JP2012190158A - Relay server and relay communication system - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To simplify processing performed in a relay server and build a VPN in which an operator using a network and apparatuses being used can be easily confirmed.SOLUTION: When a login requesting operator has requested login to a relay server 3, a relay server 1 receives an operator ID of the operator and information about an apparatus being used from the relay server 3 and determines whether or not login should be permitted. If the login is permitted, a control part of the relay server 1 stores the received information about the apparatus being used (identification information of the relay server 3) in association with the operator ID. The control part of the relay server 1 transmits operator IDs of operators other than the login requesting operator and associated information about apparatuses being used along with permission of the login, to the relay server 3. The control part of the relay server 1 also transmits the operator ID of the login requesting operator and the associated information about the apparatus being used to an apparatus being used by an operator who has already logged in.

Description

  The present invention mainly relates to a relay server that enables communication between terminals connected to different LANs (Local Area Networks).

  Conventionally, a communication technique called a virtual private network (VPN) is known (see, for example, Patent Document 1). This VPN is used, for example, for applications in which terminals connected to LANs of a plurality of branch offices (bases) provided for each region communicate via the Internet. If the VPN is used, another remote LAN can be used as if it were a directly connected network.

JP 2002-217938 A

  However, this type of system tends to be rigid, and it is not easy to construct a system that is extensible and flexible. For example, in this type of system, it is common to communicate between terminals using the IP address and identification information of the terminals, and the names of terminals constituting the network can be easily confirmed. However, it is difficult to obtain information about which user is using which terminal.

  In this type of system, network settings and the like may be shared between the relay servers (contents are synchronized). Therefore, for example, if the setting is changed frequently, the number of times that the synchronization control is performed increases, and the processing performed by the relay server becomes complicated.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and its main purpose is to simplify the processing performed in the relay server and to easily confirm the name of the operator who uses the network, the terminal used, etc. It is to provide a relay server that can construct a VPN.

Means and effects for solving the problems

  The problems to be solved by the present invention are as described above. Next, means for solving the problems and the effects thereof will be described.

  According to the 1st viewpoint of this invention, the relay server with a management function of the following structures is provided. That is, this relay server with a management function includes an operator information storage unit and a control unit. The operator information storage unit relates to a relay communication system including itself (relay server), a managed relay server, and a client terminal belonging to the managed relay server, and can log in to the relay communication system When the operator has logged in, the used device information that is information for identifying the used device that is used by the operator is associated with the identification information of the operator. Remember. When the operator makes a login request to a device constituting the relay communication system, the control unit receives the login request operator identification information and the login reception from the login reception device as the device. The device identification information is received, and whether or not login is possible is determined based on the stored contents of the operator information storage unit. When it is determined that the operator is permitted to log in, the control unit stores the identification information of the login reception device in the operator information storage unit as the used device information associated with the identification information of the login request operator. The control unit transmits the identification information of an operator other than the login request operator and the associated use device information to the log-in accepting device together with permission to log in. The control unit transmits the identification information of the login request operator permitted to log in this time and the associated device usage information to the device used by the operator who is already permitted to log in.

  Thus, it is possible to notify an operator who has been logged in to the relay communication system and an operator who has already logged in to the relay communication system, which operator has logged in from which device. Further, since it is determined whether or not login is possible based on the identification information of the operator rather than the identification information of the device used, the operator can log in from any device, and the system can be used flexibly. Further, if a configuration is adopted in which a list of operators that can log in is shared by each relay server, it is necessary to perform synchronization control between the relay servers. In this regard, this configuration is a configuration in which the relay server with a management function centrally determines whether login is possible, and thus synchronization control is not necessary, and the processing performed by the relay server can be simplified.

  The relay server with management function preferably has the following configuration. That is, this relay server with a management function includes an operator group information storage unit that stores an operator group composed of a plurality of operators using identification information of the operators constituting the operator group. When the control unit determines that the login request operator is permitted to log in, the control unit is permitted to log in to the login acceptance device, and is an operator other than the login request operator and is the same as the login request operator. The identification information of the operators constituting the operator group and the associated device information used are transmitted. The control unit is configured to identify the login request operator who is permitted to log in this time and the associated use of the use device of the operator who is already permitted to log in, which constitutes the same operator group as the login request operator. Send device information.

  As a result, the usage status (login status and used device information) can be shared among the selected operators. Therefore, for example, a network with a high degree of freedom regarding the sharing range of usage statuses can be constructed, such as notifying only the operator status as an administrator of the usage status of all operators. In addition, it is possible to set different access ranges for each operator.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the following managed relay server is provided. That is, this relay server includes a management destination information storage unit, a control unit, and a usage status information storage unit. The management destination information storage unit relates to a relay communication system configured to include itself (relay server) and a client terminal belonging to itself, and another relay server and a client terminal belonging to the other relay server. The identification information of the operator who can log in to the relay communication system is stored, and when the operator has logged in, the used device information which is information for identifying the used device which is the device used by the operator is For the relay server with management function stored in association with the identification information of the operator, the identification information of the relay server with management function is stored. When the control unit receives a login request from an operator, the control unit relays the identification information of the operator and the identification information of itself (relay server) based on the storage contents of the management destination information storage unit. Control to send to the server. The usage status information storage unit stores identification information of an operator other than a login-permitted operator and the associated device information received together with a response indicating that login is permitted from the relay server with management function.

  Accordingly, it is possible to notify an operator who is permitted to log in to the relay communication system which operator has logged in from which device.

  The management target relay server preferably has the following configuration. That is, when receiving a communication request for the second operator from the first operator who has logged in to the relay communication system as the device to be used, the control unit, based on the storage contents of the usage status information storage unit Determining whether or not the second operator has logged in to the relay communication system, and determining that the second operator has logged in, Control for communicating with the second operator is performed.

  As a result, communication can be performed based on the identification information of the operator rather than the identification information of the device used, so that communication can be performed flexibly in a situation where the device used by the operator changes frequently. it can.

  According to the 3rd viewpoint of this invention, the relay communication system of the following structures is provided. That is, the relay communication system includes a relay server that can communicate with each other and a client terminal that belongs to the relay server. One of the relay servers operates as a relay server with a management function. The relay server with the management function includes an operator information storage unit and a control unit. The operator information storage unit stores identification information of an operator who can log in to the relay communication system. When the operator has logged in, the operator information storage unit is information for identifying a used device that is a device used by the operator. Certain device information is stored in association with the identification information of the operator. When the operator makes a login request to the login reception device, the control unit receives, from the login reception device, identification information of the login request operator as the operator and identification information of the login reception device. Whether to log in is determined based on the stored contents of the operator information storage unit. When it is determined that the operator is permitted to log in, the control unit stores the identification information of the login reception device in the operator information storage unit as the used device information associated with the identification information of the login request operator. The control unit transmits the identification information of an operator other than the login request operator and the associated use device information to the log-in accepting device together with permission to log in. The control unit transmits the identification information of the login request operator permitted to log in this time and the associated device usage information to the device used by the operator who is already permitted to log in.

  Thus, it is possible to notify an operator who has been logged in to the relay communication system and an operator who has already logged in to the relay communication system, which operator has logged in from which device. Further, since it is determined whether or not login is possible based on the identification information of the operator rather than the identification information of the device used, the operator can log in from any device, and the system can be used flexibly. Further, if a configuration is adopted in which a list of operators that can log in is shared by each relay server, it is necessary to perform synchronization control between the relay servers. In this regard, this configuration is a configuration in which the relay server with a management function centrally determines whether login is possible, and thus synchronization control is not necessary, and the processing performed by the relay server can be simplified.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS Explanatory drawing which shows the whole structure of the relay communication system which concerns on one Embodiment of this invention. The functional block diagram of a relay server with a management function. FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of a managed relay server. The figure which shows the content of the operator information before login after the operator 93 login. The figure which shows the content of operator group information. The figure which shows the content of the usage condition information which the client terminal 26 memorize | stores before the login of the operator 93 and after login. The figure which shows the content of the utilization condition information which the client terminal 11 memorize | stores before the login of the operator 93 and after login. The figure which shows the content of the utilization status information notified to the relay server 3 after the operator 93 logs in. The sequence diagram which shows the flow of the process in this invention.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. First, an overview of the relay communication system 100 of the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 1 is an explanatory diagram showing the overall configuration of a relay communication system 100 according to an embodiment of the present invention.

  As shown in FIG. 1, the relay communication system 100 includes a plurality of relay servers 1, 2, 3 connected to a wide area network (WAN) 80, the relay servers 1, 2, 3 and a LAN 10. , 20, 30, etc., are connected to client terminals 11, 21, 26, 31. Further, the LANs 10, 20, and 30 are relatively small networks constructed in limited places, and are arranged in physically separated places. In the present embodiment, the Internet is used as the WAN 80.

  Each LAN will be specifically described below. As shown in FIG. 1, a relay server 1 and a client terminal 11 are connected to the LAN 10. A relay server 2 and a client terminal 21 are connected to the LAN 20. Further, another LAN 25 is connected to the LAN 20 via a router 22. A client terminal 26 is connected to the LAN 25. A client terminal 31 is connected to the LAN 30.

  Since each of the relay servers 1, 2, and 3 is connected not only to the LANs 10, 20, and 30 but also to the WAN 80, not only can it communicate with client terminals connected to the same LAN, but also to other LANs. It is possible to communicate with the arranged relay server. Therefore, a private IP address is assigned to the relay servers 1, 2, and 3 in addition to the global IP address.

  The client terminals 11, 21, 31 are composed of personal computers, for example, and can communicate with each other via the relay servers 1, 2, 3, etc.

  The operator is configured to be able to make a login request to the relay communication system 100 via the client terminal and the relay server. When login to the relay communication system 100 is permitted, the logged-in operators can communicate with each other via the relay server or the like.

  Next, the relay servers 1, 2, and 3 will be described. In the relay communication system 100 of the present embodiment, one of the relay servers included in the system is configured to operate as a relay server with a management function, and the other relay servers operate as managed relay servers. ing. In the present embodiment, the relay server 1 is set to operate as a relay server with a management function, and the remaining relay servers 2 and 3 are set to operate as managed relay servers.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the relay server 1 that is a relay server with a management function will be described with reference to FIG. 2, and then the configuration of the relay servers 2 and 3 that are managed relay servers will be described with reference to FIG. . FIG. 2 is a functional block diagram of a relay server with a management function (relay server 1). FIG. 3 is a functional block diagram of the relay servers to be managed (relay servers 2 and 3).

  As illustrated in FIG. 2, the relay server 1 includes a storage unit 50, a control unit 60, and an interface unit 70.

  The interface unit 70 can communicate with a terminal in the LAN 10 using a private IP address. In addition, the interface unit 70 can perform communication via the WAN 80 using a global IP address.

  The control unit 60 is a CPU having control and calculation functions, for example, and can execute various processes by a program read from the storage unit 50. The control unit 60 can control various communications according to protocols such as TCP / IP, UDP, and SIP. As shown in FIG. 2, the control unit 60 includes an interface driver 61, a LAN side IP packet processing unit 62, a communication control unit 63, and a WAN side IP packet processing unit 64.

  The interface driver 61 is driver software that controls the interface unit 70. The LAN side IP packet processing unit 62 performs appropriate processing on the packet received from the LAN 10 and outputs the packet to the communication control unit 63. The WAN-side IP packet processing unit 64 performs appropriate processing on the packet received from the WAN 80 and outputs the packet to the communication control unit 63.

  For the received packet, the communication control unit 63 determines a transmission destination based on the information indicated by the packet and the information stored in the storage unit 50, and transmits the packet to the determined transmission destination. Moreover, the communication control part 63 can update the memory content of the memory | storage part 50 based on the information received from the other terminal.

  The storage unit 50 is composed of, for example, a hard disk or a nonvolatile RAM, and can store various data. The storage unit 50 includes an operator information storage unit 51 and an operator group information storage unit 52. Hereinafter, the stored contents of the storage unit 50 will be described with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5. FIG. 4 is a diagram showing the contents of the operator information. FIG. 5 is a diagram showing the contents of the operator group information.

  The operator information storage unit 51 stores operator information, which is information for specifying an operator who can log in to the relay communication system 100 and information indicating the usage status of the operator. The operator information storage unit 51 is configured only in the relay server 1 with a management function, and the relay servers 2 and 3 to be managed do not include the operator information storage unit 51. Hereinafter, the contents of the operator information will be specifically described.

  FIGS. 4A and 4B show examples of the contents of operator information, respectively. In this operator information, a list of operator IDs that can log in to the relay communication system 100 is described in the column described as “operator ID”. This operator ID is composed of a unique character string set for each operator. In the column described as “password”, a password necessary for logging in to the relay communication system 100 using the operator ID described in the same row is described. Each operator can log in to the relay communication system 100 using the operator ID and password set in the operator.

  The flow when the operator logs in to the relay communication system 100 using this operator ID and password will be briefly described. The operator can make a login request to the relay communication system 100 by operating the relay server or the client terminal and inputting the operator ID and password on a predetermined login screen. The relay server or client terminal that has received this login request transmits this input content to the relay server 1 with a management function. The relay server 1 that has received this input content is whether or not the operator ID and password input by the operator are the same as the content described in the operator information, and whether or not already logged in via another relay server, Whether to log in is determined based on the above. The operator may make a login request by operating either the relay server or the client terminal. In other words, regardless of the relay server and client terminal that the operator operates to log in, it is possible to log in without any problem as long as the operator is normally authenticated.

  In this operator information, in the column described as “used device information”, when the operator has logged in using the operator ID described in the same row, the operator logs into the relay communication system 100. Describes information (used device information) relating to a device used (specifically, a relay server or a client terminal; hereinafter referred to as a used device).

  Specifically, when the operator has logged in using a relay server (for example, the operator 93 in FIG. 1), the identification information of the relay server is used device information (in the example of FIG. 4B, Use device information corresponding to Op3). On the other hand, when the operator logs in using a client terminal (for example, the operators 91 and 92 in FIG. 1), both the identification information of the client terminal and the identification information of the relay server to which the client terminal belongs Is used device information (see the used device information corresponding to Op1 and Op2 in the example of FIG. 4A). If the operator has not logged in to the relay communication system 100, the used device information is blank (see the used device information corresponding to Op3 in the example of FIG. 4A).

  Of the operator information, a list of operator IDs that can be logged in and a password set for each operator ID are set in advance by each operator and administrator. On the other hand, the used device information is updated to the latest information every time the operator logs in or logs out.

  As shown in FIG. 5, the operator group information storage unit 52 includes a group name, an operator ID of an operator (belonging to the operator group) that constitutes the operator group, as shown in FIG. It is memorized using. Note that the operators can belong to a plurality of operator groups as in Op1, Op3, and Op4 shown in FIG. The operator group information storage unit 52 is configured only in the relay server 1 with a management function, and the relay servers 2 and 3 do not include the operator group information storage unit 52.

  Also, operators belonging to the same operator group can communicate with each other by performing a predetermined process (described later). Furthermore, each operator can confirm the login status and the used device information of the operators belonging to the same operator group. This operator group is set in advance by each operator and administrator. For example, a plurality of operators scheduled to collaborate with each other are set to belong to the same operator group.

  Next, the relay servers 2 and 3 will be described. The relay servers 2 and 3 have the same configuration as that of the relay server 1 as hardware, but are different from the relay server 1 in the control and storage contents to be performed. Therefore, the relay server 2 or the relay server 3 can operate as a relay server with a management function by acquiring predetermined information from the relay server 1 during maintenance of the relay server 1 or the like.

  Hereinafter, the configuration of the relay servers 2 and 3 will be described. Note that the relay server 2 has substantially the same configuration as the relay server 3, and therefore, the relay server 3 will be described as a representative. The relay server 3 includes a control unit 60 and an interface unit 70 configured in the same way as the relay server 1. On the other hand, the storage unit 50 of the relay server 3 is partly different from the storage unit 50 of the relay server 1. Specifically, the relay server 3 includes a management destination information storage unit 53 and a usage status information storage unit 54 in the storage unit 50.

  The management destination information storage unit 53 stores identification information (Server1@relaysystem.net) of the relay server 1 that is a relay server with a management function that manages itself. Therefore, the relay server 3 can access the relay server 1 that is a relay server with a management function by referring to the stored contents of the management destination information storage unit 53. When the relay server with management function is changed as described above, the management relay server is notified to that effect, and the storage contents of the management destination information storage unit 53 are updated.

  The usage status information storage unit 54 provided in the relay server 3 includes an operator ID of an operator belonging to the same operator group as the operator when the operator has logged in to the relay communication system 100 using the relay server 3 as a use device. The usage status information in which the device usage information of the operator is associated is stored. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 1, when the operator 93 (operator ID = Op3) has already logged in to the relay communication system 100 using the relay server 3 as a device to be used, the usage status information storage unit 54 stores the information in FIG. ) Is received from the relay server 1 and stored.

  That is, as shown in the operator group information in FIG. 5, the operator 93 belongs to the same operator group (group 3) as the operator 91 (operator ID = Op1) and is the same as the operator 94 (operator ID = Op4). It belongs to the operator group (group 2). Therefore, the usage status information storage unit 54 stores the used device information of the operators 91 and 94 as shown in FIG. In addition, when the used device information of the operators 91 and 94 is changed (when login or logout is performed), as described later, it is configured to receive new contents from the relay server 1 and update the usage status information. Has been. Further, the relay server 3 is configured to be able to display the operator status stored in the usage status information storage unit 54 on the display of the device used.

  The relay server 3 is configured as described above. Although detailed description of the configuration of the client terminals 11, 21, 26, and 31 is omitted, the storage unit 50 and the control unit 60 are configured substantially the same as the relay servers 2 and 3. Therefore, as described above, the operator can log in to the relay communication system 100 using the client terminals 11, 21, 26, 31 as used devices.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 4 to FIG. 9, a processing flow until communication between operators using this configuration will be described. FIG. 6 is a diagram showing the contents of the usage status information stored in the client terminal 26 before and after the operator 93 logs in. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing the contents of the usage status information stored in the client terminal 11 before and after the operator 93 logs in. FIG. 8 is a diagram showing the contents of the usage status information notified to the relay server 3 after the operator 93 logs in. FIG. 9 is a sequence diagram showing a processing flow in the present invention.

  In the following, as shown in FIG. 1, in the situation where the operator 91 has logged in using the client terminal 26 as a used device and the operator 92 has logged in using the client terminal 11 as a used device, the operator (login request operator) A case where 93 logs in using the relay server (login receiving device) 3 as a device to be used will be described.

  First, before the operator 93 logs in, the storage content of the operator information storage unit 51 of the relay server 1, the storage content of the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 26, and the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 11 are stored. The stored contents will be described.

  The operator information storage unit 51 of the relay server 1 stores the contents shown in FIG. 4A before the operator 93 logs in. That is, regarding the operator 91, since the client terminal 26 has already been logged in as the used device, the identification information of the client terminal 26 and the identification information of the relay server 2 to which the client terminal 26 belongs are described as the used device information. Has been. Regarding the operator 92, since the client terminal 11 has already been logged in as a used device, the identification information of the client terminal 11 and the identification information of the relay server 1 to which the client terminal 11 belongs are described as used device information. Yes. Since the operators 93 and 94 are not logged in to the relay communication system 100, the corresponding used device information is blank.

  Next, the contents stored in the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 26 before the operator 93 logs in (the contents shown in FIG. 6A) will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the operator 91 who has logged in using the client terminal 26 belongs to the same operator group (group 1) as the operators 92 and 94 and also has the same operator group (group 3) as the operator 93. Belong to. Therefore, the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 26 stores the used device information of the operators 92, 93, and 94 as shown in FIG. Specifically, since the operator 92 has already logged in using the client terminal 11 as a device to be used, the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 26 stores the identification information of the client terminal 11 and the affiliation destination of the client terminal 11. The identification information of the relay server 1 is described as used device information. Since the operators 93 and 94 are not logged in to the relay communication system 100, the corresponding used device information is blank.

  Next, the contents stored in the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 11 before the operator 93 logs in (the contents shown in FIG. 7A) will be described. As shown in FIG. 5, the operator 92 who has logged in using the client terminal 11 as a use device belongs to the same operator group (group 1) as the operators 91 and 94. Therefore, the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 11 stores usage status information about the operators 91 and 94 as shown in FIG. Specifically, since the operator 91 has already logged in using the client terminal 26 as a used device, the identification information of the client terminal 26 and the identification information of the relay server 2 to which the client terminal 26 belongs are used device information. It is described as. Since the operator 94 is not logged in to the relay communication system 100, the corresponding used device information is blank.

  Next, the flow of processing when the operator 93 logs in to the relay communication system 100 will be described. As described above, the operator 93 performs an appropriate operation on the relay server 3 to make a login request using the relay server 3 as a device used. This login request requires input of an operator ID and a password. Then, the operator 93 inputs the operator ID (Op3) and password (ghi) corresponding to the operator 93 and confirms the input contents, whereby the relay server 3 accepts the login request (sequence number 1 in FIG. 9). Then, the relay server 3 transmits a login request to the relay server 1 together with the input operator ID and password and used device information (specifically, identification information of the relay server 3) (sequence number 2).

  The relay server 1 that has received this login request or the like authenticates the operator ID and password based on the operator information shown in FIG. 4 (sequence number 3). Further, the relay server 1 determines whether or not another login using the input operator ID has been performed in order to prevent multiple logins with the same operator ID (sequence number 4). If the operator authentication is successful and the multiple login is not performed, the relay server 1 permits the login and updates the operator information in the operator information storage unit 51 (sequence number 5). FIG. 4B shows the contents of the storage unit of the operator information storage unit 51 after the update. As shown in FIG. 4B, the identification information of the relay server 3 is described as the used device information corresponding to the operator ID of the operator 93.

  Then, the relay server 1 refers to the operator group information storage unit 52, and reads out operators belonging to the same operator group as the operator 93 permitted to log in (sequence number 6). As described above, the operators 91 and 94 are read out as operators who share the operator group with the operator 93.

  Therefore, the relay server 1 extracts the operator IDs of the operators 91 and 94 and the used device information (usage status information) from the operator information, and transmits to the relay server 3 that the operator 93 is permitted to log in (sequence). Number 7). The contents of the usage status information transmitted by the relay server 1 are shown in FIG. Since the operator 91 has already logged in using the client terminal 26 as the used device, the identification information of the client terminal 26 and the identification information of the relay server 2 to which the client terminal 26 belongs are described as the used device information. . On the other hand, since the operator 94 has not logged in to the relay communication system 100, the used device information is blank.

  In response to this notification, the relay server 3 stores the usage status information (that is, the contents shown in FIG. 8) received from the relay server 1 in the usage status information storage unit 54 (sequence number 8). Then, the relay server 3 displays the content of the usage status information received from the relay server 1 together with the fact that the login is permitted (sequence number 9).

  As a result, the relay server 3 can notify the operator 93 that the operator 91 has already logged in using the client terminal 26 as a device to be used and that the operator 94 has not logged in.

  Further, the relay server 1 detects that the operator 91 has been logged in based on the used device information of the operators 91 and 94 extracted in the sequence number 6. Then, the relay server 1 transmits the operator ID of the operator 93 and the used device information to the relay server 2 with the client terminal 26 belonging to the relay server 2 as a transmission destination based on the used device information (sequence number 10). Based on this transmission content, the client terminal 26 updates the storage content of the usage status information storage unit 54 (sequence number 11). Here, FIG. 6B shows the storage contents of the usage status information storage unit 54 after being updated by the client terminal 26. As shown in FIG. 6B, used device information (identification information of the relay server 3) is described in association with the operator ID of the operator 93.

  Accordingly, the latest usage status information is notified from the relay server 1 between operators belonging to the same operator group. Further, the client terminal 26 can display the notification content. Therefore, the client terminal 26 can notify the operator 91 that the operator 93 has logged in.

  Note that since the operator 92 does not belong to the same operator group as the operator 93, information on the equipment used by the operator 93 is not notified. Therefore, the storage contents (FIG. 7B) of the usage status information storage unit 54 of the client terminal 11 after the operator 93 logs in are the same as before the login (FIG. 7A).

  Next, it is assumed that the operator 93 (first operator) desires to communicate with the operator 91 (second operator) with reference to the usage status information displayed on the relay server 3. In this case, the operator 93 performs a predetermined operation on the relay server 3 and makes a communication request to the operator 91.

  After receiving this communication request (sequence number 12), the relay server 3 determines whether or not the operator 91 has logged in based on the storage contents of the usage status information storage unit 54. Then, based on the contents stored in the usage status information storage unit 54 (FIG. 8), the fact that the operator 91 has logged in and that the device used by the operator 91 is the client terminal 26 belonging to the relay server 2. To detect. Then, the relay server 3 transmits a communication request to the relay server 2 with the client terminal 26 belonging to the relay server 2 as a transmission destination based on the used device information (sequence number 13).

  The relay server 3 performs communication processing for establishing a communication path between the relay server 3 and the client terminal 26 after obtaining a response (sequence number 14) from the client terminal 26 that has received the communication request. And via the relay server 2 (sequence number 15). Thereby, communication between the operator 93 and the operator 91 can be performed.

  As described above, the relay server 1 according to this embodiment includes the operator information storage unit 51 and the control unit 60. The operator information storage unit 51 stores an operator ID that can be logged into the relay communication system 100. When the operator has logged in, the operator information storage unit 51 stores the used device information that is information for identifying the used device of the operator. It is stored in association with the ID. When the operator 93 makes a login request to the relay server 3, the control unit 60 of the relay server 1 receives the operator ID of the operator 93 and the used device information from the relay server 3. Whether or not login is possible is determined based on the contents stored in the storage unit 51. When it is determined that the operator 93 is permitted to log in, the control unit 60 of the relay server 1 stores the identification information of the relay server 3 in the operator information storage unit 51 as the used device information associated with the operator ID of the relay server 3. To do. In addition, the control unit 60 of the relay server 1 transmits an operator ID other than the operator 93 and associated equipment information to the relay server 3 while permitting login. Further, the control unit 60 of the relay server 1 applies the operator ID of the operator 93 and the associated device information (of the relay server 3) to the device used by the operator 91 (client terminal 26) for which login is already permitted. Identification information).

  As a result, the operator 93 who is permitted to log in to the relay communication system 100 and the operator 91 who has already logged in to the relay communication system are notified of which operator has logged in from which device. it can. In addition, since it is determined whether or not login is possible based on the operator ID rather than the identification information of the device used, the operator can log in from any device, and the system can be used flexibly. Also, if the list of operators that can log in is shared by each relay server, it is necessary to perform synchronization control between the relay servers. In this embodiment, the relay server with management function centrally determines whether login is possible. Therefore, there is no need for synchronization control, and the processing performed by the relay server can be simplified.

  Moreover, the relay server 1 of this embodiment is provided with the operator group information storage part 52 which memorize | stores the operator group comprised by a some operator using the operator ID which comprises the said operator group. When it is determined that the login of the operator 93 is permitted, the control unit 60 permits the login to the relay server 3 and constitutes the same operator group as the operator 93 other than the operator 93. The operator ID (Op1) and the associated device information (identification information of the client terminal 26) are transmitted. The control unit 60 configures the operator ID (Op3) of the operator 93 permitted to log in this time and the correspondence to the used device (client terminal 26) of the operator 91 that is already permitted to log in, which constitutes the same operator group as the operator 93. The attached device information is sent.

  As a result, the usage status (login status and used device information) can be shared among the selected operators. Therefore, for example, a network with a high degree of freedom regarding the sharing range of usage statuses can be constructed, such as notifying only the operator status as an administrator of the usage status of all operators. In addition, it is possible to set different access ranges for each operator.

  Further, the relay server 3 of the present embodiment includes a management destination information storage unit 53, a control unit 60, and a usage status information storage unit 54. The management destination information storage unit 53 stores identification information of the relay server 1 that is a relay server with a management function. When the control unit 60 receives a login request from the operator 93, the control unit 60 outputs the login request, the operator ID (Op 3), and the identification information of the relay server 3 based on the storage contents of the management destination information storage unit 53. Control to transmit to the relay server 1 is performed. The usage status information storage unit 54 stores the operator ID (Op1) other than the operator 93 and the associated used device information (identification information of the client terminal 26) received from the relay server 1 together with the response indicating that login is permitted. To do.

  Accordingly, it is possible to notify an operator who is permitted to log in to the relay communication system which operator has logged in from which device.

  Moreover, in the relay server 3 of this embodiment, when the communication request with respect to the operator 91 is received from the operator 93 who has logged into the relay communication system using the relay server 3 as a use device, the control unit 60 uses the usage status information. Based on the stored contents of the storage unit 54, it is determined whether or not the operator 91 has logged in to the relay communication system 100, and when it is determined that the operator 91 has logged in, the device used by the operator 91 (client The terminal 26) is controlled to communicate with the operator 91.

  As a result, communication can be performed based on the operator ID rather than the identification information of the device used, and therefore communication can be performed flexibly in a situation where the device used by the operator frequently changes.

  The preferred embodiment of the present invention has been described above, but the above configuration can be modified as follows, for example.

  If sharing of usage status for each operator group is unnecessary, the operator group information storage unit 52 may not be provided (or an operator group is not set). In this case, the usage status is shared among all operators who can log in to the relay communication system 100.

  The relay group information, operator information, operator group information, usage status information, and the like can be stored in an appropriate format (for example, XML format).

  Instead of the configuration of the above-described embodiment, an external server used for communication between each relay server may be installed on the Internet, and a communication may be performed by exhibiting a function as a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) server. .

1, 2, 3 Relay server 11, 21, 26, 31 Client terminal 10, 20, 25, 30 LAN
DESCRIPTION OF SYMBOLS 50 Storage part 51 Operator information storage part 52 Operator group information storage part 53 Management destination information storage part 54 Usage status information storage part 60 Control part 100 Relay communication system

Claims (5)

In relation to a relay communication system configured to include itself, a managed relay server, and a client terminal belonging to the managed relay server, the identification information of an operator who can log in to the relay communication system is stored, and the operator Is logged in, an operator information storage unit that stores used device information, which is information for identifying a used device that is a device used by the operator, in association with the identification information of the operator;
When an operator makes a login request to a device constituting the relay communication system, from the login reception device that is the device, the identification information of the login request operator that is the operator, the identification information of the login reception device, , And control for determining whether or not login is possible based on the stored contents of the operator information storage unit,
Control for storing identification information of the login acceptance device in the operator information storage unit as the used device information associated with the identification information of the login request operator when it is determined that the login of the operator is permitted;
A control for transmitting the identification information of an operator other than the login request operator and the associated use device information, together with the fact that the login acceptance device is permitted to log in,
A control unit that performs the control of transmitting the identification information of the login request operator permitted to log in this time and the associated device usage information to the device used by the operator who has already been permitted to log in,
A relay server with a management function. A relay server with a management function according to claim 1,
An operator group information storage unit that stores an operator group composed of a plurality of operators using identification information of operators constituting the operator group,
When it is determined that the login request operator login is permitted, the control unit,
The login acceptance device is permitted to log in, and is an operator other than the login request operator and who constitutes the same operator group as the login request operator and the associated device information used Send
The identification information of the login request operator permitted to log in this time and the associated device usage information are transmitted to the device used by the operator who is already permitted to log in, which constitutes the same operator group as the login request operator. A relay server with a management function. Identification information of an operator who can log in to the relay communication system with respect to the relay communication system including the client terminal belonging to itself and the client terminal belonging to the other relay server and the other relay server And when the operator has logged in, the management function stores the used device information, which is information for identifying the used device that is used by the operator, in association with the identification information of the operator A management destination information storage unit for storing identification information of the relay server with management function,
A control unit that performs control to transmit the identification information of the operator and the identification information of the operator to the relay server with management function based on the storage contents of the management destination information storage unit when a login request is received from the operator When,
A usage status information storage unit that stores identification information of operators other than a login-permitted operator and the associated device information received together with a response to permit login from the relay server with management function;
A relay server to be managed. The management target relay server according to claim 3,
When a communication request for the second operator is received from the first operator who has logged in the relay communication system as the device to be used,
The control unit determines whether or not the second operator has logged in to the relay communication system based on the storage contents of the usage status information storage unit, and determines that the second operator has logged in In this case, the relay server to be managed is characterized in that control for communicating with the second operator is performed on the device used by the second operator. A relay server that can communicate with each other;
A client terminal belonging to the relay server;
A relay communication system comprising:
One of the relay servers operates as a relay server with a management function,
The relay server with the management function is
The identification information of the operator who can log in is stored, and when the operator has logged in, the used device information which is information for identifying the used device which is the device used by the operator is used as the identification information of the operator. An operator information storage unit for storing the information in association with each other;
When the operator makes a login request to the login reception device, the identification information of the login request operator as the operator and the identification information of the login reception device are received from the login reception device, and the operator information storage Control for determining whether or not to log in based on the stored contents of the copy,
Control for storing identification information of the login acceptance device in the operator information storage unit as the used device information associated with the identification information of the login request operator when it is determined that the login of the operator is permitted;
A control for transmitting the identification information of an operator other than the login request operator and the associated use device information, together with the fact that the login acceptance device is permitted to log in,
A control unit that performs the control of transmitting the identification information of the login request operator permitted to log in this time and the associated used device information to the device used by the operator who is already permitted to log in,
A relay communication system comprising:

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