JP2010067189A - Information sharing system - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an information sharing system improving convenience of a user while securing security for information protection. <P>SOLUTION: The information sharing system is configured to: determine whether connection of an information processor to a relay apparatus is detected or not (step S20); when the connection of the information processor is detected, update an equipment management table related to equipment connected to the relay apparatus (step S21); distribute a workspace connection initial screen to the connected information processor (step S22); determine whether a request to browse the workspace connection initial screen is made or not (step S23); and, when the browsing request is made, distribute a browsing request approval screen to another information processor (step S24). <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to an information sharing system, and more particularly to a system for connecting information processing devices such as a personal computer (PC) to a relay device and sharing information via the relay device.

  2. Description of the Related Art In recent years, an environment in which each individual PC can be freely used has become widespread due to downsizing and cost reduction of workstations and PCs. Also, with the development of networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), PCs can be connected to all networks, and data can be exchanged between the PCs.

  In such an environment, a system for sharing one screen between PCs, or a system capable of sharing information by executing an attended meeting, a TV conference, etc. by communicating images, sounds, etc. Is being built.

  Patent Document 1 discloses a network user information management apparatus that is a system for sharing information, and describes a system that can easily present user information and communication device information to a user. Yes.

On the other hand, when using a system for sharing information, a method of executing authentication processing such as an ID for identifying a user (user) or biometric information is generally used for information protection. (Patent Document 2).
JP 2000-286843 A JP 2006-92366 A

  However, in an information sharing system, when performing an authentication process to identify a user, it is necessary to provide an authentication device and register authentication information in the authentication device in advance. In the case of authentication processing using a password, it is necessary to store the password, which is complicated for the user.

  Therefore, it is desirable to have a system that considers user convenience while ensuring security for information protection.

  The present invention has been made to solve the above problems, and in a system capable of sharing information, improves the convenience of the user while ensuring security for information protection. It is an object of the present invention to provide an information sharing system that can be used.

  An information sharing system according to the present invention includes a display unit, a plurality of information processing apparatuses including an operation unit for operating information displayed on the display unit, and a relay device to which the plurality of information processing apparatuses are connected. . The relay device includes: a transmission unit that transmits a common work area screen for sharing information to the connected information processing device; a detection unit that detects the connected information processing device; A browsing permission request means for requesting whether or not to browse a work area screen for a new information processing device, to at least one of the already connected information processing devices when detecting a connection of the information processing device; A browsing permission determination unit that permits transmission of a work area screen of a transmission unit to a newly connected information processing device according to whether browsing is possible in one information processing device.

  Preferably, the configuration is the same as that of the relay device, and includes another relay device connected via a network and another information processing apparatus connected to another relay device. Each of the relay device and the other relay device further includes a communication means capable of transmitting / receiving information to / from each other via a network. When the detection unit detects a connection of a new information processing device, the browsing availability request unit determines that the information processing device connected to another relay device via the communication unit is a new information processing device. To determine whether or not the work area screen can be viewed.

  Preferably, the browsing availability requesting unit requests a predetermined information processing apparatus that is already connected to determine whether browsing of the work area screen for the new information processing apparatus is possible.

  Preferably, the browsing availability requesting unit transmits a request screen requesting whether or not browsing of the work area screen to the new information processing apparatus is possible to at least one of the already connected information processing apparatuses.

  Preferably, the browsing permission determination unit permits transmission of the work area screen from the transmission unit to the newly connected information processing device in accordance with a browsing permission instruction from at least one information processing device.

  Preferably, the browsing permission determination unit prohibits transmission of the work area screen from the transmission unit to the newly connected information processing device in accordance with a browsing non-permission instruction from at least one information processing device.

  Preferably, when browsing is permitted from a plurality of information processing apparatuses, the browsing permission determination means transmits to a new information processing apparatus depending on whether browsing is possible from the last information processing apparatus. Allow transmission of work area screens from.

  Preferably, the browsing permission / inhibition determining means, when there is no response for browsing permission from at least one information processing apparatus within a predetermined period, works from the transmission means to the newly connected information processing apparatus. Allow sending area screens.

  Preferably, the browsing permission determination unit permits transmission of the work area screen from the transmission unit from a specified time to the newly connected information processing device in accordance with a browsing permission instruction from at least one information processing device. To do.

  When the information sharing system according to the present invention detects a connection of a new information processing apparatus, the information sharing system browses a work area screen for the new information processing apparatus with respect to at least one of the already connected information processing apparatuses. A browsing permission / rejection requesting unit that determines whether or not browsing is possible, and a browsing permission / non-permission determining unit that permits transmission of the work area screen of the transmission unit to the newly connected information processing device according to whether browsing is possible in at least one information processing device. Including.

  Authenticating authentication devices, etc. to ensure security for information protection and to perform user authentication, etc., by asking users of other information processing devices whether or not to view the work area screen for the new information processing device Since there is no need to provide a server and there is no need to input data such as a password, the procedure is simple and the convenience of the user can be improved.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information sharing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 1, information sharing units 1 and 2 configured in a local area are provided, and information sharing units 1 and 2 are connected to each other via a network 35. In this example, the case where only the information sharing units 1 and 2 are connected to each other via the network 35 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this. It is also possible to have a configuration with only one information sharing unit. The network 35 may be a local area network (LAN) or a wide area network (WAN) using a public line or the like.

  The information sharing unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes PCs 5 and 10 (Personal Computer) which are a kind of information processing apparatus, a TV conference system 15, and a relay device 20.

  The information sharing unit 2 includes PCs 6 and 11 (Personal Computers), which are a kind of information processing apparatus, a TV conference system 16, and a relay device 25.

Further, it is assumed that the relay devices 20 and 25 are connected to the network 35.
Here, it is assumed that the TV conference systems 15 and 16 are provided with cameras, and images captured by the cameras are displayed on the TV.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the relay device 20.
With reference to FIG. 2, in this example, the relay device 20 is provided with connector terminals 41 to 44 as an example, connected to the PC 5 via the connector terminal 41, and connected to the PC 10 via the connector terminal 42. The case has been shown. Moreover, the case where it connects with the TV conference system 15 via the connector terminal 44 is shown. Although not shown, it is assumed that a connector terminal connected to the network 35 is provided. As will be described later, it is assumed that the PC 7 and the connector terminal 43 are newly connected.

  The number of connector terminals is not limited. In this example, the configuration of the relay device 20 has been described, but the configuration of the relay device 25 is the same.

  FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 3, relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a workspace control processing unit 22, a connected device identification processing unit 24, a workspace browsing availability request unit 26, and a workspace browsing availability determination. Unit 28, communication unit 29, device management processing unit 30, information processing device operation detection unit 32, information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34, connector unit 36, DHCP service 40, and internal bus 38. .

  The connector unit 36 includes connector terminals and connector terminals 41 to 44 that are connected to a network 35 (not shown), and is connected to an information processing apparatus or an information device via the connector terminals 41 to 44.

  The workspace control processing unit 22 executes processing for a common work area screen for sharing information to be described later. It is assumed that the work space control processing unit 22 is provided with a storage area (not shown) for executing processing on a common work area screen. It is also assumed that software for controlling various operations of the workspace is also stored in the storage area. The storage area may be provided in the work space control processing unit 22, or may be provided in another area, and is not particularly limited.

  The connected device identification processing unit 24 identifies the device type / attribute connected via the connector terminals 41 to 44 provided in the connector unit 36. Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 communicates with a device assigned an IP address by a DHCP service 40 described later using a general-purpose protocol such as MIB (Management Information Base), and the type and attribute of the device. To get. Further, as described above, since the relay device 20 has the connector terminal connected to the network 35, another relay device (the relay device 25 in this example) connected via the network 35 is also used. It is assumed that an IP address is assigned by the DHCP service 40 and is recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24 in the relay device 25 as well.

  The DHCP service 40 automatically assigns and stores an IP address to a device connected to a connector terminal provided in the connector unit 36.

  The workspace browsing availability request unit 26 determines whether or not the workspace can be browsed by the newly connected PC when a new PC is connected. A browsing request approval screen for inquiring to the PC is output to another PC.

  The workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 determines whether to permit distribution of the workspace to the newly connected PC according to the response of the PC to the browsing request approval screen output from the workspace browsing availability request unit 26. to decide.

  The device management processing unit 30 stores the port number corresponding to the connector terminal acquired by the connected device identification processing unit 24, the IP address assigned by the DHCP service 40, and the relationship between the device type and attribute, and the workspace Information on whether or not browsing is possible is managed. Specifically, it has a device management table, and stores a port number corresponding to a connector terminal, an IP address, a device type / attribute, and a workspace permission flag in the device management table. It also manages the IP address and the like of another relay device recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24.

  The information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 detects an operation process for a common work area screen such as the PCs 5 and 10.

  The information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 transmits the common work area screen processed by the work space control processing unit 22 to the display unit such as the PC 5, 10 according to the browsing permission flag stored in the device management table. In addition, a common work area screen distributed via an external network is received and transmitted to a display unit such as the PC 5 or 10 in accordance with the viewing permission flag stored in the device management table. In addition, a common work area screen is transmitted to other relay devices via an external network.

  The communication unit 29 transmits / receives data to / from an external relay device connected via the network 35.

  Each unit is connected to the internal bus 38, and each unit can exchange data with each other via the internal bus 38.

  Although not shown, the relay device 20 is provided with a clock capable of acquiring time information, and each unit receives time information from the clock connected via the internal bus 38 as necessary. Can be obtained.

  FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a device management table managed in device management processing unit 30 of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 4, ports 1 to 4 are provided as port numbers corresponding to connector terminals 41 to 44, respectively, and IP addresses AD1, AD2 are used as IP addresses using DHCP service 40 as described above. , AD4 is assigned.

  Further, the connected device identification processing unit 24 recognizes that the device type connected to the port 1 is PC (5). Further, it is recognized that the device type connected to the port 2 is PC (10). Further, it is recognized that the device type connected to the port 4 is the TV conference system (15).

  Further, regarding the workspace browsing permission flag, it is assumed that browsing of the workspace is permitted to the PC (5) connected to the port 1 and the PC (10) connected to the port 2.

FIG. 5 is a diagram for explaining a common work area screen displayed on the display units of the PCs 5 and 10.
Referring to FIG. 5, here, a case is shown in which a work space 50, which is a common work area screen, is displayed on the desktop screen of the display unit. In the list, a “menu” button 52 capable of executing various functions of the workspace is displayed.

  Note that the operation processing for the workspace can be performed using a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, a case where objects of “file A” and “file B” such as document files are displayed in an area outside the work space 50 is shown.

  For example, the cursor is moved to “File A” or “File B” using a pointing device such as a mouse, and moved to “File A” or “File B” in the workspace by so-called drag and drop. It is possible to make it. It is also possible to perform handwriting input to the workspace by operating a pointing device.

  FIG. 6 is a flowchart illustrating a work space activation process of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 6, first, it is determined whether or not the relay device 20 is powered on (step S1). When the power is turned on, a workspace activation process is executed (step S2).

  Specifically, software for controlling various operations of the workspace stored in a storage area (not shown) of the relay device 20 is loaded, and the relay device 20 can perform processing related to the workspace in each unit. Shall.

  Next, the connection of the device is confirmed (step S3). Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 recognizes the device type connected to the connector terminals 41 to 44.

  Next, the device management processing unit 30 registers data related to the device connected to the device management table in accordance with the device type identified as described above (step S4). In this example, when the workspace is activated, the device management processing unit 30 sets the workspace browsing permission flag for the information processing apparatus already connected to the connector terminal of the relay device 20 to browse the workspace. Is set as allowed.

  Next, a workspace distribution process is executed (step S5). Then, the process ends (END).

  FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating workspace distribution processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 7, first, a workspace distribution process is executed on the local information processing apparatus (step S10). Specifically, the workspace control processing unit 22 executes display processing for the initial screen of the workspace according to the workspace startup processing. The information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 registers the initial screen of the work space processed by the work space control processing unit 22 in the device management table of the device management processing unit 30, and the browsing permission flag is permitted. Is transmitted to the information processing apparatus. As described above, when the workspace is activated, for the information processing apparatus that is already connected to the connector terminal of the relay device 20, the workspace browsing permission flag is set to permit.

  Then, a workspace distribution process is executed for another relay device (step S11). Then, the process ends (END).

  Specifically, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 transmits the initial screen of the workspace to the external relay device via the network 35 via the communication unit 29.

  In this example, for example, a case where data is transmitted to the relay device 25 as an external relay device will be described.

  FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating workspace reception processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 8, it is first determined whether a workspace has been received (step S12).

In this example, it is assumed that the relay device 25 receives a workspace.
Specifically, the information processing apparatus display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 determines whether the work space has been received via the communication unit 29 of the relay device 25.

  When the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 receives the workspace, the distribution processing of the workspace is executed to the local information processing device (step S13). Specifically, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the workspace to the PC according to a similar method. That is, the information is transmitted to the display units of the PCs 6 and 11 which are registered in the device management table of the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 25 and whose browsing permission flag is permitted.

  By this processing, a workspace similar to the workspace 50 displayed on the PCs 5 and 10 is displayed on the display units of the PCs 6 and 11. That is, a work space which is a common work area screen for sharing information is distributed to the PCs 6 and 11.

  The workspace distribution process and the workspace reception process described with reference to FIGS. 7 and 8 are executed for each process on the workspace.

  FIG. 9 is a diagram illustrating a case where a file that is an object is moved to the workspace.

  As shown in FIG. 9, the objects of the files A and B displayed outside the workspace 50 displayed on the desktop screen of the display unit of the PC 5 shown in FIG. The screen when moved is shown.

  In this example, as an example, it is assumed that the objects of the files A and B displayed on the display unit are moved into the workspace 50 on the PC 5.

  Specifically, it is assumed that “file A” and “file B” are moved into the work space 50 by drag and drop using a pointing device such as a mouse on the PC 5 as described above.

  In the relay device 20, the information processing device operation detection unit 32 detects the file input of the “file A” object 60 and the “file B” object 70 into the work space 50 in the PC 5, and performs a work space control process. To the unit 22. Further, the coordinate position in the workspace where the object according to the pointing device such as a mouse is arranged is detected and output to the workspace control processing unit 22.

  Based on the detection result from the information processing device operation detection unit 32, the workspace control processing unit 22 executes display processing for a common work area screen (workspace) for sharing information. Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 transmits the work space processed by the work space control processing unit 22 to the display units of the PCs 5 and 10 (work space distribution processing).

  FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining data processing when a work space is transmitted from the relay device 20 to the relay device 25.

  Referring to FIG. 10, when a workspace is transmitted from relay device 20 to relay device 25, the size of the workspace, which is the size of the workspace when displayed on the display unit, is executed. When an object is placed in the workspace, file transfer of the object is executed according to the input of the object detected by the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32.

  When an object is arranged in the workspace, the coordinates of the object in the workspace detected by the information processing device operation detection unit 32 based on the size of the workspace are transferred.

  Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 receives the data transmitted from the relay device 20. The workspace control processing unit 22 executes display processing for the workspace according to the data regarding the workspace received by the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34. Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the work space processed by the work space control processing unit 22 to the local PCs 6 and 11 (work space distribution processing).

  As a result, the same workspace as that displayed on the PC 5 is displayed on the display unit of the local PCs 6 and 11.

  FIG. 11 is a diagram illustrating a case where a display operation is performed on an object placed in the workspace 50.

  Referring to FIG. 11, here, a screen is shown when a display operation for displaying the contents of file A arranged in workspace 50 shown in FIG. 10 is executed.

  Specifically, on the PC 5, the pointing device such as a mouse is used as described above, and the pointing device is aligned with the object of “File A” and double-clicked (open instruction) to display the contents of “File A” on the screen. It is assumed that the display process is executed.

  FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device when processing for the object described in FIG. 11 is executed.

  Referring to FIG. 12, in this example, as an example, it is assumed that an object coordinate where “file A” is arranged is double-clicked on PC 5.

  The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 detects a double-click instruction for the position of the object coordinate of “file A” in the work space 50 in the PC 5 and outputs the double click instruction to the work space control processing unit 22.

  Based on the detection result from the information processing device operation detection unit 32, the workspace control processing unit 22 executes display processing for a common work area screen (workspace) for sharing information. Specifically, a display process in which the contents of “file A” are expanded by double-clicking the pointing device on the object of “file A” is executed. That is, the workspace control processing unit 22 generates a display image of the object in the workspace.

  Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 20 transmits the work space processed by the work space control processing unit 22 to the display units of the PCs 5 and 10 (object display image distribution).

  Then, display processing of the workspace transmitted from the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 is executed on the display units of the PCs 5 and 10. That is, the display image of the object generated by the workspace control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 is updated and displayed in the workspace.

  Further, the information processing device display transmission / reception control unit 34 of the relay device 20 transmits the detection result detected by the information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 to the relay device 25. Specifically, a double-click instruction for the position of the object coordinates of “file A” in the work space 50 is transmitted to the relay device 25.

  The information processing device display transmission / reception control unit 34 of the relay device 25 receives the double-click instruction for the position of the object coordinates transmitted from the relay device 20 and outputs it to the workspace control processing unit 22.

  The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 executes display processing for a common work area screen (work space) for sharing information based on the content received by the information processing device display transmission / reception control unit 34. . Specifically, a double-click instruction for the position of the object coordinate, that is, it is determined that the pointing device is double-clicked with the object of “file A”, and the display process in which the contents of “file A” are expanded is executed. . That is, in the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25, a display image of the object in the work space is generated.

  Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the work space processed by the work space control processing unit 22 to the display unit of the PCs 6 and 11 (object display image distribution).

  Then, display processing of the workspace transmitted from the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 is executed on the display units of the PCs 6 and 11. That is, the display image of the object generated by the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 is updated and displayed in the work space.

  On the other hand, on the PC 5, in the workspace where the contents of “File A” are displayed on the screen, using a pointing device such as a mouse, place the pointing device on the object of “File A” and double-click (close instruction ) To finish the process of displaying the contents of “file A”. That is, when a non-display operation is performed on an object, the workspace is again displayed as the screen shown in FIG.

  Even in this case, the same workspace is displayed on the display unit of the PC 10 and the display units of the PCs 6 and 11 in the same manner as described above.

  In this example, file data such as a document file has been described as an example of an object displayed in the workspace. However, the file data is not limited to a document file, and is not limited to a document file, but is so-called trajectory data by handwriting, video by a Web camera, or the like. Also good.

  Next, a case where the PC 7 is newly attached to the connector terminal of the relay device 20 will be described.

  FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating processing when PC 7 according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is newly attached to relay device 20.

  Referring to FIG. 13, first, it is determined whether or not connection of the information processing apparatus has been detected (step S20).

  Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 of the relay device 20 detects whether the PC 7 is connected to the connector terminal.

  If the connection of the information processing apparatus is detected, the device management table is then updated (step S21).

  Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 detects that the PC 7 is connected to the connector terminal of the relay device 20, and the data of the newly connected PC 7 is updated and registered in the device management table.

  FIG. 14 is a diagram illustrating an updated device management table managed in device management processing unit 30 of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 14, here, a case where PC 7 is connected to port 3 is shown as compared with FIG. 4, and IP address AD3 is assigned. The workspace permission flag is set to not permitted. Since other points are the same as those described with reference to FIG. 4, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, next, the process of distributing the workspace connection initial screen is executed (step S22).

  Specifically, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 displays the workspace connection initial screen on the PC 7 when the browsing permission flag is not permitted according to the browsing permission flag of the workspace stored in the device management table. Send.

  The data of the workspace connection initial screen is assumed to be stored in a storage area (not shown) provided in the relay device 20, and the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 reads out the data and transmits it to the PC 7. Alternatively, the screen data can be processed in the work space control processing unit 22 and transmitted to the PC 7 by the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34.

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining the workspace connection initial screen 80.
Referring to FIG. 15, a “view request” button 82 and an “end” button 84 are provided on the workspace connection initial screen 80. For example, the “view request” button 82 is used with a pointing device such as a mouse. By pressing the button, it can be determined that there is a browsing request instruction. Further, by pressing the “end” button 84, it is determined that there is an instruction to end browsing of the workspace. In this case, it is assumed that the workspace connection initial screen 80 is finished and the normal screen of the PC 7 is displayed.

  Referring to FIG. 13 again, it is next determined whether or not there has been an instruction for a browsing request (step S23).

  Specifically, the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 determines whether or not the pressing of the “browsing request” button 82 on the workspace connection initial screen 80 is detected.

  Next, the workspace browsing permission / inhibition request unit 26 executes a browsing request approval screen distribution process according to the browsing permission flag of the workspace stored in the device management table (step S24). Then, the process ends (END).

  Specifically, when the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 detects that the “browsing request” button 82 is pressed, the detection result is notified to the workspace browsing availability request unit 26. The workspace browsing availability request unit 26 generates a browsing request approval screen based on user information transmitted from the PC 7 connected to the connector terminal of the relay device 20 and setting information set in the relay device 20, The data is output to the device display transmission / reception unit 34.

  FIG. 16 is a flowchart for explaining the distribution process of the browsing request approval screen according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 16, first, a distribution process of a browsing request approval screen is executed for a local information processing apparatus (step S30).

  Specifically, the workspace browsing availability request unit 26 transmits a browsing request approval screen to the PCs 5 and 10 according to the browsing permission flag of the workspace stored in the device management table.

  Next, the distribution process of the browsing request approval screen is executed for other relay devices (step S31).

  Specifically, the workspace browsing availability request unit 26 transmits a browsing request approval screen to other relay devices via the communication unit 29. In this example, a browsing request approval screen is transmitted to the relay device 25 which is another relay device. Then, according to the same method as described in FIG. 8, in the relay device 25 that is another relay device, the workspace browsing permission request unit 26 receives the browsing request approval screen and displays the browsing request approval screen locally. To the information processing apparatuses PC6 and PC11. Then, the process ends (END).

FIG. 17 is a diagram illustrating a browsing request approval screen 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 17, in the browsing request approval screen 100 according to the first embodiment of the present invention, here, together with a message “The following user has requested a browsing request for the workspace. The case where user information and relay device information are displayed is shown.

  Specifically, the user information includes information on “inquiry time”, “device name”, “user name”, and “position”. Here, as an example, “inquiry time” is “2008/7/8”. “15:00”, “Device Name” is displayed as “YAMADA-1 (Type PC)”, “User Name” is displayed as “Ichiro Yamada”, and “Location” is displayed as “Fifth Conference Room”. The “inquiry time” indicates the time when the user who requests browsing of the workspace presses the “browsing request” button 82. The “device name” and “user name” are user information transmitted from the PC 7 when the PC 7 and the connector terminal are connected in the connected device processing unit 24. Information set by the user in the PC 7 in advance. It is. “Position” is position information of a relay device having a connector terminal to which the PC 7 is connected, and setting information of the relay device is used.

  In addition, as relay device information, information on the “name” and “position” of the relay device and a camera image are shown. Note that, when it is determined that the camera image is connected to a device such as a camera that has input of image information among the information devices connected to the relay device, the input image is displayed. In this example, it is assumed that an input image from a camera provided in the TV conference system is displayed because the TV conference system and the relay device are connected.

  Here, as an example, “name” is displayed as “planning department No. 1”, and “position” is displayed as “fifth conference room”. “Name” and “Position” are setting information registered at the time of initial setting of the relay device. Here, the screen when there is a browsing request from one user has been described, but when there are browsing requests from a plurality of users at the same time, the respective browsing request approval screens are integrated and displayed. It is also possible.

  In the browsing request approval screen, a “permit” button 102 for permitting browsing and a “reject” button 104 for disallowing browsing are provided.

  By distributing the browsing request approval screen to the PC, other users using the workspace can recognize that the user of the PC 7 wants to browse the workspace anew. .

  FIG. 18 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing for browsing a workspace according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 18, first, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction input on the browsing request approval screen (step S40).

  Specifically, the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 determines whether or not an instruction input button has been pressed on the browsing request approval screen. When the instruction input button is pressed, the instruction input is notified to the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28.

  In step S40, if there is an instruction input on the browsing request approval screen, it is determined whether the instruction input is a permission instruction input or a rejection instruction input (step S41).

  Specifically, the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 determines whether the instruction input is a permission instruction input or a rejection instruction input in the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32.

  In step S41, when there is a browsing permission instruction input, a workspace distribution process is executed (step S42).

  Specifically, when there is a browsing permission instruction input, the workspace browsing permission determination unit 28 sets the browsing permission flag stored in the device management table of the device management processing unit 30 to permission. Thereby, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 distributes the work space to the PC 7 in accordance with the permission of the browsing permission flag. Then, the process ends (END).

  On the other hand, if there is a rejection instruction input in step S41, the distribution process of the browsing disapproval message is executed (step S43). Specifically, the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 delivers a browsing non-permission message to the PC 7 when a browsing rejection instruction is input. Then, the process ends (END). The browsing disapproval message is, for example, a message “Workspace browsing was not permitted.” The display is not limited to this, and any display or means may be used as long as it allows the user of the PC 7 to recognize that browsing is not permitted. In addition to not permitting browsing, it is also possible to display other detailed information indicating from which terminal the instruction is not permitted.

  FIG. 19 is a diagram illustrating a flow of the work space distribution process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 19, here, a case where the PC 7 is connected to the relay device 20 and a browsing permission permission instruction is executed in the PC 10 will be described.

  First, it is assumed that the connection device identification processing unit 24 of the relay device 20 detects the connection of the PC 7. As described above, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 executes the process of distributing the workspace connection initial screen, and displays the workspace connection initial screen on the display unit of the PC 7.

  Then, it is assumed that the workspace connection initial screen is displayed on the display unit of the PC 7 and the “browsing request” button 82 is pressed on the PC 7. The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 detects the operation and notifies the workspace browsing availability request unit 26. The workspace browsing availability request unit 26 executes a browsing request approval screen distribution process.

  Through this process, the browsing request approval screen is distributed to the PC 5 and the PC 10, and the browsing request approval screen is also distributed to the relay device 25. The workspace browsing permission request unit 26 of the relay device 25 transfers the browsing request approval screen received via the communication unit 29 to the PCs 6 and 11.

  As a result, the browsing request approval screen is displayed on PC5 and PC10, and the browsing request approval screen is also displayed on PC6 and PC11.

  In this example, it is assumed that the “permit” button 102 is pressed on the browsing request approval screen displayed on the PC 10.

  The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 detects pressing of the “permit” button on the browsing request approval screen displayed on the display unit of the PC 10 and notifies the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 of the pressing. In response to the input instruction of the “permit” button, the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 sets the browsing permission flag of the device management table to “permitted”.

  Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 performs a work space distribution process on the PC 7 in accordance with the permission of the browsing permission flag stored in the device management table. As a result, the work space is displayed on the PC 7.

  FIG. 20 is another diagram illustrating a flow of the work space distribution process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 20, here, a case will be described in which the PC 7 is connected to the relay device 20 and the PC 6 performs a browsing permission rejection instruction.

  First, it is assumed that the connection device identification processing unit 24 of the relay device 20 detects the connection of the PC 7. As described above, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 executes the process of distributing the workspace connection initial screen, and displays the workspace connection initial screen on the display unit of the PC 7.

  Then, it is assumed that the workspace connection initial screen is displayed on the display unit of the PC 7 and the “browsing request” button 82 is pressed on the PC 7. The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 detects the operation and notifies the workspace browsing availability request unit 26. The workspace browsing availability request unit 26 executes a browsing request approval screen distribution process.

  Through this process, the browsing request approval screen is distributed to the PC 5 and the PC 10, and the browsing request approval screen is also distributed to the relay device 25. The workspace browsing permission determination unit 28 of the relay device 25 transfers the browsing request approval screen received via the communication unit 29 to the PC 6 and PC 11.

  In this example, it is assumed that the “reject” button 104 is pressed on the viewing request approval screen on the PC 6.

  The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 25 detects pressing of the “reject” button on the browsing request approval screen displayed on the display unit of the PC 6, and transmits the rejection instruction information via the communication unit 29. Forward to 20.

  The workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 of the relay device 20 detects the rejection instruction information transferred from the relay device 25.

  Then, in response to the input instruction of the “reject” button from the PC 6, the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 delivers a browsing disapproval message to the PC 7.

Thereby, a browsing disapproval message is displayed on the PC 7.
According to the above method, when a new user's PC is connected to the relay device 20 and requests to browse the workspace of the information sharing system, other users who use the workspace browse whether or not the browsing request is possible. It is possible to instruct on the request approval screen.

  Therefore, in the method of the present application, it is not necessary to provide an authentication server such as an authentication device for executing user authentication or the like when browsing the workspace, and a new user only presses the browse request button. There is no need to enter data such as passwords. Therefore, the procedure is simple and improves the convenience of the user, and when an inappropriate user accesses, other users can refuse to browse the workspace, so the information sharing system information Security for protection can also be ensured.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 21 is a flowchart illustrating determination processing for browsing a workspace according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 21, the workspace browsing determination process according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the flow in FIG. 18 in that step S44 is added. Specifically, in step S40, it is determined whether or not there is an instruction input on the browsing request approval screen (step S40). If there is no instruction input, whether a period of no instruction input has elapsed for a certain period of time. It is determined whether or not (step S44).

  Then, in step S44, when a certain period of time has passed without instruction input, a work space distribution process is executed (step S42).

  Specifically, the workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 determines whether there is no instruction input notification from the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 for a certain period after distributing the browsing request approval screen. If it is determined that there is no instruction input, the workspace permission flag in the device management table is set to “permitted”. Thereby, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 distributes the workspace to the PC according to the browsing permission flag.

  Since the other points are the same as those described in the flow of FIG. 18, detailed description thereof will not be repeated. Note that the fixed time can be freely set in consideration of user convenience.

  FIG. 22 is a diagram illustrating a flow of work space distribution processing according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

  With reference to FIG. 22, here, a case will be described in which the PC 7 is connected to the relay device 20, and after a browsing request approval screen is displayed, a predetermined time has passed without any instruction input.

  Since the flow until the browsing request approval screen is displayed on PC5, PC6, PC10, and PC11 is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 19, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

  In this example, it is assumed that no instruction is input from any PC for a certain period of time on the browsing request approval screen.

  The workspace browsing availability determination unit 28 of the relay device 20 determines that there is no notification of an instruction input from the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 for a certain period after distributing the browsing request approval screen. And the browsing permission flag of the workspace of an apparatus management table is set to permission. Then, the information processing device display transmission / reception unit 34 distributes the workspace to the PC 7 according to the browsing permission flag. As a result, the work space is displayed on the PC 7.

  Therefore, after the browsing request approval screen is distributed to other users by the method according to the second embodiment, when there is no instruction input from the other users for a certain time to the user who connected the PC 7, It is judged that there is a permissive browsing permission, and browsing of the workspace is permitted. Therefore, it is not necessary to keep waiting until an instruction is input, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

  In the method according to the second embodiment, when there is no instruction input from another user for a certain period of time, it is determined that there is a permissive browsing permission, but a more sensitive workspace is handled. If there is no instruction input from another user for a certain period of time, for example, the item button of “Menu” in FIG. 5 is selected, and in that case, browsing is permitted or browsing is not permitted. It may be possible to set these.

(Embodiment 3)
FIG. 23 is a diagram illustrating a browsing request approval screen 100 # according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

  Referring to FIG. 23, in the browsing request approval screen 100 # according to the third embodiment of the present invention, a time designation option is added as compared to the browsing request approval screen 100 according to the first embodiment described in FIG. Different points.

  Specifically, selectable items 110 of “time designation present” and “no time designation” that can be selected are provided on the browsing request approval screen, and the item of “time designation present” is set to a pointing device such as a mouse and a keyboard. By using and selecting, it is possible to designate a time at which browsing is permitted. Specifically, it is assumed that the time specified in the input field 112 can be input. That is, it is possible to set so that browsing can be performed from the designated time by specifying “time designation” and designating the time. Further, for example, it is possible to select a button such as the “menu” item in FIG. 5 so that the designated time can be changed later.

  Upon receiving the permission instruction input and the time specification information input from the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32, the workspace browsing permission determination unit 28 sets the workspace browsing permission flag to “permitted” at the specified time.

  By this method, for example, when the previous meeting using the information sharing system of the present invention is prolonged, the user who participates in the next meeting is allowed to participate in the meeting using the information sharing system by specifying the time. Accordingly, it is possible to improve the convenience of the user in that the security of information protection is ensured and the permitted time can be set.

  In the above embodiment, the case where the browsing request approval screen is displayed on the display units of the PCs of all users who use the workspace has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and for example, the same relay It is also possible to distribute the browsing request approval screen only to a local PC connected to the device, or control to distribute the browsing request approval screen only to a predetermined PC according to the priority of the user. It is also possible to do. Specifically, by providing a flag field for distributing the browsing request approval screen in the device management table described above, and providing a function capable of setting the flag in the flag field in the menu item field of the workspace, for example. The distribution process can also be executed according to the flag.

  In addition, when there is an instruction input from a plurality of PCs as a determination as to whether or not the workspace browsing enable / disable determination unit 28 determines, the last instruction input, that is, the latest instruction input is validated, and the workspace browsing determination is performed. It is also possible to execute. Alternatively, the majority of instruction inputs in a certain period may be taken, and the most instruction inputs may be determined to be valid to determine whether the workspace can be browsed.

  In the above, regarding the workspace activation process, after the relay device 20 is turned on, the workspace is automatically activated, and the relay device 20 side sets the workspace to the local information processing apparatus, for example. The method for distributing the initial screen has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial screen for browsing / editing the workspace is started up by a local information processing apparatus. For example, the “menu” in FIG. By selecting an item button and instructing activation of the workspace, it is also possible to set so that the distribution processing of the workspace from the relay device 20 described with reference to FIG. 7 is executed. Alternatively, even if the relay device 20 and the local information processing apparatus are not connected, if the local information processing apparatus is instructed to start up the workspace by starting up the initial screen, It is also possible to set so that the work space distribution process described in FIG. 7 is executed when a local information processing apparatus is connected. At that time, in combination with the power-on of the relay device 20, it is also possible to execute the work space distribution process when the power of the relay device 20 is turned on.

  In the present embodiment, the case where the TV conference system is connected to the relay device as the information device has been described. However, the present invention is not limited to the TV conference system, and is not limited to the projector, MFP, scanner, printer, camera, A microphone, an IP (Internet Protocol) telephone, etc. may be sufficient.

  In addition, it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function for each unit that controls the relay device and executes control as described in the above flow. Such a program is stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk attached to the computer, a CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), a ROM (Read Only Memory), a RAM (Random Access Memory), and a memory card. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

  The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

  The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

  The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

It is the schematic explaining the information sharing system according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a relay device 20. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the structure of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the device management table managed in the device management process part 30 of the relay device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the common work area screen displayed on the display part of PC5,10. It is a flowchart explaining the starting process of the workspace of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the work space delivery process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the workspace reception process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the case where the file which is an object is moved to the workspace. FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining data processing when a work space is transmitted from the relay device 20 to the relay device 25. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a display operation is performed on an object placed in a workspace. It is a figure explaining the flow of a process in each apparatus at the time of performing the process with respect to the object demonstrated in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining a process when PC7 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention is newly mounted | worn with the relay apparatus 20. FIG. It is a figure explaining the updated apparatus management table managed in the apparatus management process part 30 of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the workspace connection initial screen 80. FIG. It is a flowchart explaining the delivery process of the browsing request approval screen according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the browsing request approval screen 100 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the judgment process of the browsing of the workspace according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of the work space delivery process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is another figure explaining the flow of the work space delivery process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the judgment process of browsing of the workspace according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of the work space delivery process according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the browsing request approval screen 100 # according to Embodiment 3 of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

  1, 2 Information sharing unit, 5, 6, 7, 10, 11 PC, 15, 16 Video conference system, 20, 25 Repeater, 22 Workspace control processing unit, 24 Connected device identification processing unit, 26 Workspace browsing Permission request section, 28 Workspace browsing permission determination section, 29 Communication section, 30 Device management processing section, 32 Information processing apparatus operation detection section, 34 Information processing apparatus display transmission / reception section, 35 Network, 36 Connector section, 38 Internal bus, 40 DHCP service.

Claims (9)

A plurality of information processing devices including display means and operation means for operating information displayed on the display means;
A relay device to which the plurality of information processing devices are connected;
The relay device is
Transmitting means for transmitting a common work area screen for sharing information to the connected information processing apparatus;
Detecting means for detecting the information processing apparatus to be connected;
In the detection means, when the connection of a new information processing apparatus is detected, whether or not the work area screen can be viewed on the new information processing apparatus is determined for at least one of the already connected information processing apparatuses. A browsing permission request means to be requested;
Information sharing comprising: browsing permission / inhibition determining means for permitting transmission of the work area screen of the transmitting means to the newly connected information processing apparatus in accordance with the permission of browsing in the at least one information processing apparatus system. The same configuration as the relay device, another relay device connected by a network,
Another information processing apparatus connected to the another relay device,
Each of the relay device and the another relay device further includes communication means capable of transmitting and receiving information to and from each other via the network,
In the detection means, when the connection of a new information processing apparatus is detected, the browsing permission / inhibition request means sends the information processing apparatus connected to the other relay device via the communication means to the information processing apparatus. The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein whether or not the work area screen is viewable for a new information processing apparatus is determined.   The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the browsing availability requesting unit requests a predetermined information processing apparatus that is already connected to determine whether the new information processing apparatus can browse the work area screen.   2. The browsing availability requesting unit transmits a request screen for requesting browsing of the work area screen to the new information processing apparatus to at least one information processing apparatus already connected. Information sharing system.   The browsing permission determination unit permits the newly connected information processing device to transmit the work area screen from the transmission unit in accordance with the browsing permission instruction from the at least one information processing device. The information sharing system according to claim 1.   The browsing permission / inhibition determining unit does not permit the transmission of the work area screen from the transmitting unit to the newly connected information processing device in accordance with the browsing non-permission instruction from the at least one information processing device. The information sharing system according to claim 1.   When there is an instruction on whether or not browsing is possible from a plurality of information processing devices, the browsing availability determination unit determines whether the browsing is possible or not from the last information processing device. The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein transmission of the work area screen from a transmission unit is permitted.   If there is no response to the browsing permission from the at least one information processing apparatus within a predetermined period, the browsing permission / non-permission determining means sends the newly connected information processing apparatus from the transmitting means. The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein transmission of the work area screen is permitted.   The browsing permission / inhibition determining means is configured to display the work area screen from the transmitting means from a time specified for the newly connected information processing apparatus according to the browsing permission instruction from the at least one information processing apparatus. The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein transmission is permitted.

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