. However, the ROM 202 stores a maintenance program for controlling the maintenance system 100. Also in this case, the maintenance program may be recorded and distributed in a computer readable recording medium such as the recording medium 206 or the CD-ROM 213 in the form of an installable or executable file. .

  In addition, as another example of the removable recording medium, it is configured to be provided by being recorded on a computer-readable recording medium such as a compact disc recordable (CD-R), a digital versatile disc (DVD), and a Blu-ray disc. You may

<< Functional Configuration of Embodiment >>
Next, the functional configuration of the present embodiment will be described. FIG. 5 is a functional block diagram of each terminal, device and system that constitute the transmission system 1 of the present embodiment. In FIG. 5, the terminal 10, the relay device 30, and the management system 50 are connected so as to be able to perform data communication via the communication network 2. Further, the program providing system 90 and the maintenance system 100 shown in FIG. 1 are omitted in FIG. 5 because they are not directly related to the video conference communication.

<Functional configuration of terminal>
The terminal 10 includes a transmission / reception unit 11, an operation input reception unit 12, a login request unit 13, an imaging unit 14, an audio input unit 15a, an audio output unit 15b, a display control unit 16, a storage and readout processing unit 17, and a destination list creation unit It has eighteen. These units are functions or means implemented by any of the components shown in FIG. 3 being operated by an instruction from the CPU 101 according to a program stored in the ROM 102. Further, the terminal 10 has a volatile storage unit 1100 constructed by the RAM 103 shown in FIG. 3 and a non-volatile storage unit 1000 constructed by the flash memory 104 shown in FIG. 3.

<Functional units of terminal>
Next, each part of the terminal will be described in detail.

  The transmission / reception unit 11 is realized by the network I / F 111 illustrated in FIG. 3, and transmits / receives various data to / from other terminals, devices, or systems via the communication network 2. The transmitting / receiving unit 11 starts reception of each state information indicating the state of each terminal as a destination candidate from the management system 50 before starting a call with a desired destination terminal. This state information is not only the operating state of each terminal 10 (the state of the on line or the off line), but also the detailed state such as whether it is in a call even if it is an on line or is waiting. Indicates Further, the state information is not only the operating state of each terminal 10, but the cable is disconnected from the terminal 10 at the terminal 10, outputs audio but does not output an image, or does not output audio ( MUTE, etc. show various states. Hereinafter, as an example, a case where the state information indicates the operating state will be described.

  An example of various data transmitted and received by the transmission / reception unit 11 to / from another terminal, device or system via the communication network 2 will be described. For example, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits start request information to the management system 50 when the user designates a destination terminal and starts communication from a destination terminal status list image (FIG. 18) described later. The start request information includes start request information by normal transmission and start request information by room entry transmission.

  The start request information (corresponding to the “first communication start request”) by the normal transmission is transmitted when the start of the communication (hereinafter referred to as the “first communication”) that any terminal 10 can participate in is requested. Information. The start request information by normal transmission includes a terminal ID for identifying the request source terminal, a terminal ID for identifying the destination terminal, and information "Invite" indicating that the start of a call by the first communication is requested. .

  A meeting is performed by communication (hereinafter referred to as “second communication”) in which one or more terminals 10 designated in advance can participate in start request information (corresponding to “start request for second communication”) by entering room transmission. It is information to be sent when requesting the start of. The start request information by entering a room includes a terminal ID for identifying the request source terminal, a terminal ID for identifying the destination terminal, and information “Invite + Room” indicating that the start of a call by the second communication is requested. . The conference conducted by the second communication is identified by the conference room ID. The second communication may be identified from the start request information by the room entry transmission by including the conference room ID instead of the terminal ID in the start request information by the room entry transmission. Thereby, the meeting management unit 58 described later of the management system 50 searches the terminal ID of the room entry management DB 5007 described later using the terminal ID of the destination terminal as a search key, and acquires the meeting room ID of the searched record. Can omit the process of specifying a conference room to be used for communication.

  After transmitting the start request information to the management system 50, the transmission / reception unit 11 receives from the management system 50 a session ID for identifying communication and relay device connection information. The relay device connection information is information required to connect to the relay device 30 used for communication (IP address of the relay device 30, port number, authentication information required for connection of the relay device 30, etc.).

  The transmission / reception unit 11 also receives start response information from the management system 50. The start response information is information indicating whether communication with the destination terminal is possible. The start response information includes the terminal ID of the destination terminal, information indicating permission (Accept) or rejection (Reject) of the start of the communication, and a session ID for identifying the communication. When the start response information received from the management system 50 indicates that communication with the destination terminal is possible, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits the session ID of the communication and the relay device connection information to the relay device 30.

  Further, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits an entry request to the management system 50 when the user selects a meeting room (meeting name) from a meeting room list image (see FIG. 27) to be described later and starts communication. The entry request includes the terminal ID of the request source terminal, information “Invite + Room” indicating that the start of the call by the second communication is requested, and the meeting room ID of the meeting room.

  The operation input reception unit 12 is realized by the operation button 108 and the power switch 109 shown in FIG. 3 and receives various inputs from the user. For example, when the user turns on the power switch 109 shown in FIG. 3, the operation input receiving unit 12 shown in FIG. 5 receives power on and turns on the power. In addition, when the operation input reception unit 12 receives an operation input for selecting a destination terminal from a destination terminal status list image (see FIG. 18) described later, start request information by entering a room or start request information by a normal transmission is received. Request that the transmitting and receiving unit 11 transmit to the management system 50. In addition, operation input reception unit 12 requests transmission / reception unit 11 to transmit an entry request to management system 50 when an operation input for selecting a meeting room from a meeting room list image (see FIG. 27) described later is received. Do.

  The login request unit 13 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3, and upon reception of the power ON, the transmission / reception unit 11 authenticates (logs in) to the management system 50 via the communication network 2. Login request information indicating that the request is made, and the current IP address of the terminal 10 as the request source are automatically transmitted. The login request information includes a terminal ID for identifying the terminal 10 which is the own terminal as a request source, and a password for logging in to the transmission system 1. Also, when the user turns off the power switch 109 from the ON state, the transmitting / receiving unit 11 transmits the status information to the effect that the power is turned off to the management system 50, and then the operation input accepting unit 12 completely turns off the power. Turn it off. Thus, the management system 50 can recognize that the terminal 10 has been switched from the power on to the power off.

  The imaging unit 14 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3 and the camera 112 and the imaging device I / F 113 shown in FIG. Output image data. The voice input unit 15a is realized by the voice input / output I / F 116 shown in FIG. 3, and after the user's voice is converted into a voice signal by the microphone 114, voice data relating to the voice signal is input. The audio output unit 15b is realized by an instruction from the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3 and the audio input / output I / F 116 shown in FIG. 3, and outputs an audio signal relating to audio data to the speaker 115. The voice is output from 115.

  The display control unit 16 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3 and performs control for displaying image data on the external display 120. For example, the display control unit 16 controls the display 120 to display a destination terminal state list image (see FIG. 18) described later and a meeting room list image (see FIG. 27) described later.

  Further, the storage / read processing unit 17 is executed by the instruction from the CPU 101 shown in FIG. 3 and the SSD 105 shown in FIG. 3 as an example, stores various data in the non-volatile storage unit 1000, A process of reading various data stored in the unit 1000 is performed. In the non-volatile storage unit 1000, a terminal ID (Identification) for identifying the terminal 10, a password, and the like are stored. Furthermore, the storage / readout processing unit 17 stores various data in the volatile storage unit 1100 and reads out various data stored in the volatile storage unit 1100. The volatile storage unit 1100 overwrites and stores image data and voice data received when making a call with the destination terminal. Among these, the image is displayed on the display 120 by the image data before being overwritten, and the sound is output from the speaker 115 by the audio data before being overwritten.

  The terminal ID of the present embodiment and a relay device ID described later are identification information for uniquely identifying the terminal 10 and the relay device 30, respectively. The identification information is language, characters, symbols, or various marks. The terminal ID and the relay device ID may be identification information in which at least two of the language, characters, symbols, and various marks are combined. The same applies to the session ID and the conference room ID.

(Functional configuration of relay device)
Next, the function or means of the relay device 30 will be described. The relay device 30 includes a transmission / reception unit 31, a state detection unit 32, and a storage / read processing unit 33. These units are functions or means implemented by any one of the components shown in FIG. 4 being operated by an instruction from the CPU 201 according to a program stored in the ROM 202. Further, the relay device 30 has a non-volatile storage unit 3000 which is constructed by the HD 204 shown in FIG. 4 and in which storage of various data and information is maintained even when the power of the relay device 30 is turned off.

<Each functional unit of relay device>
Next, each functional configuration of the relay device 30 will be described in detail. In the following, among the components shown in FIG. 4, the relationship with the main components for realizing each part of the relay device 30 will also be described in describing each part of the relay device 30.

  The transmission / reception unit 31 of the relay device 30 shown in FIG. 5 is realized by the network I / F 209 shown in FIG. 4 and, through the communication network 2, other terminals, devices, or systems and various data (or Send and receive information). For example, the transmitting / receiving unit 31 receives the session ID and the relay device connection information from the terminal 10.

  The state detection unit 32 is realized by an instruction from the CPU 201 shown in FIG. 4 and detects the operating state of the relay device 30 having the state detection unit 32. The operating state includes the state of "on line", "off line" or "during failure". The state detection unit 32 transmits the operation state to the management system 50 via the transmission / reception unit 31.

  The storage / read processing unit 33 stores various data in the non-volatile storage unit 3000 and reads out various data stored in the non-volatile storage unit 3000.

<Functional configuration of management system>
Next, the function or means of the management system 50 will be described. First, the information stored in the management system 50 will be described. The management system 50 is constructed by the HD 204 shown in FIG. 4 and includes a non-volatile storage unit 5000 which keeps storing various data and information even when the power of the management system 50 is turned off. Furthermore, the management system 50 has a volatile storage unit 5100 constructed by the RAM 203 shown in FIG.

(Relay device management table)
In the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a relay device management DB 5001 configured by the relay device management table as shown in FIG. 8 is constructed. In this relay device management table, for each relay device ID of each relay device 30, the operation state of each relay device 30 and the reception date and time when the state information indicating the operation state is received by the management system 50, IP address of the relay device 30 And the maximum data transmission rate (Mbps) in the relay apparatus 30 are managed in association with each other. For example, in the relay device management table shown in FIG. 8, the relay device 30a with the relay device ID "111a" has an operation status of "on line" and the date and time when the status information was received by the management system 50 is " At 13:00 on November 10, 2009, it is shown that the IP address of this relay device 30a is "1.2.1.2", and the maximum data transmission rate in this relay device 30a is 100 Mbps. ing.

(Terminal authentication management table)
Furthermore, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a terminal authentication management DB 5002 configured of a terminal authentication management table as shown in FIG. 9 is constructed. In the terminal authentication management table, a password for logging in to the transmission system 1 is managed in association with each terminal ID of all the terminals 10 managed by the management system 50. For example, in the terminal authentication management table shown in FIG. 9, it is shown that the terminal ID of the terminal 10aa is "01aa" and the password is "aaaa". The information of the terminal authentication management table is registered in advance by the user or the administrator of the management system 50.

(Terminal management table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a terminal management DB 5003 configured of a terminal management table as shown in FIG. 10 is constructed. In this terminal management table, for each terminal ID of each terminal 10, the terminal name when each terminal 10 is a destination, the operating state of each terminal 10, the date and time when the login request information was received by the management system 50, and the terminals Ten IP addresses are associated and managed. For example, in the terminal management table shown in FIG. 10, the terminal 10aa having the terminal ID "01aa" has the terminal name "Japan Tokyo office AA terminal" and the operation status is "on line (callable)". , The date when the login request information was received by the management system 50 is "13:40 on November 10, 2009", and the IP address of this terminal 10aa is "1.2.1.3". It is done.

(Destination list management table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a destination list management DB 5004 configured by a destination list management table as shown in FIG. 11 is constructed. In this destination list management table, destination terminal IDs are managed in association with each request source terminal ID. The request source terminal ID is information for identifying a request source terminal that requests start of a call. The destination terminal ID is information for identifying a destination terminal which is a candidate of a destination terminal of the communication of the request source terminal requesting the start of the call. The candidate of the destination terminal is updated by being added or deleted in response to a request for addition or deletion from the request source terminal to the management system 50. For example, in the destination list management table shown in FIG. 11, the candidate of the destination terminal which can request the start of the telephone call in the video conference from the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) whose terminal ID is "01aa" is the terminal Terminal 10ab with ID "01ab", terminal 10ba with terminal ID "01ba", terminal 10bb with terminal ID "01bb", terminal 10ca with terminal ID "01ca", and terminal 10db with terminal ID "01db" It is shown that there is.

(Session management table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a session management DB 5005 configured of a session management table as shown in FIG. 12 is constructed. In this session management table, the relay device ID of the relay device 30 used for relaying image data and voice data, the terminal ID of the request source terminal, and the terminal of the destination terminal for each session ID for identifying communication between the terminals. ID is associated and managed. For example, in the session management table shown in FIG. 12, the relay device 30e (relay device ID “111e”) selected in the session executed using the session ID “se1” has a terminal ID “01aa”. Image data and voice data are relayed between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) whose terminal ID is "01ab", and the destination terminal (terminal 10db) whose terminal ID is "01db" Is shown.

(Relaying device selection management table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a relay device selection management DB 5006 configured by the relay device selection management table as shown in FIG. 13 is constructed. In this quality management table, the relay device ID of the relay device 30 used for relaying image data and audio data is managed in association with each terminal ID of all the terminals 10 managed by the management system 50. .

(Entry control table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, an entry management DB 5007 configured of an entry management table as shown in FIG. 14 is constructed. The room entry management table includes, for each conference performed by the second communication in which one or more designated terminals 10 can participate, a conference room ID for identifying a conference, and a terminal ID of one or more designated terminals 10 Are associated and stored.

(Meeting room management table)
Further, in the non-volatile storage unit 5000, a conference room management DB 5008 configured of a conference room management table as shown in FIG. 15 is constructed. The conference room management table is identified by a conference room ID for identifying a conference, a conference name, and the conference room ID for each conference performed by the second communication in which one or more designated terminals 10 can participate. Is stored in association with the session ID of the second communication. The conference room ID is conference identification information for identifying a virtually created conference room or a conference to be held.

(Each function part of management system)
Next, each functional unit of the management system 50 will be described in detail. In the following, in describing each part of the management system 50, among the respective components shown in FIG. 4, the relationship with the main components for realizing each part of the management system 50 will also be described. The management system 50 includes a transmission / reception unit 51, a terminal authentication unit 52, a state management unit 53, a terminal extraction unit 54, a terminal state acquisition unit 55, a relay apparatus selection unit 56, a session management unit 57, a conference management unit 58, a determination unit 59, The memory / read processing unit 60 is provided. These units are functions or means implemented by any one of the components shown in FIG. 4 being operated by an instruction from the CPU 201 according to a program stored in the ROM 202.

  The transmission / reception unit 51 is executed by the network I / F 209 shown in FIG. 4 and transmits / receives various data to / from other terminals, devices or systems via the communication network 2.

  For example, when the user of the terminal 10 starts a communication by specifying a destination terminal from a destination terminal status list image (FIG. 18) described later, the transmission / reception unit 51 starts request information by entering a room or a start request by normal transmission. Information is received from the terminal 10.

  Further, after receiving the start request information from the terminal 10, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits a session ID for identifying communication and relay device connection information to the terminal 10.

  Further, after receiving the start request information from the terminal 10 of the request source of the communication, the transmission / reception unit 51 sends the start request information, the relay device connection information, and the IP address of the management system 50 to the terminal 10 of the destination of the communication. Send.

  Further, after receiving the start response information from the terminal 10 of the communication destination, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits the start response information to the terminal 10 of the request source of the communication.

  The terminal authentication unit 52 uses the terminal ID and password included in the login request information received via the transmission / reception unit 51 as search keys, and searches the terminal authentication management table (see FIG. 9) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000. The terminal authentication is performed by determining whether the same terminal ID and password are managed in the terminal authentication management table.

  In order to manage the operation status of the request source terminal that has made the login request, the state management unit 53 displays the terminal ID of the request source terminal, the terminal name of the request source terminal, and the request source terminal in the terminal management table (see FIG. 10). The operation state, the reception date and time when the management system 50 receives the login request information, and the IP address of the request source terminal are associated and stored and managed. Therefore, the state management unit 53 implements the state setting unit 53a and the state acquisition unit 53b illustrated in FIG. 6 according to an instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG.

  Among these, the state setting unit 53a sets (changes) the state information of the terminal 10 in the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) when the information indicating that the state of the terminal 10 is changed is received from the terminal 10. Do. For example, when the user of the terminal 10 turns on the power switch 109 of the terminal 10 from the off state, the terminal 10 transmits, to the management system 50, status information to the effect that the power is turned on. When the state setting unit 53a receives the state information via the transmission / reception unit 51, the operation state of the terminal 10 in the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) is changed from "off line" to "on line (callable)" Change to In addition, when the user turns off the power switch 109 of the terminal 10 from the ON state, the terminal 10 transmits, to the management system 50, status information to the effect that the power is turned off. When the state setting unit 53a receives the state information via the transmission / reception unit 51, the operation state of the terminal 10 in the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) is changed from "on line (callable)" to "off line". Change to

  The state acquisition unit 53b receives at least one of the state information of the request source terminal and the destination terminal as the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) when receiving destination list request information and the like requiring state information of the destination terminal from the request source terminal. Get from

  The terminal extraction unit 54 searches the request source terminal ID of the destination list management table (see FIG. 11) using the terminal ID of the request source terminal that has made the login request as a search key, and extracts the destination terminal ID of the retrieved record. The terminal extraction unit 54 extracts the terminal 10 identified by the extracted destination terminal ID as a candidate of a destination terminal that can make a call with the request source terminal.

  The terminal state acquisition unit 55 searches the terminal ID of the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) using the terminal ID as a search key for each terminal ID of the destination terminal candidate extracted by the terminal extraction unit 54, and searches Read the working status of the record As a result, the terminal state acquisition unit 55 can acquire the operating state of the candidate of the destination terminal that can make a call with the request source terminal that has made the login request.

  The relay device selection unit 56 performs processing to narrow down the plurality of relay devices 30 to one relay device 30 finally. Therefore, the relay device selection unit 56 implements the session ID generation unit 56a, the relay device extraction unit 56b, and the selection unit 56c illustrated in FIG. 7 according to an instruction from the CPU 201 illustrated in FIG.

  Among these, the session ID generation unit 56a generates a session ID for identifying a session in which call data is communicated between terminals. The relay apparatus extraction unit 56b selects the relay apparatus selection management table (see FIG. 13) based on the terminal ID of the request source terminal and the terminal ID of the destination terminal included in the start request information sent from the request source terminal. The corresponding relay device ID is extracted by searching for. The selection unit 56 c performs relay by selecting the relay device ID of the relay device 30 whose operation status is “on line” among the relay devices 30 managed by the relay device management table (see FIG. 8). The device 30 is selected.

  The session management unit 57 associates the session ID generated by the session ID generation unit 56a, the terminal ID of the request source terminal, and the terminal ID of the destination terminal with the session management table (see FIG. 12) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000. Remember and manage. Also, the session management unit 57 stores and manages the relay device ID of the relay device 30 finally selected as one for each session ID in the session management table. In addition, the session management unit 57 stores the session ID of the second communication identified by the conference room ID in association with the conference room ID of the conference room management table.

  The conference management unit 58 associates and stores the conference room ID and the terminal ID in the entry management table (see FIG. 14) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000, and manages the same. In addition, the conference management unit 58 associates and stores the conference room ID, the conference name, and the session ID in the conference room management table (see FIG. 15) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000, and manages.

  The determination unit 59 receives an entry transmission start request indicating the start of the second communication identified by the conference room ID from the terminal 10 of the communication request source via the transmission / reception unit 51. The room entry transmission start request includes the terminal ID of the request source terminal and information for specifying the conference room to be entered (conference room ID or terminal ID of the destination terminal). The determination unit 59 identifies the conference room ID of the conference room to be entered from the information for identifying the conference room included in the room entry transmission start request, and the terminal ID of the request source terminal 10 included in the room entry transmission start request is It is determined whether it is associated with the conference room ID. If the determination unit 59 is associated, the determination unit 59 requests the session management unit 57 to perform session management processing of the second communication related to the room entry transmission start request. The session management processing is processing related to generation of a session (when the operation status of the destination terminal is “on line (callable)”) or participation in an existing session (when the operation status of the destination terminal is “on line (call Middle))).

  Storage / read processing unit 60 (corresponding to destination terminal information management unit) stores various data in nonvolatile storage unit 5000 or volatile storage unit 5100, or is stored in nonvolatile storage unit 5000 or volatile storage unit 5100. Perform processing to read out various data.

<< Process or Operation of Embodiment >>
The above is the description of the configuration and function (or means) of the transmission system 1 according to the present embodiment, and subsequently, the processing method in the transmission system 1 according to the present embodiment will be described using FIGS. 16 to 36. .

  First, processing for managing state information indicating the state of each relay device 30 transmitted from each relay device 30 to the management system 50 will be described using FIG. 16. FIG. 16 is a sequence diagram showing a process of managing state information indicating the operating state of each relay device 30. First, in each relay device 30, the state detection unit 32 illustrated in FIG. 5 periodically detects the operation state of the relay device 30 which is the own device (steps S1-1 to S1-4). Then, the transmitting / receiving unit 31 of each relay device 30 periodically transmits each state information to the management system 50 via the communication network 2 in order for the management system 50 side to manage the operation state of each relay device 30 in real time. (Steps S2-1 to S2-4). These pieces of state information include the relay device ID of each relay device 30 and the operating state detected by the state detection unit 32 of the relay device 30 related to each relay device ID. In the present embodiment, the relay devices (30a, 30b, 30d) operate normally and become “on line”, while the relay device 30c is in operation, but the relay operation of the relay device 30c is performed. It is shown that the program for executing the program has an "off line" due to some trouble.

  Next, in the management system 50, the transmission / reception unit 51 receives each state information sent from each relay device 30, and the relay device management table of the non-volatile storage unit 5000 (see FIG. 8) stores and manages state information for each relay device ID (steps S3-1 to S3-4). As a result, in the relay device management table as shown in FIG. 8, the operation state of either “on line”, “off line” or “during failure” is stored and managed for each relay device ID. Ru. At this time, the date and time when the status information was received by the management system 50 is also stored and managed for each relay device ID. When no status information is sent from the relay device 30, the field portion of the operation status and the field portion of the reception date and time in each record of the relay device management table shown in FIG. 8 become blank, or The operation status and reception date at the time of the previous reception are shown.

  Next, a concept showing transmission and reception states of image data, audio data, and various management information in the transmission system 1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram showing transmission and reception states of image data, audio data, and various management information in the transmission system 1. As shown in FIG. 17, in the transmission system 1, a management information session sei for transmitting and receiving various management information is established between the terminals 10A, 10B and 10C via the management system 50. Be done. Also, between the terminal 10A, the terminal 10B and the terminal 10C, four pieces of data of high resolution image data, medium resolution image data, low resolution image data, and audio data are transmitted and received via the relay device 30. Four sessions are established. Here, these four sessions are collectively shown as the image / voice data session sed.

  Next, processing for displaying an image (destination terminal status list image) including destination terminal status list information on the terminal 10 aa will be described using FIGS. 18 and 19.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing an image including destination terminal state list information. The destination terminal status list image includes destination terminal status information including information indicating a destination terminal associated with a request source terminal for communication and information indicating whether or not a conference room is associated with the destination terminal (image 1504). It is an image showing destination terminal state list information including one or more. The destination terminal information having the image 1504 indicates that the second communication (virtual conference room) to which the destination terminal can participate is registered in the management system 50. Further, in the example of the destination terminal state list image of FIG. 18, operation state information (image 1501, image 1502, or image 1503) indicating the operation state of the destination terminal is also shown. An image 1501 indicates that the destination terminal is “on-line (callable)”. An image 1502 indicates that the destination terminal is “on line (in a call)”. An image 1503 indicates that the destination terminal is "OFF line".

  FIG. 19 is a sequence diagram showing a process of displaying an image including destination terminal state list information on a terminal. In FIG. 19, all communication between the terminal 10 and the management system 50 is performed using the management information session sei.

  First, when the user of the terminal 10aa turns on the power switch 109 shown in FIG. 3, the operation input receiving unit 12 shown in FIG. 5 receives power on and turns on the power (step S21). Then, the log-in request unit 13 automatically transmits the log-in request information indicating the log-in request to the management system 50 from the transmission / reception unit 11 via the communication network 2 when receiving the power ON (step S22). The login request information includes a terminal ID for identifying the terminal 10aa that is the own terminal as a request source, and a password. The terminal ID and the password are data read from the non-volatile storage unit 1000 via the storage / read processing unit 17 and sent to the transmission / reception unit 11. When login request information is transmitted from the terminal 10aa to the management system 50, the management system 50 on the receiving side can grasp the IP address of the terminal 10aa on the transmitting side.

  Next, the terminal authentication unit 52 of the management system 50 uses the terminal ID and password included in the login request information received via the transmission / reception unit 51 as a search key, and uses the terminal authentication management table of the non-volatile storage unit 5000 (see FIG. 9) is searched, and terminal authentication is performed by determining whether or not there is a terminal ID and password matching the search key in the terminal authentication management DB 5002 (step S23).

  If there is a terminal ID and password matching the search key in the terminal authentication management DB 5002, the state management unit 53 searches the terminal ID of the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) with the terminal ID of the search key, and the search is performed. Set the date and time when the login request information was received in the received date and time field of the record. Further, the state management unit 53 stores the IP address included in the login request information in the IP address field of the terminal of the retrieved record (step S24-1). Thus, in the terminal management table shown in FIG. 10, the reception date and time "2009.11.10.13:40" and the terminal IP address "1.2.1.3" are added to the terminal ID "01aa". It will be related and managed.

  Subsequently, the state setting unit 53a of the state management unit 53 sets the operating state “on line (callable)” of the terminal 10aa in the operating state field of the retrieved record (step S24-2). As a result, in the terminal management table shown in FIG. 10, the operating status “on line (callable)” is managed in association with the terminal ID “01aa”.

  Then, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 requests authentication result information indicating the authentication result obtained by the terminal authentication unit 52 via the communication network 2 as the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa). (Step S25). In the present embodiment, a case where it is determined by the terminal authentication unit 52 that the terminal has a valid usage right will be described continuously below.

  When the terminal 10aa receives the authentication result information indicating that the terminal 10aa is determined to be a terminal having a legitimate usage right, it indicates that the transmitting and receiving unit 11 requests the destination system list to the management system 50 via the communication network 2. The requested destination list request information is transmitted (step S26). Thereby, the transmitting and receiving unit 51 of the management system 50 receives the destination list request information.

  Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 searches the destination list management table (see FIG. 11) using the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) that made the login request as a search key, and the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) The terminal ID of the candidate of the destination terminal that can make a call can be extracted by reading out (step S27). Further, the terminal extraction unit 54 searches the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) using the extracted terminal ID as a search key, and extracts the destination name corresponding to the terminal ID by reading it. Here, the terminal IDs ("01ab", "01ba", "01bb") of the destination terminals (10ab, 10ba, 10bb, 10ca and 10db) corresponding to the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) “01ca” and “01db” and the corresponding terminal names (“Japan Tokyo Office AB Terminal”, “Japan Osaka Office BA Terminal”, “Japan Osaka Office BB Terminal”, “USA New York Office CA” Terminals and “US Washington Office DB Terminals” are extracted.

  Next, the storage / readout processing unit 60 of the management system 50 reads layout information representing a display format of an image showing a list of destination terminals from the non-volatile storage unit 5000 (step S28) The "destination list information (layout information, terminal ID, destination name)" including the terminal ID and the destination name extracted by the unit 54 is transmitted to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) (step S29). Thereby, in the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the transmission / reception unit 11 receives the destination list information, and the storage / readout processing unit 17 stores the destination list information in the volatile storage unit 1100 (step S30).

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the management system 50 centrally manages the destination list information of all the terminals instead of managing the destination list information in each terminal 10. Therefore, a new terminal 10 is to be included in the transmission system 1, or a terminal 10 of a new model is to be included instead of the already included terminal 10, or the appearance of the display of the destination list is changed. Even if it happens, the management system 50 side deals with it collectively, so it is possible to save the trouble of changing the destination list information on each terminal 10 side.

  Further, the terminal state acquisition unit 55 of the management system 50 is a terminal ID of a candidate of the destination terminal extracted by the terminal extraction unit 54 ("01ab", "01ba", "01bb", "01ca" and "01db") The terminal management table (see FIG. 10) is searched using the search key as a search key, and the corresponding operating state is read out for each terminal ID extracted by the terminal extraction unit 54, whereby the terminals (10ab, 10ba, Each operation state of 10bb, 10ca and 10db) is acquired (step S31).

  Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 determines the terminal ID (“01ab”, “01ba”, “01bb”, “01ca” and “01db”) used as the search key in step S31 and the corresponding destination terminal (10ab, The "terminal state information" including the operating states of 10ba, 10bb, 10ca and 10db) is transmitted to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) via the communication network 2 (step S32).

  Next, the storage / readout processing unit 17 of the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) stores the terminal state information received from the management system 50 in the volatile storage unit 1100 (step S 33). As a result, it is possible to acquire the current operation statuses of the terminals 10 that are candidates for destination terminals that can talk with the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa).

  Also, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the terminal IDs (“01ab”, “01ba”, “01bb”, “01ca” and “01db”) of the destination terminal candidates extracted by the terminal extraction unit 54. If there is a conference room ID associated with the terminal ID for each terminal ID extracted by the terminal extraction unit 54 as a search key, the room management table (see FIG. 14) is searched, the conference room ID Are read out (step S34).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 transmits the conference room presence information including the terminal ID and the conference room ID associated with the terminal ID to the terminal 10aa via the transmission / reception unit 51 (step S35). ). Next, the storage / readout processing unit 17 of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) stores the conference room presence information received from the management system 50 in the volatile storage unit 1100 via the transmission / reception unit 11 (step S36). Next, the destination list creation unit 18 of the terminal 10aa creates a destination list (destination terminal status list information) based on the destination list information, the status information, and the conference room presence information. Next, the display control unit 16 of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) displays the destination list on the display 120 shown in FIG. 3 as a destination terminal state list image (see FIG. 18) (step S37).

  By the above processing, the management system 50 causes the display 120aa of the terminal 10aa to display an image including the destination terminal state list information of FIG. In the destination terminal status list image of the present embodiment, information indicating whether there is a conference room associated with the destination terminal is expressed by the presence or absence of a conference room icon displayed for each destination terminal status information (image 1504). .

  In the description of FIG. 19, the management system 50 separately transmits destination list information (step S29), transmission of terminal state information (step S32), and transmission of meeting room presence information (step S35). There is. However, the management system 50 may transmit these pieces of information at one time. Further, the management system 50 may create the destination list created by the terminal 10aa in step S37 described above, and transmit the destination list to the terminal 10aa. That is, the destination list may be created on the management system 50 side without creating the destination list on the terminal 10aa side.

  Subsequently, processing in the case where the terminal requests the start of communication with the other terminal (first communication not using a virtual conference room) will be described using FIG. FIG. 20 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting the start of communication. In FIG. 20, all communication between the terminal 10 and the management system 50 is performed using the management information session sei. Further, in the present embodiment, the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) is set to “ON line (callable)” among the terminals 10 as candidates of the destination shown in the destination terminal list image (see FIG. 18). The start of communication can be requested with at least one of the terminals (terminals 10ab and 10db). So, below, the case where the user of demand origin terminal (terminal 10aa) chooses to start telephone call with a destination terminal (terminal 10ab and 10db) is explained.

  First, when the user of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) depresses the operation button 108 shown in FIG. 3 to select the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) and the destination terminal (terminal 10db), it is shown in FIG. The operation input acceptance unit 12 accepts a request to start a call with the terminal 10ab and the terminal 10db (step S41). Then, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the terminal 10aa includes the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the terminal ID "01ab" of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab), and the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) And, start request information including information “Invite” indicating that a call start by the first communication is requested is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S42). Thereby, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 receives the start request information and grasps the IP address "1.2.1.3" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) that is the transmission source. .

  Next, the session ID generation unit 56a determines a session ID for identifying communication (session sed for call data (image / voice data)) with each destination terminal requested by the request source terminal (terminal 10aa). “se1” is generated (step S43). When the session ID is generated, the session management unit 57 stores the session ID “se1” and the number “2” of destination terminals in the volatile storage unit 5100. The number of destination terminals is to determine whether or not the change request information “Reject” has been received from all of the destination terminals when the change request information “Reject” indicating that the start of communication is to be refused is received later. Used for

  Subsequently, the relay device selection unit 56 of the management system 50 relays the call between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the destination terminals (terminals 10ab and 10db) based on the relay device management DB 5001 and the relay device selection management DB 5006. The relay apparatus 30 is selected (step S44). In this case, first, the relay apparatus extraction unit 56b transmits the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) included in the start communication information sent from the request source terminal (10aa), the destination terminal (terminal 10ab). Corresponding to the terminal (10aa, 10ab, 10db) by searching the relay device selection management table (refer to FIG. 13) based on the terminal ID "01ab" of) and the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) The relay device IDs (“111a”, “111a”, “111d”) to be extracted are extracted.

  If the extracted relay device IDs are all the same, the selecting unit 56c operates the extracted relay device ID among the operating states of the relay device 30 managed by the relay device management table (see FIG. 8). Refer to the status. Here, when the operation status of the relay device ID is “on line”, the selection unit 56 c selects the extracted relay device as a relay device for relaying a call. When the extracted relay device IDs are not the same, or as a result of the above reference, if the operation status of the relay device ID is "OFF line", the relay device 30e of the relay device ID "111e" is called Is selected as a relay device for relaying In the present embodiment, the case where the relay device 30e is selected by the selection unit 56c will be described continuously.

  When the selection process of the relay device 30 is completed, the session management unit 57 requests the request source terminal ID and the destination terminal ID of the record including the session ID “se1” in the session management table (see FIG. 12) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000. The terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the terminal ID "01ab" of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab), and the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) in the field portion of the relay device ID The relay device ID "111e" of the selected relay device 30e is stored and managed (step S45).

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 shown in FIG. 5 is selected by the selection unit 56c and the session ID generated by the session ID generation unit 56a to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) via the communication network 2. The relay device connection information used to connect to the relay device 30e is transmitted (step S46). The relay device connection information can include the IP address "1.1.1.3" of the relay device 30e, authentication information, a port number, and the like. Thereby, the terminal 10aa can grasp relay device connection information used to connect to the relay device 30e used for relaying call data in the execution of the session with the session ID "se1".

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 includes the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), change request information "Invite" indicating that the start of the call with the destination terminal is requested, and the session ID "se1". The start request information, the above-mentioned relay device connection information used to connect to the relay device 30e, and the IP address of the management system 50 are transmitted to all destination terminals (10ab, 10db) (steps S47-1 and S47-2) ). As a result, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the destination terminal (terminals 10ab and 10db) receives the start request information, and transmits relay device connection information used to connect to the relay device 30e used for relaying call data, and transmission The IP address “1.1.1.2” of the original management system 50 is to be grasped.

  Subsequently, the user of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) having received the above-mentioned start request information presses the operation button 108 shown in FIG. 3 using FIG. 21 to request the source terminal (terminal 10aa). The process in the case where the response to the effect that the start of the communication between them) is permitted is accepted will be described. FIG. 21 is a sequence diagram showing a process of permitting a request for starting communication. The operation button 108 of the destination terminal (terminal 10 db) accepts a response indicating that the start of communication with the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) is permitted (step S 48). Next, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) permits the start of communication by permitting the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db), the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), and the like. The start response information including the information "Accept" and the session ID "se1" is sent to the management system 50 (step S49).

  When the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 receives this start response information, the state management unit 53 determines the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db). In the terminal management table (see FIG. 10), the field portion of the operating state of the record in which the terminal ID "01aa" and the terminal ID "01db" are respectively included, "on line (callable)" to "on line (call Medium) "(step S50).

  Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 includes the terminal ID “01db” of the destination terminal (terminal 10db), change request information “Accept” indicating that the request for starting the call with the destination terminal is permitted, and the session ID “se1”. The start response information to be sent is transmitted to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) (step S51). When receiving the start response information, the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) transmits the session ID “se1” and the relay device connection information acquired in step S 46 to the relay device 30 e by the transmission / reception unit 11, thereby the relay device 30e is connected (step S52). On the other hand, the destination terminal (terminal 10db) connects with the relay device 30e by transmitting the session ID “se1” and the relay device connection information acquired in step S47-2 to the relay device 30e by the transmission / reception unit 11 ( Step S53).

  Subsequently, the user of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) having received the start request information in step S47-1 presses the operation button 108 shown in FIG. 3 using FIG. A process in the case where a response indicating that the start of communication with the terminal 10aa) is rejected will be described. FIG. 22 is a sequence diagram showing a process of rejecting a request to start communication. When a response to the effect that the start of communication with the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) is rejected by the operation button 108 of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) is received (step S54), the transmission / reception unit of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) The management system 50 includes start response information including the terminal ID "01ab" of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab), change request information "Reject" indicating rejection of the request to start communication, and the session ID "se1". It transmits to (step S55).

  Next, the session management unit 57 determines the terminal ID of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) from the field portion of the destination terminal of the record in which the session ID "se1" is included in the session management table (see FIG. 12) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000. "01ab" is deleted (step S56). Furthermore, the transmission / reception unit 51 includes start response information including the terminal ID “01ab” of the destination terminal (terminal 10ab), response information “Reject” indicating rejection of the request for starting communication, and session ID “se1”. It transmits to a request origin terminal (terminal 10aa) (step S57). Thus, the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) recognizes that the request for starting communication with the request source terminal (terminal 10 bb) is rejected.

  Subsequently, processing of starting relay of call data communicated between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the destination terminal (terminal 10db) by the relay device 30e will be described using FIG. Note that in FIG. 23, all communication until establishing an image / voice communication session is performed using the management information session sei.

  First, the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) is connected to the relay device 30e (see step S52), and the transmitter / receiver 11 determines the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the session ID at a predetermined timing. Relay request information including “se1” and information “Join” indicating that the start of relay is requested is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S61-1).

  When the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 receives the relay request information, the connection control for establishing communication is executed. First, the management system 50 transmits relay start request information including the terminal ID “01aa” of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the session ID “se1” to the relay device 30e (step S62-1). When the relay start request information is received, the relay device 30e transmits relay start permission information including notification information “OK” indicating that start of relay is permitted to the management system 50 (step S63-1). When this response is received, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 transmits this relay start permission information to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) (step S64-1). As a result, a call data session sed between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the relay device 30a is established (step S65-1).

  On the other hand, the destination terminal (terminal 10db) is connected to the relay device 30e (see step S53) at a predetermined timing, the transmitting / receiving unit 11 transmits the terminal ID "01db" of the destination terminal (terminal 10db) and the session ID "se1. And relay request information including information "Join" indicating that the start of relay is requested is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S61-2).

  Subsequently, the processing similar to steps S62-1, S63-1, and S64-1 is executed by the management system 50 and the relay device 30e, whereby the call data between the destination terminal (terminal 10db) and the relay device 30e is performed. Session sed is established (steps S62-2, S63-2, S64-2, S65-2). When a call data session sed between the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) and the relay device 30 e and a call data session sed between the destination terminal (terminal 10 aa) and the relay device 30 e are established, the relay device 30 a Low-resolution, medium-resolution and high-resolution three image data and audio data can be relayed between terminals (10 aa, 10 db). Thereby, the terminals (10aa, 10db) can start the video conference.

  Then, after a session for call data is established between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the destination terminal (terminal 10ab) and the destination terminal (terminal 10db) using FIG. 24, the terminal 10cb receives the call data The process of joining a training session will be described. FIG. 24 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting participation in a call data session. Note that all communication in the sequence diagram of FIG. 24 is performed using the management information session sei.

  The terminal 10cb receives the selection of the destination terminal (terminal 10aa, terminal 10ab, or terminal 10db) whose operation status of the destination terminal is in a call from the destination terminal list image, thereby requesting participation in the existing call data session. It receives (step S101). Here, when the user of the terminal 10cb presses the operation button 108 shown in FIG. 3, the destination terminal (terminal 10aa) is selected to request participation in the call data session. Will be described by taking the case of Thereby, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the terminal 10cb requests that the requester terminal (terminal 10cb) 's terminal ID "01cb", the destination terminal (terminal 10aa)' s terminal ID "01aa", and the call data session be joined. The session participation request information including the change request information "Call" indicating that it is to be sent is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S102).

  Next, in the session management unit 57 of the management system 50, the terminal ID "01aa" of the destination terminal (terminal 10aa) included in the session participation request information is a record of the session management table (see FIG. 12) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000. The request source terminal ID or the record included in the destination terminal ID is searched, and the session ID (“se1”) of the searched record is extracted. Next, the session management unit 57 of the management system 50 adds the terminal ID “01cb” of the request source terminal (terminal 10cb) included in the session participation request information to the destination terminal ID of the retrieved record (step S103). ).

  Next, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 has already started the session sed for call data, which includes the terminal ID “01cb” of the terminal 10cb participating in the session sed for call data and the session ID “se1”. The request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the destination terminal (terminal 10ab), and the destination terminal (terminal 10db) are transmitted (steps S104-1, S104-2 and step S104-3). As a result, the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa), the destination terminal (terminal 10 ab) and the destination terminal (terminal 10 db) can grasp that the destination terminal (terminal 10 db) participates in the session for call data. In addition, the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 transmits a participation permission notification including session ID “se1” participating in the call data session sed and relay device connection information used to connect to the relay device 30 e to the call data It transmits to the destination terminal (terminal 10cb) which starts the session for session sed (step S104-4).

  The terminal 10cb connects to the relay device 30e by transmitting the session ID "se1" and the relay device connection information included in the participation permission notification to the relay device 30e by the transmission / reception unit 11 when receiving the participation permission notification (step S105). As a result, a call data session sed is established between the terminal 10cb and the relay device 30e. When the call data session sed is established, the relay device 30e can relay image data and voice data between the terminals (10aa, 10ab, 10cb and 10db). Thereby, the terminals (10aa, 10ab, 10cb and 10db) can start the video conference.

  Then, after a session for call data is established between the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the destination terminals (terminal 10ab, terminals 10cb and 10db) using FIG. 25, the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) The process of leaving this session for call data will be described. FIG. 25 is a sequence diagram showing a process of requesting to leave the call data session. All communication in the sequence diagram of FIG. 25 is performed using the management information session sei.

  First, when the user of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) presses the operation button 108 shown in FIG. 3, a request for leaving the call data session is accepted (step S111). Then, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) changes the terminal ID “01 aa” of the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa), the change request information “Leave” indicating a request for leaving the call data session, and the session ID “ The session leaving request information including “se1” is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S112).

  Next, in the session management table (see FIG. 12) of the non-volatile storage unit 5000, the session management unit 57 starts from the field portion of the request source terminal of the record including the session ID “se1” of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa). The terminal ID "01aa" is deleted (step S113). The management system 50 transmits, to the relay device 30e, a notification that a request for withdrawal of a session including the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the session ID "se1" is requested (step S114). Thus, the relay device 30e stops the call data session with the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and disconnects the connection with the request source terminal (terminal 10aa). Subsequently, the relay device 30e transmits, to the management system 50, a notification to the effect that the request for withdrawal including the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) and the session ID "se1" is permitted (step S115). ).

  When receiving the notification that the management system 50 permits the request for leaving, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 sends out the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), the change request information "Leave", the session ID "se1", The session leaving permission information including the notification information "OK" indicating permission of the request is transmitted to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) (step S116). The state management unit 53 of the management system 50 uses the terminal ID "01aa" in the terminal management table (see FIG. 10) based on the terminal ID "01aa" of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) included in the session withdrawal request information. The operation state of the included record is changed from "on line (in a call)" to "on line (a call is possible)" (step S117).

  Next, the terminal 10aa presses the power switch 109 shown in FIG. 3 to receive a power-off request (step S118). When the power-off request is accepted, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits, to the management system 50, disconnection request information including notification information indicating that the connection between the terminal ID "01aa" of the terminal 10aa and the management system 50 is disconnected ((1) Step S119).

  When the transmission / reception unit 51 of the management system 50 receives the disconnection request information, the state management unit 53 determines the terminal management table (FIG. 10) based on the terminal ID “01aa” of the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) included in the disconnection request information. In the reference), the operating state of the record including the terminal ID "01aa" is changed from "on line (callable)" to "off line" (step S120). Subsequently, the transmission / reception unit 51 transmits, to the request source terminal (terminal 10aa), disconnection permission information indicating that the disconnection request is permitted (step S121). Thus, the management system 50 stops the management data session with the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa) and disconnects the connection with the request source terminal (terminal 10 aa).

  When the disconnection permission information is received, the request source terminal (terminal 10aa) performs power OFF to complete the process (step S122). The terminal 10ab, the terminal 10cb, and the terminal 10db can also leave the call data session sed and complete the call between the terminals in the same manner as the processing of steps S111 to S121 of the terminal 10aa.

  Next, the conference room function of the transmission system 1 of the present embodiment will be described. The conference room function is a function of performing a second communication in which participation between the request source terminal and the destination terminal is restricted using a virtual conference room on the transmission system 1. First, a conference room list image showing a list of conference rooms will be described. In the transmission system 1 of the present embodiment, the conference room list image is displayed when the user selects the conference room application from the function list image showing a list of the functions of the terminal 10. FIG. 26 is a diagram showing an image showing a list of functions of the terminal. FIG. 27 is a diagram showing an image showing a meeting room list. When the operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10 receives an operation input for selecting a conference room application from the function list image of FIG. 26, the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 displays the conference room list image of FIG.

  The meeting room list image of FIG. 27 is an example in the case of including information indicating two meeting rooms (a sales promotion meeting and a meeting for dealing with a complaint). Further, a new creation button and a back button are displayed at the lower right of the meeting room list image. The new creation button is a button pressed by the user when creating a new conference room. The back button is a button pressed by the user when returning to the display of the function list image.

  When the operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10 receives an operation input indicating depression of a new creation button of the conference room list image from the user, the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 displays the conference room new creation image on the terminal 10 . FIG. 28 is a diagram showing a newly created meeting room image displayed when a meeting room is newly created.

  Here, the process flow of the terminal 10 and the management system 50 when the user selects a conference room application and newly creates a conference room will be described by taking the case of the user of the terminal 10 ab as an example. FIG. 29 is a sequence diagram showing processing of displaying a meeting room list and creating a new meeting room.

  The operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10ab receives an operation input for selecting a conference room application from the function list image of FIG. 26 (step S201). Next, the transmission / reception unit 11 of the terminal 10ab transmits a meeting name list acquisition request including the terminal ID "01ab" of the terminal 10ab to the management system 50 (step S202).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the conference name list acquisition request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The conference management unit 58 acquires the conference room ID and the conference room name of the conference room related to the terminal ID “01ab” of the terminal 10ab based on the terminal ID “01ab” of the terminal 10ab included in the conference room list acquisition request. (Step S203). Specifically, using the terminal ID "01ab" of the terminal 10ab included in the meeting room list acquisition request as a search key, the meeting management unit 58 first searches the record of the room entry management DB 5007, and the meeting of the searched record Obtain room ID (1 and 3). Next, the conference management unit 58 refers to the conference room management DB 5008 to acquire the conference room name (sales promotion conference and complaint handling conference) of the conference room ID (1 and 3).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 transmits the conference room list information including the conference room ID and the conference room name acquired in step S203 to the terminal 10ab via the transmission / reception unit 51 (step S204). The display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 ab receives the meeting room list information via the transmission / reception unit 11. The display control unit 16 of the terminal 10ab displays a meeting room list image including the meeting room name of the meeting room list information on the terminal 10ab (step S205).

  Next, the operation input receiving unit 12 of the terminal 10ab receives an operation input indicating depression of a new creation button of the meeting room list image from the user (step S206). The transmission / reception unit 11 of the terminal 10ab transmits a destination terminal information acquisition request including the terminal ID “01ab” of the terminal 10ab to the management system 50 (step S207).

  The terminal extraction unit 54 of the management system 50 receives the destination terminal information acquisition request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The terminal extraction unit 54, based on the terminal ID "01ab" of the terminal 10ab included in the destination terminal information acquisition request, the destination terminal information (terminal ID, terminal name and operation status) of the destination terminal associated with the terminal 10ab. It acquires (step S208). Specifically, the terminal extraction unit 54 first searches the request source terminal ID of the destination list management DB 5004 using the terminal ID “01ab” of the terminal 10ab included in the destination terminal information acquisition request as a search key, The destination terminal ID ("01aa", "01ca" and "01cb") of the record is acquired. Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 searches for the terminal ID of the terminal management DB 5003 using each of the destination terminal IDs (“01aa”, “01ca” and “01cb”) as a search key, and the terminal of the retrieved record Get name and working status. For example, when the search key is “01aa”, the terminal extraction unit 54 acquires the terminal name “Japan Tokyo office AA terminal” and the operating state “on line (callable)” from the record of the terminal management DB 5003. .

  Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 transmits, to the terminal 10ab, the destination terminal information including the terminal ID acquired in step S208, the terminal name, and the operation status via the transmission / reception unit 51 (step S209). The display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 ab receives the destination terminal information via the transmission / reception unit 11. The display control unit 10ab displays on the terminal 10ab a conference room new creation image (see FIG. 28) including the terminal ID of the destination terminal information, the terminal name, and the operation state. The operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10ab accepts an operation input indicating a conference name and a selection of the terminals 10 that can participate in the conference (step S210). The operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10ab transmits conference room new creation information including the conference name and the terminal ID of the terminal 10 capable of participating in the conference to the management system 50 via the transmission / reception unit 11 (step S211).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the conference room new creation information via the transmission / reception unit 51. The conference management unit 58 newly creates a conference room ID corresponding to the conference name included in the conference room new creation information. The conference management unit 58 creates, in the conference room management DB 5008, a record in which the conference room ID is associated with the conference name. Also, the conference management unit 58 creates a record in which the conference room ID and the terminal ID included in the conference room new creation information are associated in the room entry management DB 5007 (step S212).

  The conference management unit 58 transmits a conference room information registration notification indicating that a new conference room has been created via the transmission / reception unit 51 to the terminal 10ab (step S213). When the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10ab receives the conference room information registration notification via the transmission / reception unit 11, the display control unit 16 displays on the terminal 10ab a registration complete image including information indicating that the registration of the conference room is completed (step S214) .

  Next, the display of detailed information of the conference room and the flow of processing of the terminal 10 and the management system 50 in the case of editing the conference room information (conference name and the terminal 10 capable of joining) will be described. First, a conference room detailed image showing detailed information on the conference room will be described. FIG. 30 is a diagram showing a conference room detailed image showing detailed information on the conference room. The conference room detail image of FIG. 30 includes a conference name, information of the terminals 10 that can participate (terminal ID, terminal name and operation status), an entry button, an edit button, and a cancel button. The meeting name is the name of the meeting room. The information (terminal ID, terminal name and operation status) of the terminal 10 which can participate is information of the terminal 10 associated with the conference. The entry button is a button pressed by the user when communication is started using the meeting room of the meeting name. The edit button is a button pressed by the user when editing the meeting room information (the meeting name and the terminal 10 capable of joining) of the meeting room of the meeting name. The cancel button is a button pressed by the user when returning to the conference room list image.

  When the operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10 accepts pressing of the edit button, the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 displays the conference room edit image on the terminal 10. FIG. 31 is a diagram showing a conference room edit image displayed when the conference room information is edited. The conference room edit image includes the conference name, information of the terminal 10 capable of participation registration (terminal ID, terminal name and operation status), information indicating the terminal 10 currently designated among the terminals 10 capable of participation registration, an update button, Includes Cancel button. The meeting name is the name of the meeting room. The information (terminal ID, terminal name, and operation status) of the terminal 10 capable of participating registration is information on a destination terminal associated with the terminal 10 that edits the conference room information. The information indicating the currently designated terminal 10 among the terminals 10 capable of participating registration is information indicating the terminal 10 identified by the terminal ID associated with the conference room ID corresponding to the conference name. In the example of FIG. 31, the terminal information with a check is information indicating the currently designated terminal 10 among the terminals 10 capable of participation registration. The update button is a button pressed by the user when determining the edited meeting room information. The cancel button is a button that the user presses to cancel the editing of the meeting room information and return to the meeting room detail image.

  Here, a process flow of the terminal 10 and the management system 50 when the user selects a conference room application and edits conference room information will be described by taking a case of a user of the terminal 10 aa as an example. FIG. 32 is a sequence diagram showing processing of displaying a meeting room list and editing the meeting room.

  About step S221-step S225, since it is the same as that of step S201-step S205 of FIG. 29, description is abbreviate | omitted.

  Next, the operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10aa receives an operation input indicating selection of a sales promotion meeting included in the meeting room list image from the user (step S226). The transmitting and receiving unit 11 of the terminal 10aa transmits a destination terminal information acquisition request including the conference room ID "1" of the sales promotion conference to the management system 50 (step S227).

  The conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the destination terminal information acquisition request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The conference management unit 58 determines the terminal ID of the destination terminal associated with the conference room ID “1” based on the conference room ID “1” of the sales promotion conference included in the destination terminal information acquisition request (“01ab”, “01b”, Get 01ba "and" 01bb "). Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 searches for the terminal ID of the terminal management DB 5003 using each of the destination terminal IDs (“01ab”, “01ba” and “01bb”) as a search key, and the terminal of the retrieved record Get name and working status. For example, when the search key is "01ab", the terminal extraction unit 54 acquires the terminal name "Japan Tokyo office AB terminal" and the operating state "OFF line" from the record of the terminal management DB 5003 (step S228). .

  Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 transmits destination terminal information including the terminal ID, the terminal name, and the operation status acquired in step S228 via the transmission / reception unit 51 to the terminal 10aa (step S229). The display control unit 16 of the terminal 10aa receives the destination terminal information via the transmission / reception unit 11. The display control unit 16 displays a conference room detail image (see FIG. 30) including the terminal ID of the destination terminal information, the terminal name, and the operation state on the terminal 10aa (step S230). Next, the operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10aa accepts pressing of the edit button (step S231). Next, the transmitting and receiving unit 51 of the terminal 10aa transmits an editing candidate destination terminal information acquisition request including the terminal ID "01aa" of the terminal 10aa to the management system 50 (step S232).

  The terminal extraction unit 54 of the management system 50 receives the edit candidate destination terminal information acquisition request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The terminal extraction unit 54, based on the terminal ID "01aa" of the terminal 10aa included in the edit candidate destination terminal information acquisition request, the destination terminal information (terminal ID, terminal name and operation status of the destination terminal associated with the terminal 10aa) ) Is acquired (step S233). Specifically, the terminal extraction unit 54 first searches the request source terminal ID of the destination list management DB 5004 using the terminal ID “01aa” of the terminal 10aa included in the edit destination terminal information acquisition request as a search key, and searches The destination terminal ID (“01ab”, “01ba”, “01bb”, “01ca” and “01db”) of the recorded record is acquired. Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 searches for the terminal ID of the terminal management DB 5003 using each of the destination terminal IDs (“01ab”, “01ba”, “01bb”, “01ca” and “01db”) as search keys. The terminal name and operation status of the retrieved record are acquired. For example, when the search key is “01ab”, the terminal extraction unit 54 acquires the terminal name “Japan Tokyo office AB terminal” and the operating state “OFF line” from the record of the terminal management DB 5003.

  Next, the terminal extraction unit 54 transmits the editing candidate destination terminal information (destination terminal status information) including the terminal ID, the terminal name, and the operation status acquired in step S233 to the terminal 10aa via the transmission / reception unit 51 (step S234). ). When the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10aa receives the editing candidate destination terminal information via the transmitting / receiving unit 11, the display control unit 16 displays the conference room editing image (see FIG. 31) of the sales promotion conference including the editing candidate destination terminal information on the terminal 10aa. (Step S235). In the conference room edit image of FIG. 31, the destination terminal information with a check is the destination terminal information of the currently specified destination terminal, and the destination terminal information with no check is a destination that can be specified by the terminal 10aa. It is destination terminal information of a terminal.

  The operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10aa receives an operation input relating to editing of the meeting room information (the meeting name and the terminal 10 capable of participating) of the sales promotion meeting (step S236). When the operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10aa accepts pressing of the update button, the transmission / reception unit 11 includes conference room edit information including a conference room ID, a conference name, a terminal ID, and information indicating addition or deletion of the terminal ID. It transmits to the management system 50 (step S237).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the conference room editing information via the transmission / reception unit 51. The conference management unit 58 adds or deletes a record of the room entry management DB 5007 for the combination of the conference room ID and the terminal ID included in the conference room editing information according to the information indicating addition or deletion of the terminal ID. Also, the conference management unit 58 searches the conference room ID of the conference room management DB 5008 using the conference room ID included in the conference room edit information as a search key, and includes the conference name of the retrieved record in the conference room edit information Then, the updated meeting name is updated (step S238).

  The conference management unit 58 transmits, to the terminal 10aa, a conference room information update notification indicating that the update of the conference room information is completed via the transmission / reception unit 51 (step S239). When the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10aa receives the conference room information update notification via the transmission / reception unit 11, the display control unit 16 displays an update completion image including information indicating that the conference room has been updated on the terminal 10aa (step S240). .

  Next, processing of the terminal 10 and the management system 50 when starting communication using a conference room will be described. First, the case of selecting a meeting name from the meeting room list image and entering the meeting room (starting communication using the meeting room of the meeting name) will be described.

  FIG. 33 is a sequence diagram showing a process when entering a conference room from the conference room list. Steps S241 to S250 are the same as steps S221 to S230 in FIG.

  The operation input acceptance unit 12 of the terminal 10 (request source terminal) accepts an operation input indicating that the room entry button of the conference room detail image (see FIG. 30) is pressed (step S251). Next, the transmitting and receiving unit 11 of the terminal 10, the terminal ID of the request source terminal pressed the room entry button, information "Invite + Room" indicating that the start of the call by the second communication is requested, and the conference room of the conference room An entry request including the ID is transmitted to the management system 50 (step S252). The conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 receives the room entry request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The conference management unit 58 determines whether or not there is a record in the room entry management DB 5007 that matches the combination of the conference room ID and the terminal ID included in the entry request (step S253).

  The conference management unit 58 performs a process according to the determination result of step S253 (step S254). FIG. 34 is a flowchart showing a process according to the result of the room entry determination.

  If the record matching the combination of the conference room ID and the terminal ID included in the entry request does not exist in the entry management DB 5007 and the entry determination result of the determination unit 59 of the management system 50 is not entry OK (step S254-1, No), the transmitting and receiving unit 51 transmits error information indicating that the room can not be entered to the request source terminal that has transmitted the room entry request (step S254-7).

  If a record that matches the combination of the conference room ID and the terminal ID included in the entry request matches the entry management DB 5007 and the result of the entry determination of the determination unit 59 of the management system 50 is entry OK (step S254-1) , Yes), the process proceeds to step S254-2.

  The session management unit 57 determines whether communication using the conference room specified by the conference room ID included in the entry request has already been performed (whether a session has already been established) (step S254). 2). Specifically, the session management unit 57 searches the conference room management DB 5008 using the conference room ID included in the entry request as a search key, and is the session ID set in the session ID field of the retrieved record? It is determined whether or not. That is, when the session ID is set in the session ID field of the retrieved record, the session management unit 57 determines that the session has already been established.

  If a session has already been established (Yes in step S254-2), the session management DB 5005 is searched using the session ID as a search key, and the request included in the room entry request in the destination terminal ID field of the searched record The terminal ID of the original terminal is added (step S254-3), and the process proceeds to step S254-6.

  If the session has not been established yet (No at Step S254-2), the session management unit 57 newly creates a session ID, and newly creates a record in the session management DB 5005 (Step S254-4). The specific process for creating a new session ID is the same as steps S43 to S45 in FIG. 20, but in step S45, the same value as the value of the request source terminal ID field in the destination terminal ID field The point of setting is different.

  Next, the conference management unit 58 searches the conference room management DB 5008 using the conference room ID included in the entry request as the search key, and newly created in step S254-4 in the session ID field of the retrieved record. A session ID is set (step S254-5).

  Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 51 transmits the session ID and the relay device connection information (the IP address of the relay device 30, authentication information, port number, etc.) to the request source terminal that has transmitted the room entry request (step S254-6). . By the above process, the process of connecting the request source terminal to the relay device ends. Next, the request source terminal transmits relay request information to the management system 50, and starts processing for requesting relay of call data (see FIG. 23, steps S61-1 to S65-1). As a result, the request source terminal that has transmitted the room entry request by accepting the selection of the conference name included in the conference room list from the user starts communication using the conference room.

  Next, the case of selecting a destination terminal from the destination terminal list image (see FIG. 18) and entering the conference room (starting communication using the conference room of the conference name) will be described.

  First, from the destination terminal list information of the destination terminal list image, selection of destination terminal information in which the operating state is "on line (in communication)" and the conference room icon (see FIG. 18, image 1504) is displayed. Will be described.

  FIG. 35 is a sequence diagram showing processing when communication is started by selecting an on-line (during a call) destination terminal from the destination list. From the destination terminal list information shown in the destination terminal list image, the operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10 has an operation state of "ON line (in a call)" and a conference room icon (see image 1504 in FIG. 18). Is selected (step S261).

  Next, the transmitting / receiving unit 11 transmits a communication method confirmation request including the terminal ID of the selected destination terminal to the management system 50 (step S262). The session management unit 57 of the management system 50 receives the communication method confirmation request via the transmission / reception unit 51. The session management unit 57 searches the request source terminal ID field and the destination terminal ID field of the session management DB 5005 using the terminal ID included in the communication method confirmation request as a search key, and identifies the session ID from the retrieved record ( Step S263).

  Next, the conference management unit 58 searches the session ID field of the conference room management DB 5008 using the session ID as a search key, and determines whether there is a record in which the session ID is set, A communication method is specified (step S264). That is, when there is a record in which the session ID is set, the conference management unit 58 identifies that the communication identified by the session ID is the second communication using the conference room.

  The transmission / reception unit 51 transmits a notification including information indicating the communication method identified in step S264 to the terminal 10 (step S265). Next, when the transmission / reception unit 11 of the terminal 10 receives a notification of the communication method from the management system 50 (step S266), the transmission / reception unit 11 performs transmission in response to the notification (step S267). That is, the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits, to the management system 50, start request information by normal transmission or start request information by room entry transmission. The start request information by normal transmission includes a terminal ID for identifying the request source terminal, a terminal ID for identifying the destination terminal, and information "Invite" indicating that the start of a call by the first communication is requested. . The start request information by entering a room includes a terminal ID for identifying the request source terminal, a terminal ID for identifying the destination terminal, and information “Invite + Room” indicating that the start of a call by the second communication is requested. .

  Next, from the destination terminal list information of the destination terminal list image, in the destination terminal information in which the operation status is “on line (callable)” and the conference room icon (see FIG. 18, image 1504) is displayed. The case where the selection is accepted will be described.

  FIG. 36 is a flowchart showing a process of selecting an on-line (callable) destination terminal from the destination list and entering the conference room. From the destination terminal list information shown in the destination terminal list image, the operation input reception unit 12 of the terminal 10 has an operation state of "ON line (callable)" and a conference room icon (see image 1504 in FIG. 18). Is selected (step S271). Next, the display control unit 16 of the terminal 10 is an image for the user to select transmission (entry transmission) using a communication method in which participation is restricted using the conference room, or transmission (normal transmission) not using the conference room. Is displayed (step S272).

  The operation input reception unit 12 specifies a communication (transmission) method by receiving an operation input indicating selection of a communication method from the user (step S273).

  When the communication method is communication using a meeting room (step S 273, using the meeting room), the transmitting / receiving unit 11 indicates the terminal ID of the request source terminal, information indicating that the start of the call by the second communication is requested “Invite + Room And transmission start request information including information for identifying a conference room used for communication (step S 274). The information for identifying a conference room used for communication is a conference room ID or a terminal ID of a destination terminal. In the case of the terminal ID of the destination terminal, the conference management unit 58 of the management system 50 searches the terminal ID of the entry management DB 5007 using the terminal ID of the destination terminal as a search key, and acquires the conference room ID of the retrieved record. Identify the conference room to be used for communication.

  If the communication method is not communication using a conference room (step S 273, normal), the transmission / reception unit 11 transmits start request information by normal transmission including the terminal ID of the request source terminal and the terminal ID of the destination terminal (step S 275) .

  Here, the reception process of the start request information on the management system 50 side will be described. In the case of start request information by normal transmission, it is shown in FIG. 20 (process for requesting start of communication), FIG. 21 (process for permitting request for start of communication) and FIG. 22 (process for rejecting request for start of communication). It is omitted because it was explained.

  The case of start request information by entering a room will be described. The start request information of entry transmission includes the terminal ID of the request source terminal and information for specifying the conference room to be entered (conference room ID or terminal ID of the destination terminal).

  First, the case where the information for specifying the conference room to be entered is the conference room ID will be described. When the determination unit 59 of the management system 50 receives the start request information of the room entry transmission via the transmission / reception unit 51, the terminal ID of the request source terminal included in the start request information in the conference room ID included in the start request information. It is determined whether or not is associated. If the session management unit 57 is associated, the session management unit 57 permits the start of the second communication identified by the conference room ID. Specifically, the session management unit 57 performs session management processing relating to generation of a session for starting the second communication identified by the conference room ID (see steps S254-4 to S254-6 in FIG. 34). )I do.

  Next, the case where the information for specifying the conference room to be entered is the terminal ID of the destination terminal will be described. The determination unit 59 of the management system 50 specifies the conference room ID associated with the terminal ID of the destination terminal included in the start request information when receiving the start request information of the room entry transmission via the transmission / reception unit 51, and specifies It is determined whether the terminal ID of the request source terminal included in the start request information is associated with the acquired conference room ID. If the session management unit 57 is associated, the session management unit 57 permits the start of the second communication identified by the conference room ID. Specifically, the session management unit 57 performs session management processing relating to generation of a session for starting the second communication identified by the conference room ID (see steps S254-4 to S254-6 in FIG. 34). )I do.

  The processing on the destination terminal side is the same as FIG. 21 (processing for permitting a request for starting communication) and FIG. 22 (processing for rejecting a request for starting communication) in the case of start request information by entering a room. Description is omitted because there is.

  Returning to FIG. 36, the transmission / reception unit 11 receives, from the management system 50, start response information indicating whether communication with the destination terminal is possible (step S276). The transmission / reception unit 11 refers to the start response information to determine whether communication with the destination terminal is possible (step S277). When communication is possible (Yes at step S277), the transmitting and receiving unit 11 starts communication with the destination terminal (step S278). When communication is not possible (step S277, No), the display control unit 16 displays on the terminal 10 error information indicating the reason why communication with the destination terminal is not possible (step S279).

  Here, in the description of FIG. 36, a case where the information for specifying the conference room into which the room entry transmission start request information is entered is the terminal ID of the destination terminal will be supplemented. When the determination unit 59 receives the start request information of the room entry transmission via the transmission / reception unit 51, the terminal ID of the request source terminal included in the start request information may be associated with a plurality of conference room IDs. . At this time, the determination unit 59 transmits, to the request source terminal, meeting list information including a plurality of pieces of information (meeting name and the like) indicating the meeting identified by the meeting room ID via the transmitting and receiving unit 51. Further, by receiving information indicating one conference selected from the conference list information, one conference room in which the request source terminal enters is identified.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the management system 50 indicates whether the destination terminal and the destination terminal are associated with the second communication performed using a virtual conference room. Destination terminal state list information including one or more destination terminal state information including information is transmitted to the terminal 10. Thereby, the user of the terminal 10 can perform the second communication using the virtual conference room with the user of the destination terminal without specifying information such as a conference name.

  Further, according to the present embodiment, since the destination terminal status information includes the operating status information of the destination terminal, the user of the terminal 10 can obtain the destination terminal status information from the image indicating the destination terminal status list information displayed on the terminal 10. It is possible to determine whether to start communication while referring to the operating state.

  << Supplement of embodiment >>

  Further, the management system 50 and the program providing system 90 in each of the above embodiments may be constructed by a single computer, or may be constructed by a plurality of computers which each section (function or means) is divided and arbitrarily assigned. It may be done. Also, in the case where the program providing system 90 is constructed by a single computer, the program sent by the program providing system 90 may be divided into a plurality of modules and may be sent separately. It may be sent. Furthermore, when the program providing system 90 is constructed by a plurality of computers, the plurality of modules may be transmitted from each computer in a separated state.

  Further, a recording medium storing the terminal program, the relay apparatus program, and the transmission management program according to the present embodiment, the HD 204 storing the program, and the program providing system 90 including the HD 204 Any of these is used when a program for a terminal, a program for a relay device, and a program for transmission management are provided to a user or the like as a program product (Program Product).

  Furthermore, in the above embodiment, although the IP address of the relay apparatus in FIG. 8 and the IP address of the terminal in FIG. 10 are managed, the present invention is not limited to this, and in order to specify the relay apparatus 30 on the communication network 2 In the case of the relay device identification information of the above or the terminal identification information for identifying the terminal 10 on the communication network 2, each FQDN (Fully Qualified Domain Name) may be managed. In this case, an IP address corresponding to the FQDN is acquired by a well-known DNS (Domain Name System) server. In addition to "relay device identification information for identifying the relay device 30 in the communication network 2", "relay device connection destination information indicating a connection destination to the relay device 30 on the communication network 2" or "communication It may be expressed as “relaying device destination information” indicating the destination to the relaying device 30 on the network 2. Similarly, not only “terminal identification information for identifying the terminal 10 in the communication network 2” but also “terminal connection destination information indicating a connection destination to the terminal 10 on the communication network 2” or “on the communication network 2” It may be expressed as “terminal destination information indicating a destination to the terminal 10”.

  In the present embodiment, “video conference” is used as a term that can be replaced with “video conference”.

  Further, in the above embodiment, the case of the video conference system has been described as an example of the transmission system 1. However, the present invention is not limited thereto, and may be a telephone system such as IP (Internet Protocol) telephone or Internet telephone. . The transmission system 1 may also be a car navigation system. In this case, for example, one of the terminals 10 corresponds to a car navigation device mounted in a car, and the other of the terminals 10 is mounted in a management terminal or management server of a management center that manages car navigation, or in another car. Corresponds to a car navigation system. Furthermore, the transmission system 1 may be an audio conference system or a PC (Personal Computer) screen sharing system.

  In the above embodiment, although the case of performing a video conference by the transmission system 1 has been described, the present invention is not limited to this, and general conversations such as meetings, family and friends, or one-way information It may be used for presentation.

  Moreover, although the case where the terminal 10 is a dedicated terminal as shown in FIG. 2 has been described in the above embodiment, the terminal 10 may be a general-purpose terminal such as a PC. That is, the above-described terminal program may be installed in a general-purpose terminal such as a PC and executed.

10 terminal 11 transmission / reception unit 12 operation input reception unit 13 login request unit 14 imaging unit 15a voice input unit 15b audio output unit 16 display control unit 17 storage / read processing unit 18 destination list creation unit 30 relay device 31 transmission / reception unit 32 state detection unit 33 storage / read processing unit 50 management system 51 transmission / reception unit 52 terminal authentication unit 53 state management unit 54 terminal extraction unit 55 terminal state acquisition unit 56 relay device selection unit 57 session management unit 58 conference management unit 59 determination unit 60 storage / read processing Unit 1000 Nonvolatile storage unit 1100 Volatile storage unit 3000 Nonvolatile storage unit 5000 Nonvolatile storage unit 5001 Relay device management DB
5002 Terminal Authentication Management DB
5003 Terminal Management DB
5004 Destination List Management DB
5005 Session Management DB
5006 Relay Device Selection DB
5007 Entry Management DB
5008 Conference Room Management DB
5100 Volatile memory

JP, 2005-167903, A

Claims (8)

A management system that manages communication of a plurality of terminals that transmit and receive content data, comprising:
Conference management unit that associates and manages conference identification information for identifying a conference to which one or more previously designated terminals can join, and terminal identification information for identifying the one or more designated terminals ,
A destination terminal information management unit that associates and manages terminal identification information of a first terminal and terminal identification information of one or more second terminals that are candidates for communication destinations of the first terminal;
Terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals associated with the terminal identification information of the first terminal managed by the destination terminal information management unit, and the one or more second terminals in the conference management unit a transmitter which of the conference identification information that is associated with one of the terminal identification information transmitted to the first terminal,
Equipped with
From the first terminal,
In the case of receiving the start request of the first communication addressed to the terminal identification information of the second terminal selected on the display screen among the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals displayed on the display screen Execute connection control for establishing communication for transmitting the content data to which a plurality of terminals including the terminal identified by the terminal identification information of the selected second terminal can participate;
It is a meeting identified by the meeting identification information transmitted by the transmitting unit, and when the start request for the second communication associated with the meeting selected on the display screen is received, the selected meeting is selected. Performing connection control to establish a communication for transmitting the content data to which one or more pre-specified associated terminals can participate;
Management system characterized by When receiving a start request of the second communication, the conference identification information included in the start request of the second communication, the end end of the first terminal included in the start request of the second communication A determination unit that determines whether or not identification information is associated;
The conference identification information included in the start request of the second communication, if the end-terminal identification information of the first terminal included in the start request of the second communication is associated with the meeting identification information A session management unit which permits the first terminal to start the second communication identified by
The management system according to claim 1, further comprising: The transmission unit is
Further transmitting, to the first terminal, operation state information indicating an operation state of the second terminal;
When the operating state of the communication method confirmation request including the end-terminal identification information of the second terminal during a call, received from said first terminal,
The session management unit
When the communication specified by the terminal identification information of the second terminal included in the communication method confirmation request is the first communication, the second communication start request can be received. The terminal according to claim 2, wherein the first terminal is notified that the first terminal is notified that the request to start the first communication can be received if the first communication is not received. Management system.   The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the management system is constructed by one or more computers.   The management system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the content data is image data and audio data. A transmission system comprising: a plurality of terminals transmitting and receiving content data; and a management system managing communication of the plurality of terminals,
The management system
Conference management unit that associates and manages conference identification information for identifying a conference to which one or more previously designated terminals can join, and terminal identification information for identifying the one or more designated terminals ,
A destination terminal information management unit that associates and manages terminal identification information of a first terminal and terminal identification information of one or more second terminals that are candidates for communication destinations of the first terminal;
Terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals associated with the terminal identification information of the first terminal managed by the destination terminal information management unit, and the one or more second terminals in the conference management unit a transmitter which of the conference identification information that is associated with one of the terminal identification information transmitted to the first terminal,
Equipped with
The management system
From the first terminal,
In the case of receiving the start request of the first communication addressed to the terminal identification information of the second terminal selected on the display screen among the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals displayed on the display screen Execute connection control for establishing communication for transmitting the content data to which a plurality of terminals including the terminal identified by the terminal identification information of the selected second terminal can participate;
It is a meeting identified by the meeting identification information transmitted by the transmitting unit, and when the start request for the second communication associated with the meeting selected on the display screen is received, the selected meeting is selected. Performing connection control to establish a communication for transmitting the content data to which one or more pre-specified associated terminals can participate;
Transmission system characterized by A transmission management method of a management system that manages communication of a plurality of terminals that transmit and receive content data, comprising:
A management system associates and manages conference identification information for identifying a conference to which one or more previously designated terminals can participate in advance, and terminal identification information for identifying the one or more designated terminals. Step and
Managing the management system by associating and managing terminal identification information of a first terminal and terminal identification information of one or more second terminals that are candidates for communication destinations of the first terminal;
Management system, the terminal identification information of said one or more second terminal associated with the terminal identification information of the first terminal, associated with one of the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminal a step of a conference identification information transmitted to the first terminal that,
Among the terminal identification information of the one or more second terminals displayed on the display screen from the first terminal, the management system is addressed to the terminal identification information of the second terminal selected on the display screen. When the start request of the first communication is received, the communication for transmitting the content data to which a plurality of terminals including the terminal identified by the terminal identification information of the selected second terminal can participate is established. To perform connection control for
If the management system has received a request to start a second communication associated with the conference identified by the conference identification information transmitted by the transmitting step and associated with the conference selected on the display screen, Executing connection control to establish a communication for transmitting the content data to which one or more pre-designated terminals associated with the selected conference can participate .
Transmission management method including: A program for causing a computer to execute the transmission management method according to claim 7 .