JP2010141417A - Scheduler server, program, conference system, and scheduling method - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a technique capable of adjusting the schedule of participants of a conference and easily holding a remote conference. <P>SOLUTION: Reservation information such as the time to have a conference is received from a user terminal 170A in the scheduler server 110, and the scheduler server 110 acquires a replay indicating whether or not there is a free resource at the time to have the conference from a conference server 130, and when there is a free resource, specifies a conference room open at the time to have the conference, and acquires the replay of the propriety of participation from a user terminal 170B utilized by the participant of the conference. When the number of participants who can participate in the conference matches with a condition selected beforehand, the scheduler server 110 sets a schedule to hold the conference to the conference server 130. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a technique for managing a remote conference schedule.

  Recently, video conference systems (video conference systems, video conference systems) that can hold conferences in a plurality of places have been introduced and utilized in companies that have bases in remote locations in order to reduce travel costs.

  In general, a user of a TV conference system checks and adjusts a schedule with conference participants, checks and adjusts a schedule of a conference room to be used, and a TV conference server (MCU: multipoint control). It is necessary to conduct a preliminary survey such as checking and adjusting the availability of resources on the device.

  For example, in the technology described in Patent Document 1, a preliminary survey for a conference can be performed by notifying the holding of the conference via e-mail in the user terminal groupware used by the participants participating in the conference. It has been made possible.

JP 2005-109922 A

  In the technique described in Patent Document 1, a user terminal can send and receive a notification of an event or the like via an e-mail, but any one of a user, a conference room, and a TV conference server can be scheduled. If the meeting cannot be set because the two do not match, adjustments must be made from the beginning, which is inconvenient.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a technique capable of easily holding a TV conference by adjusting a schedule of conference participants.

  In order to solve the above problems, the present invention specifies the date and time when a conference can be held and the conference room where the conference is held from the resources of the conference server, the availability of the conference room, and the schedule of the participants. Provide technology that can be used.

  For example, the present invention includes at least one of video and audio data received from one terminal included in the plurality of terminals in order to perform a remote conference using the plurality of terminals. A scheduler server for managing a meeting schedule in a meeting server to be transferred to another terminal, the meeting schedule information for specifying the meeting, the date and time of the meeting, and the meeting room used in the meeting, the meeting room, A storage unit that stores the conference room information that specifies the location of the conference room and the capacity of the conference room, and the user information that specifies the user of the conference system, and a control unit, The control unit, from the user, for performing a conference with a desired date and time to hold the conference, a place to hold the conference, the number of people in the conference room at the location, the participants participating in the conference, A process for accepting input of reservation information for specifying an execution decision condition relating to the number of participants, and an inquiry specifying the desired date and time are transmitted to the conference server via the transmission / reception unit, and the desired date and time are transmitted from the conference server. The process of receiving an answer as to whether or not a meeting is possible and the meeting schedule information, the meeting room used at the desired date and time is identified from the meeting schedule information. A process of judging from the conference room information whether there is another conference room that meets the capacity of the conference room at the location and the conference room at the location, and a response that the conference server can hold the conference In addition to the conference room used at the desired date and time, there are other conference rooms that hold the conference specified by the reservation information and other conference rooms that meet the capacity of the conference room at the location. If it is determined that the reservation is possible, and if it is determined that the reservation is possible, the participant inputs whether or not it is possible to participate in the conference at the desired date and time, and the place to participate in the conference. Participants in each place where the process of accepting and the number of participants who input that they can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time satisfy the execution decision condition and the participants who input that they can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time participate If the number of persons does not exceed the capacity of the conference room at the location, the process of determining that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held, and the holding of the conference reserved with the reservation information When it is determined that the conference information is possible, the process of registering the holding information for holding the conference reserved by the reservation information in the conference server is performed.

  As described above, according to the present invention, it is possible to provide a technique capable of easily holding a TV conference by adjusting a schedule of conference participants.

  FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conference system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention. As shown in the figure, the conference system 100 includes a scheduler server 110, a plurality of conference client terminals 150A, 150B,... (Unless particularly distinguished from each other, called a conference client terminal 150), and a plurality of user terminals. 170A, 170B,... (In particular, the user terminal 170 if not distinguished from each other), which can transmit and receive information to and from each other via the network 180.

  FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram of the scheduler server 110. As illustrated, the scheduler server 110 includes a storage unit 111, a control unit 116, an input unit 122, an output unit 123, and a communication unit 124.

  The storage unit 111 includes a conference schedule information storage area 112, a conference room information storage area 113, and a user information storage area 114.

  The conference schedule information storage area 112 stores conference schedule information for specifying a schedule including the date and time of the conference held in the conference system 100, the venue, and the like. For example, in the present embodiment, a conference schedule information table 112a as shown in FIG. 3 (schematic diagram of the conference schedule information table 112a) is stored.

  The conference schedule information table 112a includes a conference ID column 112b, a reservation ID column 112c, a holding date column 112d, a start time column 112e, an end time column 112f, a participant column 112g, and a holding location column 112h. The conference execution determination condition column 112n, the reply deadline column 112o, and the pre-schedule notification column 112p are provided.

  In the conference ID column 112b, information for specifying a conference held in the conference system 100 is stored. Here, a conference ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying each conference, is stored as information for identifying the conference.

  The reservation ID column 112c stores information for specifying each candidate when setting the conference specified in the conference ID column 112b. Here, as information for specifying candidates, natural numbers are assigned in order from 1 in the order of preference of the reservation candidates input via the input unit 122 in the conference reservation processing unit 118, which will be described later, and the value of the allocated natural number is determined. They are stored in the reservation ID column 112c.

  In the holding date column 112d, information for specifying the holding date of the conference (candidate) specified in the conference ID column 112b and the reservation ID column 112c is stored.

  The start time column 112e stores information for specifying the start time of the conference (candidate) specified in the conference ID column 112b and the reservation ID column 112c.

  The end time column 112f stores information for specifying the end time of the conference (candidate) specified by the conference ID column 112b and the reservation ID column 112c.

  In the participant column 112g, information for identifying a prospective participant of the conference specified in the conference ID column 112b is stored. Here, a user ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying each user who uses the conference system 100, is stored as information for identifying a prospective participant of the conference.

  In the holding place column 112h, information for specifying a place (conference room) where the meeting (candidate) specified in the meeting ID column 112b and the reservation ID column 112c is held is stored.

Here, in this embodiment, the holding place column 112h is the number n (n is a natural number of 1 or more) of places (conference rooms) where the meeting (candidate) specified in the meeting ID column 112b and the reservation ID column 112c is held. having associated first venue column 112i _1, second venue column 112i _2, · · ·, a first n venue column 112i _n accordance with.

Each i-th location column 112i _i has a location column 112j _i , a number of people column 112k _i , a TV presence / absence column 112l _i , and a conference room ID column 112m _i (where i is a natural number 1 ≦ i ≦ n). ).

The location column 112j _i stores information for specifying the location of the building where the location (conference room) specified in the _i- th holding location column 112i _i is provided.

The number-of-persons column 112k _i stores information for specifying the number of persons required for the place (conference room) specified in the _i- th holding place column 112i _i .

The TV presence / absence column 112l _i stores information for specifying whether or not it is requested that the conference client terminal 150 is installed in the place (conference room) specified by the _i th holding location column 112i _i . Here, when the character string of "Yes" is stored, it is assumed that the installation of the meeting client terminal 150 is requested, if TV presence column 112l _i is "no", the conference for the TV conference It is assumed that the installation of the client terminal 150 is not required, and the installation of a conference client terminal for an audio conference without video is required.

TV presence column 112l _i is for determining whether to require a video to the conference to be held, it may be referred to as a video necessity column.

In the conference room ID column 112m _i, there are requests such as the location column 112j _i , the number of people column 112k _i , the TV presence / absence column 112l _i and the location specified by the conference room ID column 112m _i , the number of people, and whether or not the conference client terminal 150 is installed. Information for identifying the meeting room to be filled is stored. Here, a conference room ID for uniquely identifying each conference room is stored as information for identifying the conference room.

  The meeting execution decision condition column 112n stores information for specifying conditions for holding (implementing) a meeting. Here, information specifying “match all”, “essential match” or “majority” is stored as information specifying the condition.

  In the reply time limit column 112o, information for specifying the reply time limit of the participation reply from the conference participant is stored. Here, information specifying “within 1 day”, “within 3 days”, “within 1 week”, or “within 10 days” is stored as information for specifying the reply deadline.

  In the pre-schedule notification column 112p, information for specifying whether or not to pre-schedule a conference to a conference participant and a method for the pre-schedule notification are input. Here, as information specifying whether or not to pre-schedule notification and the method of pre-scheduling notification, information specifying “e-mail the previous day”, “e-mail on the day”, or “none” is stored. The

  Returning to FIG. 2, the conference room information storage area 113 stores conference room information for specifying a conference room that can be used in the conference system 100 and facilities of the conference room. For example, in the present embodiment, a conference room information table 113a as shown in FIG. 4 (schematic diagram of the conference room information table 113a) is stored.

  The conference room information table 113a includes a conference room ID column 113b, a location column 113c, a capacity table 113d, a conference client terminal presence / absence column 113e, and an address column 113f.

  In the conference room ID column 113b, information specifying a conference room that can be used in the conference system 100 is stored. Here, a conference room ID for uniquely identifying each conference room is stored as information for identifying the conference room.

  The location column 113c stores information for specifying the location of the building where the conference room specified in the conference room ID column 113b is provided.

  Information for specifying the number of people that can be accommodated in the conference room specified in the conference room ID column 113b is stored in the accommodation number column 113d.

  In the conference client terminal presence / absence column 113e, information specifying whether or not the conference client terminal 150 is installed in the conference room specified in the conference room ID column 113b is stored. Here, when the character string “Yes” is stored, the conference client terminal 150 is installed. When the character string “No” is stored, the conference for voice conference is performed. Assume that a client terminal is installed.

  The address column 113f stores information for specifying the communication address of the conference client terminal 150 installed when the conference client terminal 150 is installed in the conference room specified by the conference room ID column 113b.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the user information storage area 114 stores user information for specifying the user who uses the conference system 100 and the communication address of the user. For example, in the present embodiment, a user information table 114a as shown in FIG. 5 (schematic diagram of the user information table 114a) is stored.

  The user information table 114a has a user ID column 114b, a user name column 114c, and a mail address column 114d.

  In the user ID column 114b, information for specifying a user who uses the conference system 100 is stored. Here, a user ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying each user, is stored as information for identifying the user.

  In the user name column 114c, information for specifying the name of the user specified in the user ID column 114b is stored.

  The e-mail address column 114d stores information for specifying the e-mail address of the user terminal 170 used by the user specified in the user ID column 114b.

  Returning to FIG. 2, the control unit 116 includes an overall control unit 117, a conference reservation processing unit 118, a conference setting processing unit 119, and a call control unit 120.

  The overall control unit 117 controls the entire processing in the scheduler server 110.

  The conference reservation processing unit 118 performs reservation processing for holding a conference with the user terminal 170 via the communication unit 124.

  The conference setting processing unit 119 generates the holding information of the conference reserved by the conference reservation processing unit 118 and performs processing for setting the conference server 130 via the communication unit 124.

  The call control unit 120 controls the conference client terminal 150 used in the conference by the start time of the conference reserved by the conference reservation processing unit 118, and enables communication between these conference client terminals 150. Perform the process.

  The input unit 122 receives input of information.

  The output unit 123 outputs information.

  The communication unit 124 transmits and receives information via the network 180.

  The scheduler server 110 described above includes, for example, a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 901, a memory 902, and an external storage device 903 such as an HDD (Hard Disk Drive) as shown in FIG. 6 (schematic diagram of the computer 900). A reading device 905 for reading and writing information to a portable storage medium 904 such as a CD (Compact Disk) and a DVD (Digital Versatile Disk), an input device 906 such as a keyboard and a mouse, a display, etc. This can be realized by a general computer 900 including an output device 907 and a communication device 908 such as a NIC (Network Interface Card) for connecting to a communication network.

  For example, the storage unit 111 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the memory 902 or the external storage device 903, and the control unit 116 loads a predetermined program stored in the external storage device 903 into the memory 902. The input unit 122 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the input device 906, and the output unit 123 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the output device 907. The communication unit 124 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the communication device 908.

  The predetermined program is downloaded from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 to the external storage device 903, and then loaded onto the memory 902 and executed by the CPU 901. You may do it. Alternatively, the program may be directly loaded on the memory 902 from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 and executed by the CPU 901.

  FIG. 7 is a schematic diagram of the conference server 130. As illustrated, the conference server 130 includes a storage unit 131, a control unit 134, an input unit 139, an output unit 140, and a communication unit 141.

  The storage unit 131 includes a conference setting information storage area 132.

  The conference setting information storage area 132 stores conference setting information for specifying a conference held in the conference system 100 and a transmission / reception destination to which the conference server 130 transmits / receives data in the conference. For example, in the present embodiment, a conference setting information table 132a as shown in FIG. 8 (schematic diagram of the conference setting information table 132a) is stored.

  The conference setting information table 132a includes a conference ID column 132b, a holding date column 132c, a start time column 132d, an end time column 132e, and an address column 132f.

  In the conference ID column 132b, information for specifying a conference held in the conference system 100 is stored. Here, a conference ID, which is identification information for uniquely identifying each conference, is stored as information for identifying the conference.

  In the holding date column 132c, information for specifying the holding date of the conference specified in the conference ID column 132b is stored.

  The start time column 132d stores information for specifying the start time of the conference specified in the conference ID column 132b.

  The end time column 132e stores information for specifying the end time of the conference specified in the conference ID column 132b.

  The address field 132f stores information for specifying the communication address of the conference client terminal 150 used in the conference specified by the conference ID column 132b.

  Each record in the conference setting information table 132 a stores conference holding information transmitted from the scheduler server 110.

  Returning to FIG. 7, the control unit 134 includes an overall control unit 135, a conference management unit 136, and a routing processing unit 137.

  The overall control unit 135 controls the entire processing in the conference server.

  The conference management unit 136 manages the conference setting information table 132 a stored in the conference setting information storage area 132. For example, in the present embodiment, conference holding information transmitted from the scheduler server 110 is stored in each record of the conference setting information table 132a.

  When the conference management unit 136 receives an inquiry about the resource specifying the year, month, day, and time from the scheduler server 110, the conference management unit 136 displays the number of conferences set to the specified date from the conference setting information table 132a. Aggregate, if the number of conferences that have been determined in advance has been reached, a response indicating that the setting is not possible (resource shortage), and if the number of conferences that has been determined in advance has not been reached, a response that can be set (with available resources) Then, processing to transmit via the communication unit 141 is performed.

  In accordance with the conference setting information table 132a stored in the conference setting information storage area 132, the routing processing unit 137 receives the data received from the conference client terminal 150 of the set conference as another conference used in the conference. A process of transferring to the client terminal 150 is performed.

  The input unit 139 receives input of information.

  The output unit 140 outputs information.

  The communication unit 141 transmits and receives information via the network 180.

  The conference server 130 described above can be realized by a general computer 900 as shown in FIG. 6, for example.

  For example, the storage unit 131 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the memory 902 or the external storage device 903, and the control unit 134 loads a predetermined program stored in the external storage device 903 into the memory 902. The input unit 139 can be realized by using the input device 906 by the CPU 901, and the output unit 140 can be realized by using the output device 907 by the CPU 901. The communication unit 141 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the communication device 908.

  The predetermined program is downloaded from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 to the external storage device 903, and then loaded onto the memory 902 and executed by the CPU 901. You may do it. Alternatively, the program may be directly loaded on the memory 902 from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 and executed by the CPU 901.

  FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram of the conference client terminal 150. As illustrated, the conference client terminal 150 includes a storage unit 151, a control unit 153, an imaging unit 159, a sound collection unit 160, an input unit 161, a video output unit 162, an audio output unit 163, and a communication Part 164.

  The storage unit 151 stores information necessary for processing at the conference client terminal 150. For example, in this embodiment, data transmitted to and received from the conference server 130, a communication address of the conference server 130, and the like are stored.

  The control unit 153 includes an overall control unit 154, a communication control unit 155, a video synthesis unit 156, and a voice synthesis unit 157.

  The overall control unit 154 controls the entire processing at the conference client terminal 150.

  For example, in this embodiment, when receiving a call message for setting a conference, the overall control unit 154 performs a process of establishing a call by returning a response message.

  Further, in the present embodiment, the overall control unit 154 performs processing for outputting video data and audio data obtained via an imaging unit 159 and a sound collection unit 160 described later to the communication control unit 155.

  Further, the overall control unit 154 performs a process of outputting the video or audio synthesized by the video synthesis unit 156 or the audio synthesis 157 to the video output unit 162 or the audio output unit 163.

  The communication control unit 155 transmits and receives information via the communication unit 164.

  Further, the communication control unit 155 outputs the video data transmitted from each transmission source to the video synthesis unit 156, and outputs the audio data transmitted from each transmission source to the audio synthesis unit 157.

  In the present embodiment, the communication control unit 155 transmits the video data and audio data output from the overall control unit 154 to the conference server 130 as separate transmission data.

  The video composition unit 156 synthesizes the video data obtained from the communication control unit 155. Video data can be synthesized by dividing one screen into specific areas and inserting video data transmitted from a specific transmission source into a predetermined area. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. For example, a part or all of a plurality of video data may be overlapped.

  The voice synthesis unit 157 synthesizes voice data obtained from the communication control unit 155. Here, as a technique for synthesizing audio data, an existing technique may be used, and a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

  The imaging unit 159 captures an image. Note that the captured video is output to the overall control unit 154 as video data.

  The sound collection unit 160 collects sound. The collected voice is output to the overall control unit 154 as voice data.

  The input unit 161 receives input of information.

  The video output unit 162 outputs video data.

  The audio output unit 163 outputs audio data.

  The communication unit 164 transmits and receives information via the network 180.

  The conference client terminal 150 described above includes, for example, a general computer 900 as shown in FIG. 6, an imaging device (not shown) such as a video camera device, a sound collecting device (not shown) such as a microphone, This can be realized by providing an audio output device (not shown) such as a speaker.

  For example, the storage unit 151 can be realized by the CPU 901 using the memory 902 or the external storage device 903, and the control unit 153 loads a predetermined program stored in the external storage device 903 into the memory 902. The image capturing unit 159 can be realized by using the image capturing apparatus by the CPU 901, and the sound collecting unit 160 can be realized by using the sound collecting apparatus by the CPU 901. The input unit 161 can be realized by using the input device 906 by the CPU 901, the video output unit 162 can be realized by using the output device 907 by the CPU 901, and the audio output unit 163 can be realized by the CPU 901. The communication unit 164 can be realized by using an audio output device. It can be realized by using the communication device 908.

  The predetermined program is downloaded from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 to the external storage device 903, and then loaded onto the memory 902 and executed by the CPU 901. You may do it. Alternatively, the program may be directly loaded on the memory 902 from the storage medium 904 via the reading device 905 or from the network via the communication device 908 and executed by the CPU 901.

  As the user terminal 170, for example, a general computer as shown in FIG. 6 may be used, and detailed description thereof is omitted.

  FIG. 10 is a sequence diagram showing processing in the conference system 100.

  In this sequence, the process when the user A of the user terminal 170A serves as the convener and the conference is set with the users B to G of the other user terminals 170B to 170G as participants is shown.

  First, when the user A inputs an instruction to hold a conference via the input unit of the user terminal 170A, a conference holding request is transmitted from the user terminal 170A to the scheduler server 110 (S10).

  In the present embodiment, for example, the user A accesses the website provided by the scheduler server 110 and inputs a predetermined button input (conference holding request instruction input) on a predetermined page. By carrying out through the section, a meeting holding request is transmitted to the scheduler server 110.

  In the scheduler server 110 that has received such a conference opening request, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits a reservation input screen for inputting a conference reservation to the user terminal 170A (S11).

  For example, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits a reservation input screen 181 as shown in FIG. 11 (schematic diagram of the reservation input screen 181) to the user terminal 170A. The user terminal 170A displays the received reservation input screen 181 on the output unit, and receives reservation information input from the user A via the input unit.

  As shown in the figure, the reservation input screen 181 includes a conference desired date / time designation region 181a, a conference room selection region 181e, a participant selection region 181i, and an attendant menu region 181l.

  In the present embodiment, the desired conference date and time designation area 181a includes a first desired input area 181b, a second desired input area 181c, and a third desired input area 181d. In each input area, The start date / time and end date / time desired to set the conference can be input in the desired order.

  In the conference room selection area 181e, a place number input area 181f is provided. According to the number of meeting places selected from a so-called pull-down menu in the place number input area 181f (here, “2” is set as the number of places). A first holding place input area 181g and a second holding place input area 181h are provided.

  That is, when the nth place (n is a natural number) is selected in the place number input area 181f, the first to nth place input areas appear in the conference room selection area 181e and can be input. .

  In each holding place column, a place input area where the meeting place can be selected from the pull-down menu, and the number of persons who can participate in the place specified in the place input area can be selected from the pull-down menu. An input area and a TV use check area indicated by checking whether or not a video is required in a conference to be held are provided.

  In the participant selection area 181i, a number input area 181j is provided. According to the number of participants selected from the so-called pull-down menu in the number input area 181j (here, “7” is input as the number of participants) ), Participant name input areas for the number of persons entered in the participant list input area 181k appear and can be input.

  In each participant name input area, the name of the user stored in the user name column 114c of the user information table 114a stored in the user information storage area 114 can be selected from a pull-down menu. In addition, an essential check area indicated by checking an intention to make participation essential is provided at an adjacent position.

  The attendance menu area 181l is provided with a meeting execution decision condition input area 181m, an answer deadline input area 181n, and a pre-schedule notification input area 181o.

  Information specifying conditions for holding (implementing) a conference is input to the conference execution determination condition input area 181m. Here, in the present embodiment, a condition is selected from “all match”, “essential match”, or “majority decision” by a so-called pull-down menu. However, the present invention is not limited to this mode. Absent.

  Here, when “match all” is selected, it is determined that a meeting can be held (executed) when there is a date and time when all the members entered in the participant name input area of the participant selection area 181i can participate. Is done. If there are a plurality of dates that can be held, the desired order in the conference desired date / time designation area 181a may be followed.

  Further, when “Mandatory Match” is selected, there is a date and time when all of the persons entered in the participant name input area of the participant selection area 181i can check in the mandatory check area. In this case, it is determined that the meeting can be held (implemented). If there are a plurality of dates that can be held, the desired order in the conference desired date / time designation area 181a may be followed.

  In addition, when “majority decision” is selected, a meeting is held when there is a date and time when more than a majority of the persons entered in the participant name input area of the participant selection area 181i can participate. (Implementation) It is judged possible. If there are a plurality of dates that can be held, the desired order in the conference desired date / time designation area 181a may be followed.

  In the answer deadline input area 181n, information specifying the answer deadline from the person entered in the participant name input area of the participant selection area 181i is inputted. For example, in the present embodiment, in the so-called pull-down menu, “within 1 day”, “within 3 days”, “within 1 week”, or “within 10 days” can be selected. It is not necessarily limited to the embodiment.

  When it is determined to hold (implement) a meeting, the pre-schedule notification input area 181o includes information for specifying whether or not a meeting pre-schedule notification is given to the participants of the meeting and a method for the pre-scheduled notification. Entered. For example, in the present embodiment, the so-called pull-down menu can be selected from “e-mail the previous day”, “by e-mail on the day”, or “none”, but is limited to this mode. I don't mean.

  Returning to FIG. 10, necessary information is input to the desired conference date and time designation area 181a, the conference room selection area 181e, the participant selection area 181i, and the attendant menu area 181l (S12), and an OK (transmission) input area. When an execution instruction for selecting 181p is input via the input unit, the reservation information input on the reservation input screen 181 is transmitted to the scheduler server 110 via the communication unit (S13).

  In the scheduler server 110 that has received the reservation information, the conference reservation processing unit 118 generates a resource inquiry that specifies the first and third desired dates and times (start date / time and end date / time) of the received reservation information. Then, it is transmitted to the conference server 130 via the communication unit 124 (S14).

  In the conference server 130 that has received such a resource query, the conference management unit 136 determines the number of conferences set for each of the first to third desired dates and times specified in the received resource query. Aggregated from the setting information table 132a, when a predetermined number of conferences has been reached, an answer that cannot be set, and when a predetermined number of conferences has not been reached, an answer that can be set from the first request A response message specified for each of the third wishes is generated and returned to the scheduler server 110 via the communication unit 141 (S15).

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 of the scheduler server 110 has already been set or reserved for each of the first to third desired dates and times (start date / time and end date / time) of the received reservation information. A meeting that matches the location specified by the reservation information, the number of people accommodated, and the presence or absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150) other than the conference room used in the specified conference. It is determined from the conference room information table 113a whether there is a room.

  Then, the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines whether or not the reservation can be made based on the response in step S15 and the determination via the conference room information table 113a (S16).

  For example, in the response of step S15, the conference reservation processing unit 118 has available resources in the conference server 130 in all of the first desired date and time to the third desired date and time (there is an answer that a conference can be set), and the first If there is a meeting room that matches the location specified in the reservation information, the number of people accommodated, and the presence or absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150) in all of the first desired date and the third desired date and time, it is determined that the reservation is possible. Then, the status notification of the normal response is sent to the user terminal 170A, and if there is a person who does not satisfy any of these, it is determined that the reservation is impossible, and the status notification of the error response specifying the unsatisfied items is performed .

  Here, it is assumed that a status notification of an error response is notified to the user terminal 170A on the assumption that there is no vacant conference room at the first holding place on the second desired date and time (S17).

  For example, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits an error response status notification 182 as shown in FIG. 12 (schematic diagram of the error response status notification 182) to the user terminal 170A. The received error response status notification 182 is displayed.

  When the user A of the user terminal 170A inputs an execution instruction specifying the reservation information correction instruction input area 182a provided in the error response status notification 182 via the input unit, the conference reservation processing unit 118 Transmits a reservation acceptance result screen 183 as shown in FIG. 13 (schematic diagram of the reservation acceptance result screen 183) to the user terminal 170A. The user terminal 170A displays the received reservation acceptance result screen 183 on the output unit, and accepts an input of a reservation information correction request from the user A via the input unit.

  As shown in the figure, the reservation acceptance result screen 183 has a conference desired date / time designation area 183a, a conference room selection area 183e, a participant selection area 183i, and an attended menu area 183l, as with the reservation input screen 181. .

  On the reservation acceptance result screen 183, the area corresponding to the desired date and time (here, the second desired date and time) for which it was not possible to make a reservation is displayed in a display method that can be distinguished from the other ( Here, although the specific color (for example, red) is attached | subjected to the area | region corresponding to a 2nd desired date, it is not limited to such an aspect.

  When the user A of the user terminal 170A inputs an execution instruction specifying an area corresponding to a desired date and time that cannot be determined to be available for reservation via the input unit, the conference reservation processing unit 118 Transmits the other candidate support screen 184 as shown in FIG. 14 (schematic diagram of the other candidate support screen 184) to the user terminal 170A, and the user terminal 170A displays the received other candidate support screen 184 on the output unit. To do.

  As shown in the figure, the other candidate support screen 184 includes another date selection support area 184a and another conference room selection support area 184b.

  The other date / time selection support area 184a has a meeting in a specific period (for example, three days, one week, etc.) before and after the date when the error occurs, other than the date / time specified by the first desired date / time to the third desired date / time. There are available resources in the server 130 (there is an answer that a meeting can be set), and there is a meeting room that matches the location specified by the reservation information, the number of people accommodated, and the presence or absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150). Time zone candidates are displayed.

  For this candidate, the conference reservation processing unit 118 has a specific period (for example, 3 days, 1 week) before and after the date when the error occurred, other than the date and time specified by the first desired date and time and the third desired date and time. Etc.) can be specified by sequentially selecting the time zone (the same length of time as the error time) and performing the same processing as in steps S14 and S15.

  In the other conference room selection support area 184b, if there is a vacant conference room at the location specified by the reservation information at the date and time when the error occurred, the location of the vacant conference room, Information specifying the presence / absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150) is displayed as a conference room candidate to be selected.

  The other conference room selection support area 184b is displayed when there is no conference room that matches the location specified in the reservation information, the number of people accommodated, and the presence / absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150). When there is no meeting room that matches the information, a plurality of other meeting room selection support areas 184b are displayed.

  Returning to FIG. 10, the user A of the user terminal 170A is displayed on the other date / time candidate displayed in the other date / time selection support area 184a or the other conference room selection support area 184b via the input unit. When one of the other conference room candidates is selected (S18) and an execution instruction for selecting the OK (transmission) input area 184c is input via the input unit, the selected information is the scheduler as the correction information. It is transmitted to the server 110 (S19).

  In FIG. 13, the user A of the user terminal 170 </ b> A does not input an execution instruction specifying an area corresponding to a desired date and time when it was not possible to make a reservation, and an OK (transmission) input area When the execution instruction with 183p selected is input, the correction date and time and the correction information that does not store the information for specifying the conference room are transmitted to the scheduler server 110 (in this case, the date and time when the error occurred is canceled. Meaning to do).

  In the scheduler server 110 that has received the correction information, the conference reservation processing unit 118 generates a conference ID so as to be unique, the desired date / time determined to be available for reservation in step S16, the date / time or the conference room determined by the received correction information. Is stored in the corresponding column of the conference schedule information table 112a (S20).

  Here, in the reservation ID column 112c of the conference schedule information table 112a, a value corresponding to the desired date and time, that is, the record corresponding to the date and time input to the first desired input area 181b on the reservation input screen 181 is “ The value “1” is “2” for the record corresponding to the date and time input to the second desired input area 181c, and “3” for the record corresponding to the date and time input to the third desired input area 181d. The value of is stored.

In addition, the conference room ID column 112m _i, where they are identified by the reservation information, Capacity and TV conference (conference client terminal 150) of the conference room to meet the presence or absence of, meeting room meeting room chosen arbitrarily ID is stored.

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 notifies the user terminal 170A of a normal response status (S17). For the normal response status notification, for example, a normal response status notification 185 as shown in FIG. 15 (schematic diagram of normal response status notification 185) may be used.

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 specifies the email address of the participant specified by the reservation information from the user information table 114a stored in the user information storage area 114, and specifies the specified email address. The meeting holding guidance is transmitted to the client terminals 170A to 170G (S22, S23).

  For example, a holding guide 186 as shown in FIG. 16 (schematic diagram of the holding guide 186) may be used as the holding guide transmitted in steps S22 and S23.

  Then, in the user terminals 170A to 170G that have received such a holding guide, the holding guide 186 is displayed on the output unit, and the user of the user terminal 170 is provided in the holding guide 186 via the input unit. When the execution instruction specifying the answer request input area 186a is input, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits a participation answer screen 187 as shown in FIG. 17 (schematic diagram of the participation answer screen 187) to the user terminals 170A to 170G. To do. In the user terminals 170A to 170G, the received participation answer screen 187 is displayed on the output unit, and an input of a participation answer is received from the users A to G via the input unit (S24, S25).

  As shown in the figure, the participation answer screen 187 includes a meeting participation possible answer area 187a and a meeting room selection area 187b.

  In the answer area 187a that can participate in the conference, the users A to G of the user terminals 170A to 170G check a check box provided on the right side of the date and time when the user can participate in the conference via the input unit. It can be shown that it can participate in the meeting of the date and time. It should be noted that in the conference participation possible answer area 187a, a plurality of dates and times can be checked, and when the checkbox is not checked, it indicates that the conference cannot be participated at these dates and times.

  In the conference room selection area 187b, the user of the user terminal 170 checks the check box provided on the right side of the place where the user can participate in the conference via the input unit, thereby meeting at the location. You can show that you can join.

  Then, the users A to G of the user terminals 170A to 170G check necessary information in the corresponding areas of the conference participation possible answer area 187a and the conference room selection area 187b (without checking), and OK (send) ) When an execution instruction for selecting the input area 187p is input, participation answer information for specifying the checked item is transmitted to the scheduler server 110 (S26, S27).

  The scheduler server 110 that has received the participation response information from all of the users A to G participating in the conference specifies the reservation date and time by adding the participation date and time specified by the participation response information. It is determined whether or not the conference can be held depending on whether or not the meeting execution determination condition is satisfied and the meeting room capacity at each place is satisfied (S28).

  Then, in step S28, the conference reservation processing unit 118 notifies the participant response status when the conference cannot be held or the participant response status notification when the conference can be held, depending on whether or not the conference can be held. Are transmitted to the user terminal 170A of the user A who is the convenor of the conference (S29).

  For example, if the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines in step S28 that the conference cannot be held, it cannot be held as shown in FIG. 18 (schematic diagram of the participant answer status notification 188 when the conference cannot be held). In this case, the participant answer status notification 188 is transmitted to the user terminal 170A of the user A who is the convenor of the conference.

  The user terminal 170A that has received the participant answer status notification 188 when it cannot be held displays the participant answer status notification 188 when it cannot be held on the output unit, and the user A of the user terminal 170A When the execution instruction designating the answer total result display request input area 188a provided in the participant answer status notification 188 when the event cannot be held is input via the input unit, the conference reservation processing unit 118 displays FIG. If the event cannot be held, as shown in the schematic diagram of the response tabulation result screen 189 when it is not possible, a response tabulation result screen 189 when it cannot be held is transmitted to the user terminal 170A. In the user terminal 170A, the received answer total result screen 189 when the event cannot be held is displayed in the output unit.

  As shown in the figure, the answer count result screen 189 when the event cannot be held has a conference desired date / time designation area 189a, a conference room selection area 189e, a participant selection area 189i, and an attend menu area 189l. In the area, items entered (selected) in the desired conference date and time designation area 181a, the conference room selection area 181e, the participant selection area 181i, and the attendant menu area 181l on the reservation input screen 181 are displayed. .

  The conference room selection area 189e also displays the conference room ID of the conference room selected by the conference reservation processing unit 118 among the conference rooms that satisfy the conditions input in the conference room selection area 181e of the reservation input screen 181. ing.

  In the initial state, the answer count result screen 189 when the conference cannot be held is the conference desired date / time when the number of users who answered that they cannot participate in the conference desired date / time designation area 189a was the smallest (users who answered that they could not participate) If the number is the same, the part corresponding to the desired order) is displayed so that it can be distinguished from others (here, it is assumed that a specific color is given), and further, the participant selection In the area 189i, the part corresponding to the user who answered that he / she cannot participate in the date / time identified in the meeting desired date / time designation area 189a is displayed so that it can be distinguished from others (here, a specific color is attached). ).

  In addition, in the response count result screen 189 when the event cannot be held, if a certain area including a specific desired date / time is specified in the input section of the desired meeting date / time specifying area 189a, the specific desired data in the participant selection area 189i is specified. In the date and time, the part corresponding to the user who answered that he / she cannot participate is displayed so that it can be distinguished from others (here, a specific color is given). These display controls are performed by the conference reservation processing unit 118.

  Although not shown, when it is determined that the conference room cannot be held because it does not meet the capacity, the conference room selection area 181e corresponds to the venue where the capacity is determined not to be satisfied. The display may be performed so that the portion can be distinguished from the others.

  Further, when user A of user terminal 170A inputs an execution instruction for selecting OK (transmission) input area 189p on answer totaling result screen 189 when the event cannot be held, response information specifying that the process is to be ended Is transmitted to the scheduler server 110, and this sequence ends. On the other hand, when an execution instruction for selecting the redo (transmission) input area 189q is input, response information specifying that the reservation is redone is transmitted to the scheduler server 110, and the redo can be started from step S11.

  On the other hand, if it is determined in step S28 that the conference can be held, the conference reservation processing unit 118 can hold the conference as shown in FIG. 20 (schematic diagram of the participant answer status notification 190 when it can be held). In this case, the attendee response status notification 190 is transmitted to the user terminal 170A of the user A who is the convener of the conference.

  Then, in the user terminal 170A that has received the participant answer status notification 190 when it can be held, the participant answer status notification 190 that can be held is displayed on the output unit.

  Here, in the participant answer status notification 190 in the case where it can be held as shown in FIG. 20, the date and time of holding the conference, the conference room used in the conference, and the presence or absence of the prior notification or the prior notification method are specified. .

  Then, when the user A of the user terminal 170A inputs an execution instruction specifying the answer count result display request input area 190a provided in the participant answer status notification 190 when the event can be held via the input unit, The conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits to the user terminal 170A an answer count result screen 191 when it can be held as shown in FIG. 21 (schematic diagram of the answer count result screen 191 when it can be held). In the user terminal 170A, the received response total result screen 191 is displayed in the output unit when it can be held.

  As shown in the figure, the answer count result screen 191 when it can be held has a conference desired date / time designation area 191a, a conference room selection area 191e, a participant selection area 191i, and an attendance menu area 191l. In the area, items entered (selected) in the desired conference date and time designation area 181a, the conference room selection area 181e, the participant selection area 181i, and the attendant menu area 181l on the reservation input screen 181 are displayed. .

  Here, in the desired conference date and time designation area 191a, the highest date in the desired order among the dates and times determined to be able to hold the conference is displayed distinguishable from others (here, a specific color is displayed). It shall be attached).

  In the conference room selection area 191e, the conference selected to be used by the conference reservation processing unit 118 when the conference is held in the highest desired order among the dates and times determined that the conference can be held. The conference room ID of the room is displayed.

  In addition, in the response count result screen 191 when the event can be held, when a certain area including a specific desired date and time is specified in the input part of the desired meeting date and time specifying area 191a, the meeting is performed at the specific desired date and time. In addition, when the conference room ID of the selected conference room is displayed in the conference room selection area 191e and there is a user who answered that he / she cannot participate at the specific desired date and time, the part corresponding to the user is other It is assumed that a display distinguishable from the above is performed (here, a specific color is given).

  Further, the user A of the user terminal 170A designates the date and time (possible for holding) the conference in the desired conference date and time designation area 191a by the input unit, and selects the OK (transmission) input area 191p. When the input is made, response information specifying the date and time selected in the desired conference date and time designation area 191a is transmitted to the scheduler server 110 (S30).

  Upon receiving such response information, the scheduler server 110 confirms the reservation by deleting the record corresponding to the date / time other than the date / time included in the response information (the conference ID is the same) from the conference schedule information table 112a. (S31).

Then, the conference setting processing unit 118 extracts information stored in the conference ID column 112b, the holding date column 112d, the start time column 112e, and the end time column 112f of the record for which the reservation is confirmed, and the conference room ID. the communication address of the conference client terminal 150 corresponding to the conference room ID stored in the column 112m _i extracted from conference information table 113a, as extracted held information these information to the conference server 130 (S32) .

  In the conference server 130 that has received such held information, the conference management unit 136 generates a new record in the conference setting information table 132a, and stores the information included in the received held information in the corresponding column (S33). ).

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 of the scheduler server 110 uses the email address corresponding to the participant ID stored in the participant column 112g of the record whose reservation is confirmed in step S31 from the conference schedule information table 112a as the user information. Specify the date and time of holding the conference, the conference room to be used in the conference, the presence or absence of prior notification, or the prior notification method for the user terminals 170A to 170G that are acquired from the table 114a and specified by the acquired email address. A notification of the held meeting is transmitted (S34, S35).

  When the conference reservation processing unit 118 of the scheduler server 110 determines that the pre-scheduled notice date has been reached, based on the holding date field 112d and the pre-scheduled notice field 112p of the conference schedule information table 112a (S36). The mail address corresponding to the participant ID stored in the participant column 112g of the conference schedule information table 112a is acquired from the user information table 114a, and the user terminals 170A to 170B specified by the acquired mail address are A prior notice of the meeting specifying the date and time of the meeting, the conference room used in the meeting, and the presence or absence of the prior notice or the prior notice method is transmitted (S37, S38).

When the call control unit 120 of the scheduler server 110 determines from the holding date column 112d and the start time column 112e of the conference schedule information table 112a that the predetermined time has passed from the start time of the conference. (S39), and the communication address corresponding to the conference room ID specified by the conference room ID column 112m _i obtained from conference information table 113a, performs call control to the obtained communication address, specified in these communication addresses The conference client terminals 150 can communicate with each other (S40, S41).

  22 and 23 are flowcharts showing processing in the scheduler server 110.

  First, when the scheduler server 110 receives a conference opening request from the user terminal 170 via the communication unit 124 (Yes in S50), the conference reservation processing unit 118 displays a reservation input screen 181 as shown in FIG. The conference request is transmitted to the user terminal 170 that has transmitted the conference request (S51).

  Next, when the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives input of an attendance menu such as a desired date and time of the conference, conference room conditions, participants, and conditions for setting a conference via the reservation input screen 181 ( In step S52, the conference reservation processing unit 118 generates a resource query that specifies the input desired date and time of the conference, transmits the resource query to the conference server 130 via the communication unit 124, and accepts the response to the resource inquiry. Is confirmed (S53). Here, it is assumed that a response message specifying whether or not a conference can be set is returned from the conference server 130 for each of the first to third desired dates and times.

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 has already set or set each of the first to third desired dates / times (start date / time and end date / time) received from the reservation input screen 181. The reserved conference is identified from the conference schedule information table 112a, and it matches the date and time when the input is received, the location, the number of persons accommodated, and the presence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150) other than the conference room used in the identified conference. It is determined from the conference room information table 113a whether there is a conference room.

  Then, the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines whether or not the reservation is possible based on the confirmation in step S53 and the determination via the conference room information table 113a (S54). If the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines that reservation is not possible (No in S54), the process proceeds to step S55. If it is determined that reservation is possible (Yes in S54), the process proceeds to step S61. .

  In step S55, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits to the user terminal 170 a status notification 182 indicating a reservation error as shown in FIG.

  When the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives an OK instruction input from the user terminal 170 (Yes in S56), the conference reservation processing unit 118 proceeds to step S61, and receives a reservation correction instruction from the user terminal 170. (Yes in S57), the process proceeds to step S58.

  In step S58, the conference reservation processing unit 118 identifies a reservation correction candidate.

  For example, the conference reservation processing unit 118 has a free resource in the conference server 130 in a specific period before and after the desired date and time when it is determined that the conference server 130 has insufficient resources or that there is no available conference room (step S110). As in S53, the resource is confirmed and specified), and a candidate for a time zone in which there is a meeting room that matches the location, capacity, and presence / absence of the TV conference (conference client terminal 150) input via the reservation input screen 181 Other date / time candidates are specified, and the number of persons accommodated through the reservation input screen 181 is not used at the desired date / time when it is determined that the conference room is not available. The other conference room candidates are specified by specifying the conference room from the conference room information table 113a.

  Then, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits to the user terminal 170 another candidate support screen 184 as shown in FIG. 14 that specifies at least one of the other date / time candidate and the other conference room candidate specified as described above. (S59).

  Then, when the selection of a correction candidate is input via the other candidate support screen 184 (Yes in S60), the conference reservation processing unit 118 proceeds to step S61.

In step S61, the conference reservation processing unit 118 generates a conference ID so as to be unique, and corresponds to the desired date / time determined to be available for reservation in step S54 and the corrected desired date / time input in step S60. The information to be held (the date, the start time, the end time, the participants, the conditions of the venue, the meeting implementation decision condition, the reply deadline, and the advance notice) are stored in the corresponding columns of the meeting schedule information table 112a. Here, in the reservation ID column 112c of the conference schedule information table 112a, a value corresponding to the desired date and time, that is, the record corresponding to the date and time input to the first desired input area 181b on the reservation input screen 181 is “ The value “1” is “2” for the record corresponding to the date and time input to the second desired input area 181c, and “3” for the record corresponding to the date and time input to the third desired input area 181d. The value of is stored. In addition, the conference room ID column 112m _n, where they are identified by the reservation information, Capacity and TV conference (conference client terminal 150) of the conference room to meet the presence or absence of, meeting room meeting room chosen arbitrarily ID is stored.

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits a normal response status notification 185 as shown in FIG. 15 to the user terminal 170 that has transmitted the conference opening request (S62).

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 specifies the email address of the participant input via the reservation input screen 181 from the user information table 114a, and holds the conference as shown in FIG. 16 at the specified email address. A guide 186 is transmitted (S63).

  When the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives a response request from the user terminal 170 (Yes in S64), the conference reservation processing unit 118 transmits a participation response screen 187 as shown in FIG. 17 to the user terminal 170 that has transmitted the response request. (S65).

  Then, when the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives a participation response specifying the participation possible date and time and the possible participation location via the participation response screen 187 (Yes in S66), whether or not the participation response has been obtained from all the participants. (S67), and if participation answers are obtained from all participants (Yes in step S67), the process proceeds to step S68 in FIG. 23, and participation answers are not obtained from all participants. (No in step S67), the process returns to step S64 and is repeated.

  In step S68 of FIG. 23, the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines whether or not the conference can be held based on the participation responses obtained from all the participants (S68). If the conference cannot be held (No in step S68), the process proceeds to step S69. If the conference can be held (Yes in step S68), the process proceeds to step S75.

  Here, in step S68, the conference reservation processing unit 118 totals the participation possible dates and times obtained from all the participants and the participation places, and the conference execution determination condition input via the reservation input screen 181 and If the meeting room capacity at each location is satisfied, it is determined that the conference can be held.

  In step S69, the conference reservation processing unit 118 sends a participant answer status notification 188 in the case where the conference cannot be held as shown in FIG. 18 to the user terminal 170 of the user who is the convener of the conference (in step S50, transmits a conference holding request). To the user terminal 170).

  When the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives a response tabulation result display request from the user terminal 170 (Yes in S70), the conference tabulation processing unit 118 displays an answer tabulation result screen 189 when the event cannot be held as shown in FIG. Transmit (S71).

  Next, when receiving a response from the user terminal 170 (Yes in S72), the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines whether or not the received response specifies redo (S73), and specifies redo. If it is a thing (Yes in Step S73), the process returns to Step S51 to repeat the process, and if it is not to specify redo (No in Step S73), the record stored in the conference schedule information table 112a in Step S61 Is deleted (S74), and the process is terminated.

  On the other hand, in step S75, the conference reservation processing unit 118 sends a participant response status notification 190 in the case where the conference can be held as shown in FIG. Is transmitted to the user terminal 170) that has transmitted.

  When the conference reservation processing unit 118 receives a response from the user terminal 170 (Yes in S78), the conference reservation processing unit 118 displays a record corresponding to the date and time other than the date and time included in the received response as conference schedule information. The reservation is confirmed by deleting from the table 112a (S79).

Next, the conference setting processing unit 118 extracts information stored in the conference ID column 112b, the holding date column 112d, the start time column 112e, and the end time column 112f of the record for which the reservation is confirmed, and the conference room the communication address of the conference client terminal 150 corresponding to the conference room ID stored in the ID field 112m _n extracted from the conference room information table 113a, as extracted held information these information to the conference server 130 (S80 ).

  Next, the conference reservation processing unit 118 acquires from the user information table 114a an email address corresponding to the participant ID stored in the participant column 112g of the record whose reservation is confirmed in step S79 from the conference schedule information table 112a. Then, to the acquired e-mail address, a meeting holding notice specifying the date and time of holding the meeting, the conference room used in the meeting, and the presence or absence of the prior notice or the prior notice method is transmitted (S81).

  In addition, when the conference reservation processing unit 118 determines that the pre-scheduled notification date has been reached based on the holding date column 112d and the pre-scheduled notification column 112p of the conference schedule information table 112a, An email address corresponding to the participant ID stored in the participant column 112g is acquired from the user information table 114a, and the date and time when the conference is held, the conference room used in the conference, and prior notification are acquired to the acquired email address. The prior notice of the meeting which specified the presence or absence or the prior notice method is transmitted (S82).

When the call control unit 120 determines from the holding date column 112d and the start time column 112e of the conference schedule information table 112a that the predetermined time has passed before the conference start time, the conference room ID and a communication address corresponding to the conference room ID specified in the section 112m _i obtained from conference information table 113a, performs call control to the obtained communication address, in conference client terminal 150 with each other specified by these communication addresses Communication is enabled (S83).

  In the embodiment described above, in step S28 of FIG. 10 and step S68 of FIG. 23, the conference reservation processing unit 118 totals the participation possible dates and times and participation places obtained from all participants, It is determined that the conference can be held when the meeting execution decision condition input via the reservation input screen 181 and the meeting room capacity at each location are satisfied. However, the present invention is limited to this mode. For example, it may be determined that the conference can be held even if the total number of responses exceeds the capacity of the conference room. In this case, it is possible to determine the number of persons that can be exceeded for each meeting room or for all the meeting rooms, and determine that a meeting can be held within the range of the number of persons that can be exceeded. .

  Further, if the total number of responses exceeds the capacity of the conference room, the conference reservation processing unit 118 uses the conference schedule information table 112a and the conference room information table 113a to confirm that the conference room is not used at the desired date and time. In this case, a conference room capable of storing the responding participants is identified as a candidate, and the conference room is changed from the identified candidate on the screen shown in FIG. 19 so that the conference can be held. You can also.

  Although the present invention has been described using a conference held between two points (bases), it is not limited to two points.

  In addition, the scheduling function related to holding a conference can also be used for a conference at a single point (one site) that does not require a conference server or a conference client terminal.

Schematic diagram of a conference system. The schematic diagram of a scheduler server. Schematic of a meeting schedule information table. Schematic of a meeting room information table. Schematic of a user information table. Schematic diagram of a computer. Schematic diagram of a conference server. Schematic diagram of a conference setting information table. Schematic of a conference client terminal. The sequence diagram which shows the process in a conference system. Schematic diagram of a reservation input screen. Schematic of error response status notification. Schematic of the reservation acceptance result screen. Schematic of another candidate support screen. Schematic diagram of status notification of normal response. Schematic of holding information. Schematic of participation answer screen. Schematic of participant response status notification when it cannot be held. Schematic of the response count result screen when it cannot be held. Schematic of participant response status notification when it can be held. Schematic of the response count result screen when it can be held. The flowchart which shows the process in a scheduler server. The flowchart which shows the process in a scheduler server.

Explanation of symbols

100 conference system 110 scheduler server 111 storage unit 112 conference schedule information storage region 113 conference room information storage region 114 user information storage region 116 control unit 117 overall control unit 118 conference reservation processing unit 119 conference setting processing unit 120 call control unit 122 input Unit 123 output unit 124 communication unit 130 conference server 131 storage unit 132 conference setting information storage area 134 control unit 135 overall control unit 136 conference management unit 137 routing processing unit 150 conference client terminal 151 storage unit 153 control unit 154 overall control unit 155 communication Control unit 156 Video synthesis unit 157 Audio synthesis unit 159 Imaging unit 160 Sound collection unit 162 Video output unit 163 Audio output unit

Claims (7)

In order to perform a remote conference using a plurality of terminals, at least one of video and audio data received from one terminal included in the plurality of terminals is transferred to another terminal included in the plurality of terminals. A scheduler server for managing a meeting schedule in the meeting server,
Meeting schedule information identifying the meeting, the date and time of the meeting, and the meeting room used in the meeting;
Conference room information identifying the conference room, the location of the conference room, and the capacity of the conference room; and
User information for identifying a user of the conference system;
A storage unit for storing the control unit, and a control unit,
The controller is
From the user, regarding the desired date and time for holding the meeting, the place where the meeting is held, the number of people in the meeting room at the place, the number of participants participating in the meeting, and the number of participants for conducting the meeting Processing for accepting input of reservation information for specifying execution determination conditions;
A process of sending an inquiry specifying the desired date and time to the conference server, and receiving an answer as to whether or not a conference can be held at the desired date and time from the conference server;
From the meeting schedule information, the meeting room used at the desired date and time is specified, and in addition to the specified meeting room, the place where the meeting specified by the reservation information is held and the capacity of the meeting room in the place are determined. A process of determining whether there is another meeting room to be satisfied from the meeting room information;
Other than the conference room used for receiving the reply that the conference can be held from the conference server, and the conference room specified in the reservation information other than the conference room used at the desired date and time, and the conference room in the location When it is determined that there is another meeting room that satisfies the capacity of
When it is determined that reservation is possible, from the participant, whether or not it is possible to participate in the conference at the desired date and time, and a process of accepting input of the place to participate in the conference;
The number of participants who entered that they can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time satisfy the implementation decision condition, and the number of participants for each place where the participant who entered that can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time participates, When the capacity of the conference room at the location is not exceeded, a process of determining that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held;
When it is determined that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held, processing for registering the holding information for holding the conference reserved with the reservation information in the conference server is performed.
A scheduler server characterized by The scheduler server according to claim 1, wherein
The controller is
Where it is not possible to make a reservation, a place where the conference server determines that the conference can be held in a specific period from the desired date and time and the conference specified by the reservation information is held based on the schedule information And a process of accepting selection of another candidate date and time for the user who has entered the reservation information from other date and time candidates that specify a time zone in which there is another conference room that satisfies the capacity of the conference room at the location When,
The other candidate date and time selected is replaced with the desired date and time specified in the reservation information to determine the desired date and time for the conference, thereby determining that the reservation is possible.
A scheduler server characterized by The scheduler server according to claim 1 or 2,
The controller is
If it is not possible to make a reservation, from the meeting schedule information, in addition to the meeting room used at the desired date and time, other meeting rooms that satisfy the place for holding the meeting specified in the reservation information and the other meeting rooms A process of accepting selection of other candidate conference rooms for performing a conference with the user who has input the reservation information, from other conference room candidates that have specified the capacity of the conference rooms;
The selected other candidate conference rooms are determined to be available for reservation by performing the process of making the conference room specified by the reservation information and the conference room satisfying the capacity of the conference room at the location. To do,
A scheduler server characterized by The scheduler server according to any one of claims 1 to 3,
The controller is
If all of the participants accept the input of whether or not it is possible to participate in the meeting at the desired date and time and the place to participate in the conference, they will participate in the meeting at the desired date and time for each desired date and time. Performing a process of outputting information for identifying the participant who has entered the information to the user terminal of the user who has entered the reservation information;
A scheduler server characterized by In order for a computer to perform a remote conference using a plurality of terminals, at least one of video and audio data received from one terminal included in the plurality of terminals is included in the other terminals included in the plurality of terminals. A program that functions as a scheduler server for managing a conference schedule on a conference server to be transferred to
The computer,
Meeting schedule information identifying the meeting, the date and time of the meeting, and the meeting room used in the meeting;
Conference room information identifying the conference room, the location of the conference room, and the capacity of the conference room; and
User information for identifying a user of the conference system;
Function as storage means, control means,
In the control means,
From the user, regarding the desired date and time for holding the meeting, the place where the meeting is held, the number of people in the meeting room at the place, the number of participants participating in the meeting, and the number of participants for conducting the meeting Processing for accepting input of reservation information for specifying execution determination conditions;
A process of sending an inquiry specifying the desired date and time to the conference server, and receiving an answer as to whether or not a conference can be held at the desired date and time from the conference server;
From the meeting schedule information, the meeting room used at the desired date and time is specified, and in addition to the specified meeting room, the place where the meeting specified by the reservation information is held and the capacity of the meeting room in the place are determined. A process of determining whether there is another meeting room to be satisfied from the meeting room information;
Other than the conference room used for receiving the reply that the conference can be held from the conference server, and the conference room specified in the reservation information other than the conference room used at the desired date and time, and the conference room in the location When it is determined that there is another meeting room that satisfies the capacity of
When it is determined that reservation is possible, from the participant, whether or not it is possible to participate in the conference at the desired date and time, and a process of accepting input of the place to participate in the conference;
The number of participants who entered that they can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time satisfy the implementation decision condition, and the number of participants for each place where the participant who entered that can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time participates, When the capacity of the conference room at the location is not exceeded, a process of determining that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held;
When it is determined that a conference reserved with the reservation information can be held, processing for registering holding information for holding the conference reserved with the reservation information in the conference server is performed.
A program characterized by In order to perform a remote conference using a plurality of terminals, at least one of video and audio data received from one terminal included in the plurality of terminals is transferred to another terminal included in the plurality of terminals. A conference system comprising: a conference server; a scheduler server that manages a conference schedule in the conference server; and a user terminal of a user who participates in the conference,
The scheduler server
Meeting schedule information identifying the meeting, the date and time of the meeting, and the meeting room used in the meeting;
Conference room information identifying the conference room, the location of the conference room, and the capacity of the conference room; and
User information for identifying a user of the conference system;
A storage unit for storing the control unit, and a control unit,
The control unit of the scheduler server
From the user terminal, the desired date and time to hold the conference, the location where the conference is held, the number of people in the conference room at the location, the number of participants who participate in the conference, and the number of participants who carry out the conference A process of accepting input of reservation information for specifying an implementation decision condition for
A process of sending an inquiry specifying the desired date and time to the conference server, and receiving an answer as to whether or not a conference can be held at the desired date and time from the conference server;
From the meeting schedule information, the meeting room used at the desired date and time is specified, and in addition to the specified meeting room, the place where the meeting specified by the reservation information is held and the capacity of the meeting room in the place are determined. A process of determining whether there is another meeting room to be satisfied from the meeting room information;
Other than the conference room used for receiving the reply that the conference can be held from the conference server, and the conference room specified in the reservation information other than the conference room used at the desired date and time, and the conference room in the location When it is determined that there is another meeting room that satisfies the capacity of
When it is determined that reservation is possible, from the participant's user terminal, whether to participate in the meeting at the desired date and time, and a process of accepting input of the place to participate in the meeting;
The number of participants who entered that they can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time satisfy the implementation decision condition, and the number of participants for each place where the participant who entered that can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time participates, When the capacity of the conference room at the location is not exceeded, a process of determining that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held;
When it is determined that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held, processing for registering the holding information for holding the conference reserved with the reservation information in the conference server is performed.
A conference system characterized by Meeting schedule information identifying the meeting, the date and time of the meeting, and the meeting room used in the meeting;
Conference room information identifying the conference room, the location of the conference room, and the capacity of the conference room; and
User information for identifying a user of the conference system;
In order for a scheduling server comprising a storage unit that stores a remote control and a control unit to perform a remote conference using a plurality of terminals, at least one of video and audio data received from one terminal included in the plurality of terminals A scheduling method for generating a schedule of a conference in a conference server that transfers one of them to another terminal included in the plurality of terminals,
The control unit of the scheduler server conducts a meeting with the user from a desired date and time for holding the meeting, a place where the meeting is held, the number of people in the conference room at the place, and participants who participate in the meeting. A process of accepting input of reservation information for specifying an implementation decision condition regarding the number of participants to perform,
A process in which the control unit of the scheduler server sends an inquiry specifying the desired date and time to the conference server, and receives a response indicating whether a conference can be held at the desired date and time from the conference server;
A place where the control unit of the scheduler server specifies a meeting room used at the desired date and time from the meeting schedule information, and holds the meeting specified by the reservation information other than the specified meeting room and the place A process of determining from the conference room information whether there is another conference room satisfying the capacity of the conference room in
The control unit of the scheduler server receives a reply that the conference can be held from the conference server, and holds the conference specified by the reservation information other than the conference room used at the desired date and time. A process of determining that a reservation is possible when it is determined that there is another meeting room that satisfies the place and the capacity of the meeting room in the place;
When the control unit of the scheduler server determines that reservation is possible, a process of accepting input from the participant whether or not it is possible to participate in the conference at the desired date and time and a place to participate in the conference; ,
The place where the number of participants that the control unit of the scheduler server inputs that it is possible to participate in the meeting at the desired date and time satisfies the implementation decision condition, and the participants who enter that it can participate in the meeting at the desired date and time participate If the number of participants for each does not exceed the capacity of the conference room at the location, a process of determining that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held,
When the control unit of the scheduler server determines that the conference reserved with the reservation information can be held, processing for registering the holding information for holding the conference reserved with the reservation information in the conference server. Having a process of performing,
A scheduling method characterized by the above.

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