JP2007201998A - Conference support system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an inexpensive conference support system capable of selectively outputting a desired conference image from among conference images displayed on a shared screen in accordance with the proceedings of a conference. <P>SOLUTION: A conference support apparatus 60 stores conference images, which are displayed on the shared screen shared by conference participants in accordance with the proceedings of the conference, in an image storage section. The conference support apparatus 60 generates instruction paper P on which a listing of a plurality of stored conference images is displayed and an instruction to select a conference image to be output from among the relevant listing of conference images is entered. After the selection instruction is entered on the instruction paper P, a compound machine 40 reads an image on the instruction paper P and sends scan data to the conference supporting apparatus 60. On the basis of the scan data, the conference supporting apparatus 60 recognizes the conference image selectively instructed on the instruction paper P and reads the recognized conference image out of the image storage section. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2007,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a conference support system that supports a conference.

  There is known an electronic conference system including a shared screen (also referred to as the same screen) shared by a plurality of multi-site or local conference participants. Conventionally, in this type of electronic conference system, by displaying the contents of the conference material on the shared screen, all participants can discuss with reference to the same conference material. Moreover, it can be handwritten electronically (board writing) on a shared screen, and can be discussed while referring to handwritten information (board writing information). Note that the board information is an important result of the conference created by the conference participants.

  In the electronic conference system, the discussion proceeds while referring to the image displayed on the shared screen. For this reason, it is difficult for each participant to refer to an image other than the image on the shared screen. For example, it is difficult for each participant to refer to the image (meeting material or board) on which the discussion has been completed, without being influenced by the progress of the entire discussion. In addition, it is difficult to organize one's thoughts while writing his own notes in accordance with the discussion on the image displayed on the shared screen as the meeting progresses.

  Conventionally, meeting materials are generally printed on paper in advance and distributed to each participant. In this case, each participant can refer to the conference material at hand separately from the shared screen. However, the board written on the shared screen in the course of the discussion is naturally not distributed in advance, and it cannot be referred to only by itself, apart from the shared screen. In addition, unscheduled meeting materials may be referred to on the sharing screen during the discussion process, but such meeting materials cannot be referred to only by oneself.

  Patent Document 1 describes a system that performs an electronic conference between a plurality of participant communication terminals, and displays a shared application window and a personal local window on the screen of each participant communication terminal. .

  Patent Document 2 also includes a common display device shared by conference participants and an individual terminal installed for each conference participant, and each conference participant can freely view the individual terminal. A conference system has been proposed that allows users to select and view materials they want.

JP 2000-99233 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 10-23383

  However, the systems described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 have a problem in that the number of personal terminals must be prepared for the number of participants, and the cost is high.

  Therefore, the present invention provides an inexpensive conference support system that can select and output a desired conference image from conference images displayed on a shared screen according to the progress of the conference.

  A conference support system according to the present invention is a conference support system including a conference support device that controls a shared screen shared by conference participants, and a multi-function peripheral connected to the conference support device. Has means for storing the conference images displayed according to the progress of the conference on the shared screen, and the multifunction device displays a list of a plurality of conference images stored in the conference support device, and displays the list Means for printing an instruction sheet on which an instruction for selecting a meeting image to be printed is printed out of the conference images that have been printed, and an image on the instruction sheet on which an instruction for selecting a meeting image has been entered by the user, and is selected on the instruction sheet Means for acquiring and printing a conference image from the conference support apparatus.

  The conference support device according to the present invention stores an image storage control means for storing a conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in the storage device, and stored in the storage device. A plurality of conference images are displayed in a list, and a sheet generation control unit that causes the sheet generation device to generate an instruction sheet in which an instruction to select a conference image to be output among the conference images displayed in the list is entered, and the generated Image acquisition means for acquiring an image of the instruction sheet via an image reading device, image recognition means for recognizing a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image, and the recognized selection Image output control means for reading a conference image according to the instruction from the storage device and causing the output device to output the conference image.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image storage control unit stores the conference image in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image, and the sheet generation control unit stores each conference displayed in the list. An instruction sheet in which the image identification information of each conference image is displayed in association with the image is generated, and the image recognition unit selects the image identification information of the conference image that is selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image. And the image output control means searches for the selected conference image based on the recognized image identification information.

  Further, in a preferred aspect of the present invention, the sheet generation control unit generates an instruction sheet provided with an entry column for each conference image for entering a selection instruction for each conference image, and the image recognition unit includes: Based on the acquired image, an entry field in which a selection instruction is entered is specified, and a conference image corresponding to the specified entry field is recognized as a selection-instructed meeting image.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image storage control means stores a conference image including a board written image written on the shared screen.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the image output control means causes the printing apparatus to print out the conference image.

  In a preferred aspect of the present invention, the sheet generation control means displays a list of the conference images, fills in an instruction for selecting a conference image, displays conference participants, and transmits a conference image. An instruction sheet on which a selection instruction of a related person is entered is generated, and the image recognizing unit recognizes a meeting image selected on the instruction sheet and a meeting related person based on the acquired image, and the image The output control unit causes the transmission device to transmit the conference image related to the recognized selection instruction, with the party related to the recognized selection instruction as the transmission destination.

  The conference support apparatus according to the present invention associates a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants with image identification information for identifying the conference image in a storage device. The image storage control means to be stored and a plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and an instruction to select a conference image to be output from the displayed conference images is issued. And a sheet generation control unit that causes the sheet generation apparatus to generate an instruction sheet to be filled.

  In addition, the conference support apparatus according to the present invention stores a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image. An instruction sheet that is stored in a device, the stored conference images are respectively displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and an instruction for selecting a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is entered; An image acquisition unit configured to acquire an image of the instruction sheet generated by the generating apparatus via an image reading device; and image identification information of a conference image selected and specified on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image An image recognition unit for recognizing the image, and an image output system for retrieving the selected conference image from the storage device based on the recognized image identification information and outputting the conference image to the output device. And having a means.

  The conference support program according to the present invention stores, in a storage device, a conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by conference participants in a computer, and stored in the storage device A step of causing the sheet generating device to generate an instruction sheet in which a plurality of meeting images are displayed in a list and an instruction for selecting a meeting image to be output among the displayed meeting images is entered, and the generated instruction sheet A step of acquiring an image via an image reading device; a step of recognizing a meeting image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image; and a meeting image according to the recognized selection instruction; And reading out from the storage device and outputting to the output device.

  Further, the conference support program according to the present invention includes a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on the shared screen shared by the conference participants on the computer, and image identification information for identifying the conference image. A step of associating and storing in a storage device; and a plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and a conference image to be output is selected from the displayed conference images And causing the sheet generating apparatus to generate an instruction sheet on which the instruction is written.

  Further, the conference support program according to the present invention includes a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on the shared screen shared by the conference participants on the computer, and image identification information for identifying the conference image. A plurality of stored conference images are displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and an instruction to select a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is entered. An image of the instruction sheet generated by an apparatus for generating an instruction sheet is acquired via an image reading device, and an image identification of a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image A step of recognizing information, and searching for the conference image instructed to be selected based on the recognized image identification information from the storage device and outputting it to the output device. Characterized in that to execute the steps that, the.

  The conference support method according to the present invention is a conference support method in a system including a conference support device that controls a shared screen shared by conference participants, and a multi-function peripheral connected to the conference support device. The support device stores a conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on the shared screen, and the multifunction device displays a list of a plurality of conference images stored in the conference support device. A step of printing an instruction sheet in which an instruction for selecting a meeting image to be printed is entered from among the meeting images that have been printed, and the MFP reads an image of the instruction sheet in which an instruction for selecting a meeting image has been entered by the user, Acquiring the conference image selected on the instruction sheet from the conference support apparatus and printing the conference image.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to provide an inexpensive conference support system capable of selecting and outputting a desired conference image from conference images displayed on a shared screen according to the progress of the conference.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  FIG. 1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic conference system 1 including a conference support system according to the present embodiment. The electronic conference system 1 is a system that supports a multipoint or local conference by including a shared screen shared by conference participants and displaying conference materials on the shared screen. In a typical usage mode, a plurality of conference participants discuss in one or more conference rooms while referring to the shared screen. More specifically, the electronic conference system 1 can selectively output (print or the like) a desired conference image from conference images displayed according to the progress of the conference on the shared screen. It is. In the present specification, the term “conference” includes “conference event” and “conference body”. A “conference event” is a single meeting held between multiple points or locally at a certain time, such as the third product planning meeting held from 10 am to 12 am on December 15 It is. The “conference body” is an organization that discusses or resolves certain matters, such as a management meeting, a board meeting, an X product planning meeting, and a Y project meeting.

  1, conference rooms A, B, C, D,... Have shared screen displays 10A, 10B, 10C, 10D,..., Operation panels 20A, 20B, 20C, 20D,. , IC card readers 30A, 30B, 30C, 30D,... And multifunction devices 40A, 40B, 40C, 40D,. In the following description, alphabets indicating conference rooms in the reference numerals are omitted as appropriate, and are collectively referred to as a shared screen display 10, an operation panel 20, an IC card reader 30, and a multifunction device 40. The devices 10 to 40 installed in each conference room are connected to a network N such as a LAN (Local Area Network) or the Internet. On this network N, a document server 50 and a conference support device 60 are installed.

  The shared screen display 10 is a display device that displays a shared screen shared by all participants in a multipoint conference or a local conference. In the present embodiment, the shared screen display 10 is a large-sized (about 50-inch) so-called electronic blackboard, which can write (board writing) characters or figures on the screen with an electronic pen or a finger. .

  The operation panel 20 is a user interface that presents various information to a user (mainly a conference speaker) and receives an operation input from the user, and is a small (about 15 type) touch panel display here.

  The IC card reader 30 is a non-contact type reading device that reads user identification information (hereinafter referred to as “user ID”) stored in the IC card from an IC card owned by each user. Frequency Identification) reader.

  The multi-function device 40 is a device having at least a printing function (printing function) and an image reading function (scanning function). This multi-function device 40 is almost the same as a widely known general digital multi-function device, but differs in the following points. That is, the multi-function device 40 according to the present embodiment has a conference scan mode in addition to general operation modes such as a copy mode and a scan mode. In this conference scan mode, the scanned image data is conference-supported. Send to device 60.

  The document server 50 is a computer that stores and manages meeting materials that are electronic documents. Here, examples of the conference material include application files such as presentation software and word processing software, and image data such as Tiff (Tagged Image File Format) and JPEG (Joint Photographic Eu1perts Group).

  The conference support device 60 is a device that supports the conference by controlling the entire electronic conference system 1, that is, the various devices 10 to 40 and the document server 50 installed in each conference room. In the present embodiment, the conference support apparatus 60 is a computer, and is realized by cooperation of software and hardware resources. The conference support apparatus 60 includes the conference support program according to the present embodiment as software, and includes, as hardware resources, an external storage device such as a CPU (Central Processing Unit), a main memory, a ROM (Read Only Memory), and a hard disk. including. The function of the conference support device 60 is realized by reading a conference support program recorded in a recording medium such as an external storage device or ROM into the main memory and executing it by the CPU.

  FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic conference system 1 according to the present embodiment. In FIG. 2, the multifunction device 40 includes a printing unit 41 and an image reading unit 42. The printing unit 41 prints an image on a print medium such as paper based on the image data by an appropriate printing method such as an electrophotographic method or an inkjet method. The image reading unit 42 optically reads an image of a document and generates image data by an appropriate scanning method such as a platen method or a sheet through method.

  The conference support device 60 includes an input / output control unit 61, an image storage unit 62, a sheet generation control unit 63, an image acquisition unit 64, an image recognition unit 65, and an image output control unit 66.

  The input / output control unit 61 controls the shared screen display 10, the operation panel 20, and the IC card reader 30 to present various information to the user and accept operation input from the user. Specifically, the input / output control unit 61 has a meeting designation reception function for accepting designation of a meeting (conference body or meeting event), and an image of the meeting material designated by the user among the meeting materials stored in the document server 50. Is displayed on the shared screen display 10, and an image storage control function is stored in the image storage unit 62 that stores the conference image displayed on the shared screen display 10 in accordance with the progress of the conference. The image storage control function will be described in detail. The input / output control unit 61 registers the conference image displayed immediately before switching in the image storage unit 62 every time the conference material displayed on the shared screen display 10 is switched. To do. At this time, the input / output control unit 61 generates image identification information (hereinafter referred to as “image ID”) for identifying the conference image, associates the conference image with the image ID, and stores the image storage unit 62. Register with. Here, the conference image includes an image of the conference material and an image of the board written on the shared screen. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, from the viewpoint of supporting a plurality of conferences, the input / output control unit 61 uses conference identification information (conference body or conference event) for identifying the conference image (conference body or conference event). Hereinafter, it is stored in association with “conference ID”.

  Based on the input from the input / output control unit 61, the image storage unit 62 displays the conference image displayed on the shared screen according to the progress of the conference, the image ID of the conference image, and the conference using the conference image. Are stored in association with each other.

  The sheet generation control unit 63 displays a list of a plurality of conference images stored in the image storage unit 62, and indicates an instruction sheet (hereinafter, referred to as an instruction for selecting a conference image to be output among the conference images displayed in the list). P) (referred to as “instruction paper”) is generated by the sheet generating apparatus. In the present embodiment, the sheet generation control unit 63 displays the conference images in a list, displays the image ID of each conference image in association with each conference image displayed in the list, and further selects each conference image. An instruction sheet P provided with an entry field for each conference image for entering an instruction is printed out by the printing unit 41 of the multifunction device 40. Each time a predetermined number (for example, nine) of conference images are registered in the image storage unit 62, the sheet generation control unit 63 combines the instruction sheet P on which the predetermined number of registered conference images are displayed in a list. Machine 40 is generated. The sheet generation control unit 63 executes the generation of the instruction sheet P for each conference based on the conference ID associated with each conference image. That is, for each conference, the sheet generation control unit 63 generates the instruction sheet P related to the conference every time a predetermined number of conference images related to the conference are registered.

  The image acquisition unit 64 acquires the generated image of the instruction sheet P (after entering the selection instruction) via an image reading device (here, the image reading unit 42 of the multi-function device 40).

  The image recognition unit 65 recognizes the conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet P based on the image acquired by the image acquisition unit 64. In the present embodiment, the image recognizing unit 65 identifies the entry field in which the selection instruction is entered based on the read image of the instruction sheet P, and selects the conference image corresponding to the identified entry field. Recognize as instructed meeting image. Then, the image recognizing unit 65 recognizes the image ID displayed on the instruction sheet P in association with the selected conference image based on the read image of the instruction sheet P.

  The image output control unit 66 reads the conference image related to the selection instruction recognized by the image recognition unit 65 from the image storage unit 62 and causes the image output device to output the conference image. In the present embodiment, the image output control unit 66 searches the image storage unit 62 for the conference image instructed to be selected based on the image ID recognized by the image recognition unit 65. The retrieved conference image is printed out by the printing unit 41 of the multifunction device 40.

  FIG. 3 is a flowchart showing an operation procedure of the electronic conference system 1 according to the present embodiment. Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic conference system 1 will be described in detail with reference to FIG. In the following description, a case where a local conference is performed in the conference room A will be described as an example.

  When the IC card reader 30A is held over by the user, the IC card reader 30A reads the user ID from the IC card and sends it to the conference support apparatus 60. Here, it is assumed that the IC card of the user U1 is held over and the user ID “u1” assigned to the user U1 is read.

  In the conference support apparatus 60, when the input / output control unit 61 receives the user ID “u1” from the IC card reader 30A (S1), the input / output control unit 61 performs a predetermined authentication process based on the user ID. If the authentication is successful, designation of the conference body is received from the user U1 (S2). Specifically, the input / output control unit 61 reads a conference body (that is, a conference body to which the user U1 belongs) associated with the user ID “u1” in advance from a database (not shown), and displays the conference body shown in FIG. A conference body designation screen 400 for accepting designation is displayed on the operation panel 20A, and designation of a conference body is accepted on the conference body designation screen 400. In FIG. 4, on the conference body designation screen 400, conference body selection buttons 401 to 404 and a start button 405 each displaying the name of the conference body to which the user U1 belongs are arranged. Here, it is assumed that the user U1 presses the meeting body selection button 401 and then presses the start button 405 in order to hold a meeting related to the meeting body “management meeting”.

  When the input / output control unit 61 receives the above operation via the operation panel 20A, as shown in FIG. 5, the input / output control unit 61 associates the conference room A with the conference ID “c1” assigned in advance to the “management conference”. Hold in the conference room-conference ID table. Since each conference room and the devices 10 to 40 for each conference room are associated in advance, the conference room-conference ID table indicates the association between the devices 10 to 40 for each conference room and the conference ID. The input / output control unit 61 performs conference support control for supporting the management conference in the conference room A based on the conference room-conference ID table (S3).

  Hereinafter, before explaining step S4 and subsequent steps in FIG. 3, the conference support control will be described in detail by displaying / storing the shared screen, generating instruction sheet P, and outputting the conference image.

(Share screen display / memory)
FIG. 6 is a flowchart showing processing of the input / output control unit 61 related to display / storage of the shared screen. When the meeting support control is started, the input / output control unit 61 accesses the document server 50 to list a meeting material associated with the meeting ID “c1” among the meeting materials stored in the document server 50. Is displayed on the operation panel 20A. When the user designates desired conference material on the screen of the operation panel 20A, the input / output control unit 61 acquires the designated conference material from the document server 50 in accordance with the user operation. Here, it is assumed that a presentation software file including a plurality of pages of screen data is designated and acquired as the conference material. Next, the input / output control unit 61 displays an image based on the conference material on the shared screen display 10A (S11). At this time, the input / output control unit 61 displays an image based on the screen data of the first page of the conference material on the shared screen.

  While the image based on the screen data is displayed on the shared screen display 10A, when the input / output control unit 61 detects a writing operation with the electronic pen on the shared screen display 10A (S12: YES), the original screen is displayed. An image obtained by superimposing the written content (board writing image) on the data image is displayed on the shared screen display 10A (S13). That is, whenever a user performs a writing operation on the shared screen display 10A, the written content is reflected on the display screen of the shared screen display 10A.

  When the discussion on the first page of the conference material ends and the user presses the “next page” button on the operation panel 20A, the input / output control unit 61 accepts the user operation (S14: YES), and the shared screen at that time Image data indicating the screen displayed on the display 10A (hereinafter referred to as “conference image data”) is stored in the image storage unit 62 (S15). Specifically, the input / output control unit 61 generates an image ID for uniquely identifying the conference image data, and registers the conference image data and the image ID in the image storage unit 62 in association with each other. In the present embodiment, as shown in FIG. 7, the image ID includes a conference ID and a sequence number. Of the image IDs in FIG. 7, “Conference ID” is the conference ID of the conference related to the conference image data (here, “c1”), and “Sequence Number” is sequentially assigned to the conference image data for the conference. Number. The sequence number is preferably a sufficiently large number that does not make a round during the conference. In the present embodiment, the image ID is 2 bytes long.

  Next, the input / output control unit 61 switches the screen of the shared screen display 10 </ b> A in response to pressing of the “next page” button. That is, returning to step S11, an image based on the screen data of the second page of the conference material is displayed on the shared screen.

  Thereafter, similarly to the above, the processes of steps S11 to S15 are repeated. That is, the “next page” button is pressed in accordance with the progress of the conference, and the screen on the shared screen display 10A is switched to the first page → second page → third page →. When the screen is switched, the screen immediately before the switching is saved in the image storage unit 62 as conference image data.

(Instruction sheet generation)
FIG. 8 is a flowchart showing the processing of the sheet generation control unit 63. In FIG. 8, the sheet generation control unit 63 stands by until the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S21: NO). When the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S21: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a thumbnail (reduced image) of the conference image data and a one-dimensional bar indicating the image ID. A code is created, the created thumbnail and a one-dimensional barcode are associated with each other and sequentially arranged in one page of the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the instruction sheet image is temporarily stored (S22).

  The sheet generation control unit 63 repeats the processes of steps S21 and S22 until the number of thumbnails reaches a predetermined number (here, 9) (S23: NO), and when the number of thumbnails reaches 9 (S23: YES). Then, the temporarily stored image data is sent to the multi-function device 40A as instruction sheet data, and an instruction to print the instruction sheet data is given (S24). For example, the sheet generation control unit 63 describes the instruction sheet data in a page description language (PDL) or the like, and sends the instruction sheet data to the multi-function device 40A by a print protocol (for example, LPR: Line PRinter daemon protocol). In response to this instruction, the multi-function device 40A causes the printing unit 41 to print a list image of nine thumbnails on paper (for example, A4 paper) based on the instruction paper data, and to display the instruction paper P (hereinafter “instruction paper” as appropriate). Abbreviated). Here, the number of instruction sheets to be output is arbitrary, and may be, for example, the number of meeting participants or one. Next, the sheet generation control unit 63 clears the temporarily stored image data (S25), and returns to step S21.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram showing the instruction sheet P printed out. In FIG. 9, nine thumbnails 901 to 909 corresponding to nine conference images are arranged on the sheet of the instruction sheet P according to the order displayed on the shared screen display 10A. In the vicinity of each of the thumbnails 901 to 909 (immediately below in FIG. 9), a one-dimensional barcode 911 to 919 in which an image ID corresponding to each thumbnail is encoded and an entry field for entering a conference image selection instruction (FIG. 9). 9 are check boxes) 921 to 929. That is, on the instruction sheet P, the thumbnail, the barcode of the image ID, and the check box are visually associated with each other. Further, black square marks 931 to 934 for specifying coordinates on the instruction paper are arranged at the four corners of the paper surface. Among these, the square mark 931 at the upper left of the drawing is larger than the other square marks 932 to 934. This is to make it possible to determine whether the instruction sheet P is up, down, left, or right. In the present embodiment, the one-dimensional barcode indicating the image ID is arranged on the instruction paper P. However, the image ID may be attached in another manner as long as the image ID can be recognized. For example, a character indicating an image ID, a two-dimensional barcode (for example, a QR code) or the like may be attached, or the image ID may be embedded in the thumbnail image itself. Also, the shape of the entry field for selection is arbitrary. Further, the display for specifying the coordinates on the instruction sheet may be arbitrary or may be omitted. Furthermore, in the present embodiment, nine thumbnails are collectively printed on one instruction sheet P, but it goes without saying that the number of thumbnails is not limited to nine.

  Each time nine pieces of conference image data are registered in the image storage unit 62 by the operation of the sheet generation control unit 63, an instruction sheet on which a list of the nine pieces of conference image data is displayed is displayed from the multifunction device 40A. Printed out.

(Conference image output)
The conference participant looks at the conference image on the instruction sheet and checks a check box corresponding to the desired conference image with a pen. For example, when a conference participant wants to participate in a discussion while looking at a previously discussed page instead of the image currently displayed on the shared screen display 10A during the conference, he / she goes in front of the multi-function device 40A to display the instruction sheet. And pick a check in the check box near the thumbnail of the image you want. An example of the instruction sheet P after the entry is shown in FIG. In the example of FIG. 10, the third and fifth meeting images are selected.

  On the control panel (not shown) of the multi-function device 40A, a screen for accepting selection of a desired operation mode among copy, scan, facsimile, and conference scan is displayed. The conference participant puts the written instruction sheet on the platen (original platen) of the multi-function device 40A, selects conference scan on the control panel, and presses a start button (not shown).

  When the multifunction device 40A receives the above operation, the image reading unit 42 reads the image on the instruction sheet to generate scan data (image data), and sends the scan data to the conference support device 60.

  In the conference support apparatus 60, the image acquisition unit 64 acquires scan data from the multi-function device 40A and passes the scan data to the image recognition unit 65.

  FIG. 11 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image recognition unit 65. In FIG. 11, the image recognition unit 65 waits until scan data is input from the image acquisition unit 64 (S <b> 31: NO). When the image recognition unit 65 receives an input of scan data from the image acquisition unit 64 (S31: YES), the image recognition unit 65 recognizes the position of the check box and the position of the barcode based on the pixel positions of the four square marks in the scan data, A check box and a barcode are cut out in pairs (S32). Next, the image recognition unit 65 determines the presence / absence of a check of a certain check box among the nine check boxes in accordance with the determination order of the presence / absence of the check (S33). If it is determined that there is a check (S33: YES), the barcode corresponding to the check box is decoded, the image ID of the selected conference image data is recognized, and this image ID is used as the image output control unit. 66 is notified (S34). The image recognizing unit 65 repeats the processes of steps S33 and S34 until the determination of all check boxes is completed (S35: NO). When the determination of all check boxes is completed (S35: YES), step S31 is performed. Return to.

  When the instruction sheet is scanned by the operation of the image recognition unit 65 described above, the image ID of the conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet is extracted based on the scan data and notified to the image output control unit 66.

  When the image output control unit 66 receives the image ID from the image recognition unit 65, the image output control unit 66 reads the conference image data corresponding to the image ID from the image storage unit 62 and sends the conference image data to the multi-function device 40A, and instructs to print the conference image data. To do. For example, the image output control unit 66 describes the conference image data in PDL or the like, and sends it to the multi-function device 40A by LPR or the like. In response to this instruction, the multi-function device 40A prints and outputs the conference image on paper (for example, A4 paper) based on the conference image data in the printing unit 41.

  The conference participant receives the paper on which the conference image in progress of the conference selected by checking on the instruction sheet is printed. Thereby, the conference participant can refer to the screen previously displayed on the shared screen. Also, you can make your own thoughts and your own notes on the paper on which the screen is printed.

  Referring back to FIG. 3, when the input / output control unit 61 receives a conference end instruction (for example, pressing operation of the end button) from the user on the operation panel 20 </ b> A (S <b> 4: YES), the input / output control unit 61 stores it in the image storage unit 62. The meeting image data being stored is stored in the document server 50 in association with the meeting ID “c1” (S5), and the support for the meeting of the meeting body “management meeting” in the meeting room A is terminated.

  The operation of the electronic conference system 1 when one local conference is performed has been described above. Hereinafter, the operation of the electronic conference system 1 when a plurality of multipoint conferences are performed will be described. In the following description, detailed description of operations similar to those of the local conference is omitted.

  When “management meeting” is selected on the operation panels 20A and 20B and “Y project meeting” is selected on the operation panels 20C and 20D, the conference support apparatus 60, as shown in FIG. , B and the conference ID “c1” of the management conference, and the conference rooms C and D and the conference ID “c2” of the Y project conference are stored in the conference room-conference ID table. Based on the conference room-conference ID table, conference support control is performed as follows for the management conference held between the conference rooms A and B and the Y project conference held between the conference rooms C and D.

(Share screen display / memory)
When a desired meeting material is designated on the operation panel 20 </ b> C, the meeting support device 60 acquires the designated meeting material from the document server 50. In the conference support device 60, the conference room C is associated with the conference ID “c2”, and the conference ID “c2” is associated with the conference rooms C and D. An image based on the eye screen data is displayed on the shared screen displays 10C and 10D.

  When a writing operation is performed with the electronic pen on the shared screen display 10C or 10D while the image based on the screen data is displayed on the shared screen displays 10C and 10D, the written content is displayed on the display screens of the shared screen displays 10C and 10D. It is reflected in.

  When the “next page” button is pressed on the operation panel 20C, the conference support apparatus 60 converts the image data (conference image data) displayed on the shared screen displays 10C and 10D at that time into the conference ID “ It is registered in the image storage unit 62 in association with the image ID including “c2”. Next, in response to pressing of the “next page” button, the conference support apparatus 60 displays an image based on the screen data of the second page of the conference material on the shared screen displays 10C and 10D.

  Thereafter, the above process is repeated. That is, the “next page” button is pressed according to the progress of the Y project meeting, and the screens on the shared screen displays 10C and 10D are switched from the first page to the second page to the third page to. . When the screen is switched, the screen immediately before the switching is saved in the image storage unit 62 as conference image data.

  Similarly, in the management meeting between the meeting rooms A and B, the shared screen is displayed on the shared screen displays 10A and 10B based on the operation on the operation panel 20A or 20B. In the image storage unit 62, the meeting image data of the management meeting is stored in the same manner as the meeting image data of the Y project meeting. Here, the image ID including the conference ID “c1” is associated with the conference image data of the management conference.

(Instruction sheet generation)
The meeting support device 60 is configured such that every time nine pieces of meeting image data of the Y project meeting (that is, meeting image data associated with an image ID including the meeting ID “c2”) is stored in the image storage unit 62, the nine sheets. An instruction sheet for displaying a list of minutes of conference image data is printed on the multifunction peripherals 40C and 40D associated with the conference ID “c2”. The multifunction peripherals 40C and 40D print out the instruction sheet for the Y project meeting.

  Similarly, in the management meeting between the meeting rooms A and B, the multifunction machines 40A and 40B print out the instruction sheet for the management meeting.

(Conference image output)
The conference participants in the conference room C pick up the instruction sheet for the Y project conference in the multifunction device 40C, and enter a check in the check box corresponding to the desired conference image. Then, the conference participant sets the completed instruction sheet in the multi-function device 40C, selects conference scan on the control panel, and presses the start button.

  In response to the above operation, the multi-function device 40C reads the instruction sheet image and sends the scan data to the conference support device 60.

  When the meeting support apparatus 60 receives the scan data from the multi-function device 40C, the meeting support apparatus 60 recognizes the selected image ID based on the scan data. Then, the conference support apparatus 60 reads the conference image data corresponding to the recognized image ID from the image storage unit 62, and causes the MFP 40C that is the scan data transmission source to print the conference image data. Thereby, the paper on which the conference image of the selected Y project conference is printed is output from the multi-function device 40C.

  The conference participants in the conference rooms A, B, and D can also obtain the paper on which the desired conference image is printed using the multi-function devices 40A, 40B, and 40D, as described above.

  Although omitted in the above description, in a preferred embodiment, each conference room is provided with a video camera, a video image display device, a microphone, and a speaker, and the conference support device 60 controls these devices. Provide a video conference environment.

  In the above example, the conference ID identifies the conference body. However, the conference ID may identify a conference event (local or between multiple points). That is, in the above example, the conference image data is stored in association with the conference body, but the conference image data may be stored in association with the conference event. In this case, for example, the conference support device 60 records the conference history for each conference body, and when the third management conference is started, the conference ID “c1-3” for identifying the conference event is recorded. ”And the conference ID“ c1-3 ”is used instead of the conference ID“ c1 ”. Further, for example, instead of accepting designation of the conference body from the user, the conference support apparatus 60 accepts a conference event start instruction (that is, designation of a conference event that starts at that time), and responds to the conference according to the start instruction. A conference ID for identifying the event is generated, and this conference ID is used.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, the conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on the shared screen shared by the conference participants is stored in the image storage unit, and a plurality of stored conference images are stored. An instruction sheet on which a selection instruction of conference images to be displayed and to be output is entered is generated. Then, the image on the instruction sheet in which the selection instruction is entered is read, the conference image instructed to be selected is recognized based on the read image, and the recognized conference image is read from the image storage unit and output. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, a personal terminal is not required, and a desired conference image is selected and output from the conference images displayed on the shared screen according to the progress of the conference. It can be realized by an inexpensive configuration.

  In addition, the conference participant can select a desired image by entering a selection instruction while viewing the image on an instruction sheet on which a list of conference images is displayed. In other words, a desired conference image can be output by a simple instruction using paper and a pen. As a result, a desired conference image can be output in a short time. In addition, since the operation is simple, the thinking of conference participants is not hindered so much, and the efficiency and quality of the conference can be improved. Specifically, by using paper and a pen, it is possible to refer to an image without interfering with human thoughts, so that the productivity of knowledge creation by a conference is improved. Furthermore, since an inexpensive medium such as paper is used, it is economical that no special equipment is required, and there is no problem even if the number of conference participants increases. Participants need only be aware of the images used in the discussion, do not need the concept of a file, which is a unit of data handled by computer programs, and do not need any file-aware operation, so they can easily create the desired image. Can be selected. Even if the number of conference images increases, there is no particular problem due to the listability of paper. Since it is paper, it can be stacked, or it can be affixed to the wall with a pin, and there is no particular problem even if the number of instruction sheets increases. In addition, by generating a plurality of instruction sheets, it is possible to easily handle a plurality of conference participants. Also, even when creating instruction sheets one by one, it can be reused by filling in with a pencil and then erasing with the eraser for the next user, making it easy to handle multiple participants It is. Also, by copying the instruction sheet, it is possible to easily deal with a plurality of participants.

  Further, in the present embodiment, since the conference image selected on the instruction sheet is printed out, the conference participant can select an image necessary depending on the occasion of the conference among images created according to the progress of the conference. Independent of the shared screen shared by multiple people, it can be taken out and referred to as paper during discussion. Specifically, the desired image can be taken out of the conference image generated along with the progress of the conference as a piece of paper with simplicity and speed that does not hinder thinking so much. You can discuss and organize your thoughts in parallel and deepen the content of the meeting itself. Since an inexpensive medium such as paper is used, it is economical because it is not necessary to prepare a special device. Also, you can enter your own notes on the printed meeting image. You can browse multiple pages at the same time and use your pen to write your own. Since a memo can be written on paper, writing is easier than when writing a memo on a personal terminal such as a PC, and the discussion can be concentrated on the meeting. That is, it is possible to refer to a conference image and write a memo without feeling uncomfortable while participating in a conference discussion.

  In the present embodiment, the conference image is stored in association with the image ID, and an instruction sheet is generated in which the conference image and the image ID are displayed in association with each other. Then, the image of the instruction sheet in which the selection instruction is entered is read, the image ID of the conference image instructed to be selected is recognized based on the read image, and the conference image instructed to be selected using the recognized image ID. Retrieve from the image storage unit and output. Therefore, according to the present embodiment, the conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet can be easily identified and searched by the image ID.

  In the present embodiment, an entry field for each conference image for entering an instruction to select each conference image is provided on the instruction sheet, and the conference image selected and designated is recognized based on the entry in the entry column. For this reason, recognition of the selected meeting image can be facilitated. In addition, since it is only necessary for a conference participant to fill in the entry field corresponding to the desired conference image, it is easy to understand and a selection instruction can be easily entered.

  In the present embodiment, the conference image includes a blackboard image written on the shared screen. Therefore, the conference participant can refer not only to the original conference material used in the conference, but also to the board written in the conference material. In addition, it is possible to write a note of your own on the image of the conference material written on the board, which is efficient when the information obtained at the conference is used later.

  In the present embodiment, the conference image is stored in association with the conference ID for identifying the conference in which the conference image is used. For this reason, it is possible to identify which conference the stored conference image belongs to, and it is possible to appropriately support a plurality of conferences. Specifically, when supporting a plurality of conferences at the same time, the instruction sheet can be created separately for each conference. In addition, the instruction sheet for each meeting can be output to an appropriate sheet generating apparatus corresponding to the meeting.

  In the present embodiment, every time a predetermined number of conference images are stored, an instruction sheet on which the predetermined number of conference images are displayed as a list is generated. For this reason, the instruction sheet is automatically generated according to the progress of the conference, and no special operation is required, which is convenient for the conference participants.

  In addition, since the instruction sheet is printed and the instruction sheet is scanned by the same apparatus (multifunction device 40), the instruction sheet can be scanned at the same place where the instruction sheet is printed, which is convenient. Furthermore, since the instruction sheet is scanned and the conference image is printed by the same apparatus (multifunction device 40), the conference image can be received at the same place where the instruction sheet is scanned, which is convenient.

[Second Embodiment]
FIG. 13 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic conference system 2 according to the second embodiment. The electronic conference system 2 is almost the same as the electronic conference system 1 according to the first embodiment, but is characterized in that an instruction sheet is generated in response to a user request. Hereinafter, although the electronic conference system 2 will be described, portions common to the electronic conference system 1 are denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof is omitted.

  As shown in FIG. 13, in the present embodiment, an instruction sheet generation request is input to the sheet generation control unit 63. In response to the instruction sheet generation request, the sheet generation control unit 63 generates instruction sheets as follows.

  FIG. 14 is a flowchart showing a first process of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 14, when the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S41: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a thumbnail of the conference image data and a barcode indicating the image ID. Are sequentially arranged in the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the instruction sheet image is temporarily stored (S42).

  The sheet generation control unit 63 repeats the processes of steps S41 and S42 until the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S43: NO). When the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S43: YES), the temporarily stored image data is stored. The instruction sheet data is stored in a predetermined instruction sheet storage area, and the temporarily stored image data is cleared (S44). Next, the sheet generation control unit 63 sends the stored instruction sheet data to the multi-function device 40 for printing (S45), and returns to step S41.

  FIG. 15 is a flowchart showing a second process of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 14 is executed in parallel with the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 15, when the sheet generation control unit 63 receives an instruction sheet generation request from the user via the control panel or the operation panel 20 of the multi-function device 40 (S51: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 is stored in the instruction sheet storage area. The instruction sheet data and the temporarily stored image data are sent to the multi-function device 40, and the instruction sheet based on these data is printed (S52).

  That is, in the present embodiment, when receiving the instruction sheet generation request from the user, the sheet generation control unit 63 displays all instruction sheets that have been generated so far and the conference image that has not yet been displayed on the instruction sheet. The generated sheet is generated by the sheet generating apparatus.

  Note that, in response to a request from the user, only the instruction sheet on which the conference image that has not yet been displayed on the instruction sheet is displayed or only the instruction sheet that has been generated so far may be generated. Further, a specific instruction sheet may be selectively generated from the instruction sheets that can be generated based on the user's selection.

  According to the present embodiment described above, the instruction sheet is generated in response to the request, so that the conference participant can obtain the instruction sheet when necessary.

[Third Embodiment]
FIG. 16 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic conference system 3 according to the third embodiment. The electronic conference system 3 is almost the same as the electronic conference system 1 according to the first embodiment, but is characterized in that the instruction sheet is generated again each time the instruction sheet is read. Hereinafter, although the electronic conference system 3 is demonstrated, about the part which is common in the said electronic conference system 1, the same code | symbol is used and description shall be abbreviate | omitted.

  FIG. 17 is a flowchart showing a first process of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 17, when the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S61: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a thumbnail of the conference image data and a barcode indicating the image ID. Are sequentially arranged in the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the instruction sheet image is temporarily stored (S62).

  The sheet generation control unit 63 repeats the processes of steps S61 and S62 until the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S63: NO). When the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S63: YES), the sheet data is temporarily stored. Then, instruction sheet identification information (hereinafter referred to as “instruction sheet ID”) for identifying the instruction sheet is assigned and stored as instruction sheet data in a predetermined instruction sheet storage area. Then, the sheet generation control unit 63 clears the temporarily stored image data (S64). Next, the sheet generation control unit 63 sends the stored instruction sheet data to the multi-function device 40 for printing (S65), and returns to step S61.

  The instruction sheet ID is preferably a sufficiently large number that does not make a round during the meeting. In the present embodiment, assuming that at most 112 instruction sheets (for 1008 pages of meeting images) are used in one meeting, numbers from 0 to 255 are allocated to the instruction sheet data in order. In this case, the instruction sheet ID is 1 byte long.

  FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the instruction sheet P generated in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 18, in the present embodiment, a barcode 1801 obtained by encoding the instruction sheet ID is arranged on the upper left side of the instruction sheet P. The rest is the same as the instruction sheet P of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  FIG. 19 is a flowchart showing processing of the image recognition unit 65 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 19, when the image recognition unit 65 receives an input of scan data from the image acquisition unit 64 (S71: YES), the image recognition unit 65 cuts out the check box and the barcode of the image ID in pairs and also displays the barcode of the instruction sheet ID. Cut out (S72). Next, the image recognition unit 65 determines whether or not all the check boxes are checked. For the check box determined to be checked, the image recognition unit 65 recognizes the image ID corresponding to the check box and uses the image ID as the image output control unit. 66 is notified (S73 to S75). When the determination of all the check boxes is completed (S75: YES), the image recognition unit 65 extracts the instruction sheet ID by decoding the barcode of the instruction sheet ID, and issues an instruction sheet re-output request including the instruction sheet ID. The sheet generation control unit 63 is notified (S76), and the process returns to step S71.

  When the instruction sheet is scanned by the operation of the image recognition unit 65 described above, the image ID of the conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet is extracted based on the scan data and notified to the image output control unit 66. The instruction sheet ID is extracted and notified to the sheet generation control unit 63.

  FIG. 20 is a flowchart showing a second process of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. The process shown in FIG. 17 is executed in parallel with the process shown in FIG. In FIG. 20, when the sheet generation control unit 63 receives an instruction sheet re-output request from the image recognition unit 65 (S81: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays instruction sheet data corresponding to the instruction sheet ID included in the instruction sheet re-output request. The instruction sheet is read from the instruction sheet storage area and sent to the multi-function device 40, and the instruction sheet based on the instruction sheet data is printed (S82).

  As described above, in this embodiment, each time the instruction sheet is read, the instruction sheet is generated again. Therefore, a new instruction sheet is replenished according to the use of the instruction sheet, which is highly convenient for the user. Specifically, once the instruction sheet is used by a conference participant, the same sheet cannot be used unless the check mark is removed. Alternatively, there is a method of copying and using the instruction sheet before entering the check mark, but it is complicated. According to the present embodiment, since an unused instruction sheet is printed at any time, troublesome operations such as removing the check mark and copying the instruction sheet are not necessary. Further, compared with the second embodiment, according to the present embodiment, the conference participants can use the unused paper without performing a special operation for requesting the instruction sheet and without waiting for the printing time. You can get the instruction sheet. At first glance, printing of such instruction sheets seems to be useless, but it is important to minimize the work other than the meeting at the meeting so that continuous thinking is not disturbed. Printing the instruction sheet is useful.

[Fourth Embodiment]
FIG. 21 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic conference system 4 according to the fourth embodiment. This electronic conference system 4 is almost the same as the electronic conference system 1 according to the first embodiment, but among the conference images stored in the image storage unit 62, the conference image not yet displayed on the instruction sheet. Is displayed on the screen, and an image selection receiving unit 67 that receives a selection operation of a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is further included, and the conference image selected by the image selection receiving unit 67 is stored in the image storage unit. 62 is read out and output. Hereinafter, although the electronic conference system 4 will be described, the same reference numerals are used for portions common to the electronic conference system 1, and the description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 21, the conference support apparatus 60 further includes an image selection receiving unit 67. The image selection receiving unit 67 displays conference image data not yet displayed on the instruction sheet P among the conference image data stored in the image storage unit 62 on a predetermined screen, and the displayed conference image data The selection operation of meeting image data to be output is accepted. In the present embodiment, the image selection receiving unit 67 displays a thumbnail of the conference image data on the touch panel type display unit 43 of the multi-function device 40, and receives a conference image data selection operation via the display unit 43. However, the display device that displays the conference image data and the input device that receives the selection operation may be a user interface other than the display unit 43.

  FIG. 22 is a flowchart showing processing of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 22, when the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S91: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a thumbnail of the conference image data and a barcode indicating the image ID. Are sequentially arranged in the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the instruction sheet image is temporarily stored (S92). Then, the sheet generation control unit 63 sends the input thumbnail of the conference image data and the input image ID to the image selection receiving unit 67 (S93).

  The sheet generation control unit 63 repeats the processes of steps S91 to S93 until the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S94: NO). When the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S94: YES), the temporarily stored image data is displayed on the instruction sheet. The data is sent to the multi-function device 40 for printing (S95). Next, the sheet generation control unit 63 clears the temporarily stored image data, notifies the image selection receiving unit 67 that the image data has been cleared (S96), and returns to step S91.

  When receiving the thumbnail and the image ID from the sheet generation control unit 63, the image selection receiving unit 67 temporarily stores them in association with each other. Further, upon receiving the notification that the image has been cleared from the sheet generation control unit 63, the image selection receiving unit 67 clears the temporarily stored thumbnail and image ID. Therefore, the image selection receiving unit 67 temporarily stores a thumbnail of conference image data that has not been printed yet and an image ID in association with each other.

  The image selection receiving unit 67 displays the temporarily stored thumbnail on the display unit 43 of the multifunction device 40. The conference participant goes in front of the multi-function device 40, and when there is a desired image in the thumbnail displayed on the display unit 43, designates the thumbnail with a cursor or a finger. The image selection receiving unit 67 receives the specifying operation and sends an image ID corresponding to the specified thumbnail to the image output control unit 66.

  When the image output control unit 66 receives the image ID from the image selection receiving unit 67, the image output control unit 66 reads the conference image data associated with the image ID from the image storage unit 62 and causes the multi-function device 40 to print the conference image data.

  While a conference is in progress, a new conference image may not be printed on the instruction sheet. In the present embodiment, since the image selection receiving unit 67 is provided, a meeting image that has not yet been printed on the instruction sheet is also provided. Can be output.

[Fifth Embodiment]
FIG. 23 is a functional block diagram showing a detailed configuration of the electronic conference system 5 according to the fifth embodiment. This electronic conference system 5 is almost the same as the electronic conference system 1 according to the first embodiment described above, but accepts a conference image and a selection instruction from a conference person on the instruction sheet, and the selected conference image is selected. It is characterized in that it is transmitted to the parties concerned. Hereinafter, the electronic conference system 5 will be described, but portions common to the electronic conference system 1 will be denoted by the same reference numerals and description thereof will be omitted.

  In FIG. 23, the electronic conference system 5 has a transmission unit 68. In the present embodiment, the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a list of conference images, fills in a conference image selection instruction, displays conference participants, and issues a selection instruction of the parties to whom the conference image should be transmitted. The instruction sheet to be filled is generated by the sheet generating device (multifunction device 40). Based on the instruction sheet image acquired by the image acquisition unit 64, the image recognizing unit 65 recognizes the conference image and the party concerned who are instructed to select on the instruction sheet. The image output control unit 66 instructs the transmission unit 68 to transmit the conference image related to the selection instruction recognized by the image recognition unit 65 to the conference personnel related to the selection instruction recognized by the image recognition unit 65. To do. The transmission unit 68 transmits the conference image to the parties involved in the conference according to the instruction from the image output control unit 66.

  FIG. 24 is a flowchart showing processing of the sheet generation control unit 63 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 24, when the conference image data and the image ID are input to the image storage unit 62 (S101: YES), the sheet generation control unit 63 displays a thumbnail of the conference image data and a barcode indicating the image ID. Are sequentially arranged in the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the instruction sheet image is temporarily stored (S102).

  The sheet generation control unit 63 repeats the processes of steps S101 and S102 until the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S103: NO). When the number of thumbnails reaches nine (S103: YES), it is indicated by the temporarily stored image data. The meeting person name and the meeting person identification information (hereinafter referred to as “meeting person ID”) are arranged in the instruction sheet image, and image data indicating the obtained instruction sheet image is combined as instruction sheet data. It is sent to the machine 40 for printing (S104). Next, the sheet generation control unit 63 clears the temporarily stored image data (S105), and returns to step S101.

  Here, as a conference related person, a conference participant, a person who belongs to the conference body, or a related party (secretary, supervisor, subordinate, collaborator, etc.) can be cited. The name of the person concerned with the meeting is the name or name of the person concerned with the meeting. The conference ID is a number or the like that uniquely identifies a conference party. As shown in FIG. 25, in the conference participant database (not shown) of the electronic conference system 5, the conference participant name, conference participant ID, and transmission destination (in FIG. 25, the email address of the conference participant) Are registered in advance in association with each other. Also, although not shown in FIG. 25, each conference participant ID is associated with the conference ID of the conference to which the conference participant relates or the user ID of the user to which the conference participant is related. Yes. For example, when generating an instruction sheet for a certain conference, the sheet generation control unit 63 sets the conference participant name and conference participant ID associated with the conference ID of the conference or the user ID of the conference participant of the conference. Read from the database and include in instruction sheet data. That is, when generating an instruction sheet for a certain meeting, the sheet generation control unit 63 associates with a meeting participant name and a meeting participant ID previously associated with the meeting or a meeting participant of the meeting. The name of the party concerned and the meeting person ID are included in the instruction sheet data. Note that the user ID of the conference participant is registered in the electronic conference system 5 by each conference participant holding the IC card over the IC card reader 30 when participating in the conference, for example.

  FIG. 26 is a diagram showing the instruction sheet P generated in the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 26, on the page of the instruction sheet P, below the thumbnail group, a conference participant name 2601, a bar code 2602 encoding the conference participant ID of the conference participant, and the conference relationship are displayed. An entry field (check box) 2603 for entering a selection instruction of the person is visually associated with each other. Below that, a message field 2610 for entering a message is provided. The rest is the same as the instruction sheet P of the first embodiment shown in FIG.

  Now, during the conference, the conference participant may want to add a message to the image displayed on the shared screen display 10 and send it to the conference participants. In this case, the conference participant goes in front of the multi-function device 40, picks up the instruction sheet, and enters a check in the check box near the thumbnail of the conference image to be sent with a pen. Furthermore, a check is entered with a pen in a check box in the vicinity of the destination to be sent, that is, the name of the party concerned. Furthermore, if you want to send a message, enter the message in the message field by hand. Then, the conference participant places the written instruction sheet on the platen of the multifunction device 40 and presses the start button.

  When the multifunction device 40 receives the above operation, it reads the image on the instruction sheet to generate scan data, and sends the scan data to the conference support device 60.

  FIG. 27 is a flowchart showing processing of the image recognition unit 65 in the present embodiment. In FIG. 27, when the image recognition unit 65 receives input of scan data from the image acquisition unit 64 (S111: YES), the image recognition unit 65 cuts out the check box and the barcode related to the conference image in pairs, and checks related to the conference personnel. A box and a barcode are cut out in pairs (S112). Next, the image recognition unit 65 determines whether or not all the check boxes related to the conference image are checked, and for the check boxes determined to be checked, recognizes the image ID from the barcode corresponding to the check box, and The image ID is sent to the image output control unit 66 (S113 to S115). Next, the image recognition unit 65 determines whether or not all the check boxes related to the meeting party are checked, and for the check box determined to be checked, recognizes the meeting party ID from the barcode corresponding to the check box. Then, the conference participant ID is sent to the image output control unit 66 together with the scan data (S116 to S118). When all the check boxes have been determined (S118: YES), the process returns to step S111.

  When the instruction sheet is scanned by the operation of the image recognition unit 65 described above, based on the scan data, the image ID of the meeting image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet and the meeting party ID of the meeting party are extracted and extracted. The image ID, the extracted conference participant ID, and the scan data are associated with each other and sent to the image output control unit 66.

  FIG. 28 is a flowchart showing the processing of the image output control unit 66 in the present embodiment. When the image output control unit 66 receives the input of the image ID, the conference participant ID, and the scan data from the image recognition unit 65 (S121: YES), the image output control unit 66 receives the conference image data associated with the image ID from the image storage unit 62. It acquires (S122) and acquires the mail address linked | related with the said meeting participant ID from a meeting participant database (S123). Then, the image output control unit 66 sends the acquired conference image data, the acquired e-mail address, and the scan data to the transmission unit 68, and an e-mail including the conference image data and the scan data and destined for the e-mail address, The data is transmitted to the transmission unit 68 (S124). As a result, the transmission unit 68 transmits the conference image data selected and instructed on the instruction sheet, together with the scan data, to each party concerned selected and instructed on the instruction sheet.

  In the above description, e-mail is taken as an example, but other transmission methods may be adopted. For example, it is possible to send a fax by associating a fax number with a conference participant ID. Further, a check box for selecting a transmission method may be provided on the instruction sheet so that the transmission method can be selected using the instruction sheet.

  Also, a check box for selecting printing and transmission is provided on the instruction sheet, and the instruction image is used to print out the meeting image data as in the first to fourth embodiments, or the meeting image It may be possible to select whether to notify the parties concerned with the data, or both.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, a list of conference images is displayed and an instruction for selecting a conference image is entered, and an instruction sheet on which the parties concerned are displayed and selection instructions for the parties to whom the conference image is to be transmitted is entered Is generated. Then, based on the read image on the instruction sheet, the conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet is recognized, and the selected meeting image is transmitted to the selected meeting person by a predetermined transmission method. . For this reason, according to this Embodiment, a desired meeting image can be transmitted to a desired meeting person by simple operation. Specifically, when a conference participant wants to contact a conference participant during a conference, the conference participant can be notified on the spot without procrastination, so that work efficiency can be improved.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, It can change variously within the range which does not deviate from the summary of this invention. For example, in the above embodiment, a check box is provided on the instruction sheet. However, an entry method such as enclosing a thumbnail in a circle may be employed without providing an entry field such as a check box.

  The image ID may be link data indicating the storage location of the conference image data. For example, the image ID takes the form of a URL (Uniform Resource Locator) and may be described as, for example, “http://server1.fujixerox.co.jp/kaigi-A/0001”. Here, “server1” is the name of a server (conference support device 60) that implements the image storage unit 62 and stores conference image data. “kaigi-A” is the name of the conference and indicates conference image data related to the conference A among a plurality of conferences. “0001” is a sequence number sequentially assigned to the conference image data. In this case, the image storage unit 62 can be realized by using a conventional HTTP server or the like.

  In the above embodiment, the instruction sheet includes the image ID, but this can be omitted. For example, in the following configuration, the image ID on the instruction sheet is not necessary. That is, when generating the instruction sheet, the conference support apparatus 60 includes an instruction sheet ID for identifying the instruction sheet in the instruction sheet, and for each meeting image on the instruction sheet, the image ID and the thumbnail thereof. Is stored in association with the position of the instruction sheet on which the instruction sheet is placed and the instruction sheet ID. Then, when processing the scan data of the instruction sheet, the conference support apparatus 60 extracts the instruction sheet ID based on the scan data and recognizes the position of the thumbnail instructed to be selected. Then, the conference support device 60 refers to the stored information, and specifies the image ID corresponding to the selected thumbnail based on the extracted instruction sheet ID and the recognized thumbnail position.

  Further, the image storage unit 62 associates the conference image data with a conference room ID for uniquely identifying the conference room in which the conference image data is used or a screen ID for uniquely identifying the shared screen display 10 on which the conference image data is displayed. It is good also as memorizing. In this configuration, it is possible to identify which conference room the stored conference image belongs to, and appropriately support a plurality of conferences held in a plurality of conference rooms. Specifically, when supporting a conference in a plurality of conference rooms at the same time, the instruction sheet can be created separately for each conference room. In addition, the instruction sheet for each conference room can be output to an appropriate sheet generating apparatus corresponding to the conference room.

  Further, the specific configuration of the user interface that accepts user operations can be changed as appropriate. For example, the operation panel 20 may be omitted, and the function of the operation panel 20 may be provided in the shared screen display 10 or the multifunction device 40. Further, the IC card reader 30 may be omitted, and user authentication may be performed by another means. Further, user authentication itself can be omitted.

  In the above embodiment, the conference support device 60 is realized by a server on the network N. However, the specific configuration for realizing the function of the conference support device 60 can be changed as appropriate. For example, the function of the conference support device 60 may be implemented in the multifunction device 40. Alternatively, the function of the conference support apparatus 60 may be realized by cooperation of a plurality of apparatuses (computers or the like) distributed on the network. FIG. 29 is a diagram illustrating a modification of the electronic conference system. In the example of FIG. 29, a personal computer (PC) 291 is provided instead of the conference support apparatus 60 and the operation panel 20, and a projector 292 is provided instead of the shared screen display 10. In FIG. 29, the projector 292 can be omitted, and the display of the PC 291 can be used as the shared screen display 10.

  In the above embodiment, the instruction sheet is printed and scanned by the multi-function device 40. However, the instruction sheet may be printed by a printer and the instruction sheet may be scanned by a scanner. In this case, it is possible to use a network printer and a network scanner that are already installed on the network.

  In the above embodiment, the instruction sheet and the conference image are printed by the same printing apparatus (multifunction device 40). However, the printing may be performed by separate printing apparatuses.

  In the above example, the conference scan mode is selected on the control panel of the multi-function device 40. However, the transition to the conference scan mode may be performed as follows. In other words, the conference support device 60 causes the multi-function device 40 to generate an instruction sheet on which a conference mark indicating that it is a conference sheet is displayed. When the start button is pressed, the multi-function device 40 scans the document image and generates scan data. Then, the multi-function device 40 determines whether or not the conference mark is included in the scan data. When it is determined that the scan mark is included, the multi-function device 40 operates in the conference scan mode. Operates in copy mode or scan mode. In this configuration, an image (bar code or the like) indicating an image ID or instruction sheet ID can also be used as a conference mark. The image on the instruction sheet may be read by a scanner dedicated to the electronic conference system. In this case, since the scanner always sends the scan data to the conference support apparatus 60, an operation mode switching operation or the like is unnecessary.

1 is an overall configuration diagram of an electronic conference system including a conference support system according to a first embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the operation | movement procedure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 1st Embodiment. It is a figure which shows a meeting body designation | designated screen. It is a figure which shows a meeting room-conference ID table. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the input / output control part regarding the display / storage of a shared screen. It is a figure which shows an example of image ID. It is a flowchart which shows the process of a sheet | seat production | generation control part. It is a figure which shows an instruction sheet. It is a figure which shows the instruction sheet after filling. It is a flowchart which shows the process of an image recognition part. It is a figure which shows a meeting room-conference ID table. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st process of the sheet | seat production | generation control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd process of the sheet | seat production | generation control part in 2nd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 1st process of the sheet | seat production | generation control part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the instruction paper produced | generated in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image recognition part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the 2nd process of the sheet | seat production | generation control part in 3rd Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 4th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the sheet | seat production | generation control part in 4th Embodiment. It is a functional block diagram which shows the detailed structure of the electronic conference system which concerns on 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the sheet production | generation control part in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the content of the meeting party database. It is a figure which shows the instruction paper produced | generated in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image recognition part in 5th Embodiment. It is a flowchart which shows the process of the image output control part in 5th Embodiment. It is a figure which shows the modification of an electronic conference system.

Explanation of symbols

  1-5 Electronic conference system, 10 (10A, 10B,...) Shared screen display, 20 (20A, 20B,...) Operation panel, 30 (30A, 30B,...) IC card reader, 40 ( 40A, 40B, ...) MFP, 41 Printing unit, 42 Image reading unit, 43 Display unit, 50 Document server, 60 Conference support device, 61 Input / output control unit, 62 Image storage unit, 63 Sheet generation control unit, 64 image acquisition units, 65 image recognition units, 66 image output control units, 67 image selection reception units, 68 transmission units.

Claims (13)

A conference support system including a conference support device that controls a shared screen shared by the conference participants, and a multifunction peripheral connected to the conference support device,
The conference support device has means for storing a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on the shared screen,
The MFP is
Means for printing an instruction sheet on which a plurality of meeting images stored in the meeting support device are displayed in a list and an instruction for selecting a meeting image to be printed among the displayed meeting images is written;
Means for reading an image of an instruction sheet on which a selection instruction for a meeting image has been entered by a user, and acquiring and printing the meeting image selected on the instruction sheet from the meeting support device;
Having
A conference support system characterized by that. Image storage control means for storing a conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in a storage device;
A sheet generation control in which a plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list, and an instruction sheet in which an instruction to select a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is written is generated by the sheet generation device. Means,
Image acquisition means for acquiring an image of the generated instruction sheet via an image reading device;
Image recognition means for recognizing a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image;
Image output control means for reading the conference image related to the recognized selection instruction from the storage device and outputting it to the output device;
A conference support apparatus characterized by comprising: The conference support apparatus according to claim 2,
The image storage control means stores the conference image in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image,
The sheet generation control means generates an instruction sheet in which image identification information of each conference image is displayed in association with each conference image displayed in the list,
The image recognition means recognizes image identification information of a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image;
The image output control means searches for the selected conference image based on the recognized image identification information. The conference support device according to claim 2 or 3,
The sheet generation control means generates an instruction sheet provided with an entry column for each conference image for entering an instruction to select each conference image,
The image recognition means identifies an entry field in which a selection instruction is entered based on the acquired image, and recognizes a conference image corresponding to the identified entry field as a selected and designated meeting image. A conference support apparatus characterized by the above. The conference support device according to any one of claims 2 to 4,
The conference support apparatus, wherein the image storage control means stores a conference image including an image of a board written on the shared screen. The conference support device according to any one of claims 2 to 5,
The meeting support apparatus, wherein the image output control means causes the printing apparatus to print out the meeting image. The conference support device according to any one of claims 2 to 6,
The sheet generation control means displays a list of the conference images, fills in a selection instruction for a conference image, and displays a conference related person, and indicates a selection instruction for a conference related person to whom the conference image should be transmitted Generate a sheet,
The image recognizing unit recognizes a conference image and a conference related person selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image,
The said image output control means is a meeting assistance apparatus characterized by making a transmission apparatus transmit the meeting image which concerns on the said recognized selection instruction | indication to the meeting party who concerns on the said recognized selection instruction | indication as a transmission destination. Image storage control means for storing a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in a storage device in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image;
An instruction sheet in which a plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and an instruction for selecting a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is entered. Sheet generation control means to be generated by the generation device;
A conference support apparatus characterized by comprising: A conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants is stored in a storage device in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image, and the plurality of stored The instruction sheet generated by an apparatus for generating an instruction sheet in which conference images are displayed in association with the image identification information and in which an instruction to select a conference image to be output is entered among the displayed conference images. Image acquisition means for acquiring the image of the image via an image reading device;
Image recognition means for recognizing image identification information of a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image;
Image output control means for retrieving the selected conference image from the storage device based on the recognized image identification information and outputting it to the output device;
A conference support apparatus characterized by comprising: On the computer,
Storing a conference image displayed in accordance with the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in a storage device;
A plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list, and an instruction sheet in which an instruction to select a conference image to be output among the conference images displayed in the list is entered is generated by the sheet generation device;
Obtaining an image of the generated instruction sheet via an image reading device;
Recognizing a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image;
Reading a conference image related to the recognized selection instruction from the storage device and outputting it to an output device;
A conference support program characterized by causing On the computer,
Storing a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image in a storage device;
An instruction sheet in which a plurality of conference images stored in the storage device are displayed in a list in association with the image identification information, and an instruction for selecting a conference image to be output among the displayed conference images is entered. Generating the generation device; and
A conference support program characterized by causing On the computer,
A conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen shared by the conference participants is stored in a storage device in association with image identification information for identifying the conference image, and the plurality of stored The instruction sheet generated by an apparatus for generating an instruction sheet in which conference images are displayed in association with the image identification information and in which an instruction to select a conference image to be output is entered among the displayed conference images. Obtaining an image of the image via an image reading device;
Recognizing image identification information of a conference image selected and instructed on the instruction sheet based on the acquired image;
Retrieving the selected conference image from the storage device based on the recognized image identification information and outputting the retrieved conference image to an output device;
A conference support program characterized by causing A conference support method in a system including a conference support device that controls a shared screen shared by conference participants, and a multifunction peripheral connected to the conference support device,
The conference support device storing a conference image displayed according to the progress of the conference on a shared screen;
A step in which the multifunction device displays a list of a plurality of conference images stored in the conference support device, and prints an instruction sheet in which an instruction to select a conference image to be printed among the displayed conference images is written; ,
The MFP reads an image of an instruction sheet on which a user selects a meeting image selection instruction, obtains and prints the meeting image selected on the instruction sheet from the meeting support device; and
A meeting support method characterized by comprising:

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