JP2017069860A - Distribution device and distribution program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To change a transmission destination without requiring particular operation for a terminal side to change a transmission destination group.SOLUTION: A distribution device performs a process of associating a plurality of terminals with each other to treat them as a group, and achieving one-to-many communication from any terminal in the group to the other terminals in the group. The distribution device comprises: linking means for linking a plurality of groups without requiring reception of operation for a terminal making a call to link the groups; and communication management means for performing a process of achieving one-to-many communication from any terminal in the linked plurality of groups to the other terminals in the linked groups.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

  The present invention relates to a distribution apparatus and a distribution program for distributing data.

  A communication method called “Push to Talk” communication using a transceiver or a radio is widely used. Such push-to-talk communication is not full-duplex voice communication but half-duplex voice communication, but enables one-to-many group simultaneous voice communication.

  Such push-to-talk using devices such as transceivers and wireless devices has been used for a long time. In the following description, in order to distinguish from the PoC described later, such push-to-talk using a transceiver or radio is referred to as “push-to-talk communication using a transceiver”.

  Later, with the spread of mobile phone networks provided by telecommunications carriers, PoC (Push-to-Talk), a communication means characterized by using mobile phones and smartphones like transceivers and radios over Cellular) appeared. PoC is defined and standardized as part of IMS (IP Multimedia Subsystem) by OMA (Open Mobile Alliance) which is an organization that standardizes mobile web application technology.

  An example of such a technology related to PoC is described in Patent Document 1, for example. In the technique described in Patent Document 1, one-to-many group simultaneous voice communication is enabled by managing URIs of terminal devices participating in push-to-talk with a group list management server.

  Similarly, an example of a technique related to PoC is described in Patent Document 2, for example. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, a predetermined terminal belongs to two groups. Then, the predetermined terminal performs processing to retransmit the message received from a certain group of terminals to the other group of terminals.

  By using these technologies, one-to-many communication within a group by PoC can be realized.

JP 2007-67995 A Special table 2010-67995 gazette

  When using each technique as described above, it may be difficult to set an appropriate number of “many” in one-to-many communication.

  For example, if the number of “many” is increased, simultaneous transmission to more terminals than necessary may cause inconvenience. On the other hand, if the number of “many” is reduced, there may be a case where the number of transmission destinations for simultaneous transmission decreases and information cannot be sufficiently diffused.

  Here, the appropriate number of “many” varies with changes in the operation status. Therefore, it is convenient to dynamically switch the number of “many” as the operation status changes.

  For example, on a daily basis, it is operated in units of several tens of people in the department or section of a company. On the other hand, in the event of a disaster, the number of “many” can be switched to It would be convenient if it could be operated in groups of several hundred people.

  In this regard, in order to switch the number of “many” in accordance with such changes in the operational status, for example, a group of companies is registered in advance, and in the event of an emergency, operation of the mobile phone can be performed for each company. By selecting a group, it is conceivable to perform PoC communication in a group of companies.

  However, in an emergency, it is practically difficult for the mobile phone to perform an operation for selecting an emergency group.

  This is because an instruction must be given to the mobile phone user by a communication means different from the PoC communication so as to select an emergency group. That is, it is necessary to separately prepare communication means other than PoC communication.

  In addition, even if an instruction can be issued by communication means other than PoC communication, if the user of the receiving mobile phone forgets to select an emergency group or if the selection method is unknown, The sender's mobile phone can send a broadcast to the emergency group, but for the receiver's mobile phone that has forgotten to select the emergency group, This is because the transmission cannot be received and the contents are not transmitted.

  Furthermore, although a quick response is desired in an emergency, the user is forced to perform an extra selection operation, and a quick response becomes difficult.

  In this regard, a case where the technique described in the above-described patent document is used will also be examined.

  With the technique described in Patent Document 1, an emergency group can be registered in advance in the group list management server. However, since the selection of the group is performed by the user of the mobile phone, the above problem cannot be solved.

  Further, in the technique described in Patent Document 2, it is possible to perform retransmission to terminals in other groups by performing retransmission. If the number of retransmissions is increased, transmission can be made to many groups.

  However, as described in the specification paragraph number [0013] of cited document 2, in order to perform retransmission, whether or not the user performs retransmission by means of a control button, a display menu item, a voice command, or the like. It is necessary to carry out an operation for determining. That is, even when the technique described in Patent Document 2 is used, there is no change in that the user of the mobile phone needs to perform an operation of selecting an emergency group. In the technique described in Patent Document 2, when the terminal that performs the transfer is not located in a communicable position, that is, when the terminal is not in a position where radio waves from the base station do not reach, the transfer is originally performed. There is also a problem that cannot be done.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to provide a distribution device and a distribution program capable of changing a communication destination without requiring a special operation for changing a group to be a communication destination on the terminal side. .

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, a plurality of terminals are associated and handled as a group, and one-to-many communication from any terminal in the group to another terminal in the group is realized. A distribution device that performs the above processing, a connection unit that connects the plurality of groups, a connection unit that connects the plurality of groups, and a transmission, without requiring an operation related to group connection by a terminal that performs transmission; A one-to-many address addressed to any other terminal in the connected group from any terminal in the connected group without requiring reception of operations related to group connection by the terminal There is provided a distribution device comprising: a communication management unit that performs processing for realizing communication.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, a plurality of terminals are associated and handled as a group, and one-to-many communication from any terminal in the group to another terminal in the group is realized. A distribution program for causing a computer to function as a distribution apparatus that performs the above-described processing, without requiring reception of an operation related to group connection by a terminal that performs transmission, and a plurality of connection units that connect the plurality of groups, The connection means for connecting the groups and the terminal for transmitting the group need not accept an operation related to the connection of the groups, and from any one of the terminals in the connected groups, the other in the connected groups. There is provided a distribution program characterized by causing the computer to function as a distribution apparatus comprising communication management means for performing processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to the terminal.

  According to the present invention, it is possible to change a communication destination without requiring a special operation for changing a group to be a communication destination on the terminal side.

It is a figure showing the fundamental structure of the whole delivery system which is embodiment of this invention. It is a functional block diagram showing the fundamental structure of the delivery apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the information which the group affiliation terminal group information storage part in embodiment of this invention memorize | stores. It is a figure showing the example of the information which the group link information storage part in embodiment of this invention memorize | stores. It is a flowchart explaining operation | movement of the delivery apparatus at the time of RTP packet transmission in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the flow of the RTP packet when the group link in the embodiment of the present invention is not set up. It is a figure showing the flow of the RTP packet in the case of setting the group link in the embodiment of the present invention. It is a flowchart showing the basic operation | movement which concerns on the transmission right of the group link of the delivery apparatus in embodiment of this invention. It is a figure showing the example of the fundamental structure of the whole delivery system in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (1/2) explaining the operation | movement (transmission right acquisition) at the time of terminal push-on operation in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (2/2) explaining the operation | movement (transmission right acquisition) at the time of terminal push-on operation in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (1/2) explaining the operation | movement (transmission right cancellation | release) at the time of terminal push-off operation in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (2/2) explaining the operation | movement (transmission right cancellation | release) at the time of terminal push-off operation in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram explaining the operation | movement of group link list acquisition in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (1/2) explaining the operation | movement of the group link start in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (2/2) explaining the operation | movement of the group link start in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (1/2) explaining the operation | movement of a group link update in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram (2/2) explaining operation | movement of the group link update in the Example of this invention. It is a sequence diagram explaining the operation | movement of group link completion | finish in the Example of this invention.

  First, an outline of an embodiment of the present invention will be described. The embodiment of the present invention performs one-to-many communication in units of groups such as PoC (Push-to-Talk over Cellular) which is a communication means characterized by using a mobile phone like a transceiver or a wireless device. This is an embodiment suitable for the technical field.

  Specifically, in the present embodiment, an administrator performs an operation to associate a plurality of arbitrary groups (hereinafter referred to as “link”). Then, the group communication is switched to a larger group (hereinafter referred to as “link group”) generated by the link.

  As a result, for example, it is possible to operate on a daily basis in units of several tens of people in the department or section of a company, and in an emergency, a group or group of related departments are grouped according to the contents. It can be operated by switching to departmental units, headquarters / branch units, or groups of the entire company.

  Further, in the present embodiment, as described above, since an arbitrary group is linked by an administrator operation in an emergency and is switched to group communication in a larger group, an emergency group is set on the user side of the mobile phone. There is no need to perform a selection operation. Therefore, it is possible for the user of the mobile phone to perform an operation as in normal operation and not to perform a special operation for performing communication in the link group.

  In the present embodiment, the push-to-talk communication can be used in a large-scale and wide area similar to the push-to-talk communication using a conventional transceiver, etc. It is also possible to provide at a lower cost by using a business operator network.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.

[Description of configuration]
First, a basic configuration of a distribution system S100, which is an embodiment of the present invention, will be described with reference to FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 1, a distribution system S100 includes a distribution device E1, a first terminal T1 to an nth terminal Tn (n is a natural number of 2 or more), a local area network N1, a dedicated line network N2, and a carrier mobile phone. A packet communication network N3 is included.

  Here, the distribution device E1 is a device for realizing PoC group simultaneous voice communication. The distribution device E1 is realized by, for example, a server device that incorporates a program specific to the present embodiment.

  The first terminal T1 to the nth terminal Tn are communication terminals used by the user. The first terminal T1 to the n-th terminal Tn are realized by, for example, a mobile phone called a smartphone or a mobile phone called a feature phone.

  The local area network N1 is a network used by a user who uses the distribution device E1, for example. In the drawings and the following description, it is assumed that N1 is a local area network, but N1 may actually be a WAN (wide area network: wide area communication network). That is, the wide area network N1 may be used instead of the local area network N1. The distribution device E1 is connected to the local area network N1.

  The dedicated line network N2 is a dedicated line network provided for users who use the distribution apparatus E1.

  Furthermore, the carrier mobile phone packet communication network N3 is a communication network provided by, for example, a mobile phone carrier. A specific example of a communication network provided by a mobile phone carrier is a 3G (3rd generation mobile phone) line or an LTE (Long Term Evolution) line. The distribution device E1 and the carrier cellular phone packet communication network N3 are connected to each other via a dedicated network N2. Then, using this network connection, the distribution device E1 communicates with the first terminal T1 to the nth terminal Tn.

  Further, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that n terminals of the first terminal T1 to the n-th terminal Tn belong to any group. The “group” here corresponds to the frequency of the transceiver and the channel of the radio, and is used to select a terminal group as a call destination. Here, in the present embodiment, it is assumed that there are groups of groups “G1” to “Gm” (m is a natural number of 2 or more).

  Various methods are conceivable as a setting method for which terminals are included in the group. For example, the group may be set by previously storing in the distribution apparatus E1 information indicating which terminal belongs to which group.

  Alternatively, the user's operation may be accepted by the terminal, and the group may be set according to this operation. That is, the group may be dynamically set by causing the user to select a terminal group to be talked on.

  Further, by combining these, the user may be allowed to dynamically select a terminal group to talk within a range set in advance in the distribution apparatus E1. For example, a certain user's terminal is set to a first group and a second group in advance. Then, this certain user may be made to select a group to be called from either the first group or the second group.

  However, as described above in the background art section, it is not preferable to force the user to perform such a group selection operation in an emergency or the like. For this reason, in the present embodiment, the use of a link group eliminates the need for a group selection operation at the terminal in an emergency or the like. In switching to group communication in such a link group, the user is not forced to perform a group selection operation. Specific processing for this will be described later.

  In the following description, the first terminal T1, the second terminal T2, the nth terminal Tn, etc. belong to the group G1, the third terminal T3, etc. belong to the group G2, It is assumed that the fifth terminal T5 and the like belong to the group G3, and the sixth terminal T6 and the like belong to the group Gm. In addition, although it is the reason for adding the word “etc.” such as “... N-th terminal Tn etc.” in the above sentence, other illustrations are omitted for each group. This is because it is assumed that the terminal may be included.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 2, the functional blocks included in the distribution device E1 will be described. In addition, processing or data flow by each functional block, and RTP packet flow will be described. In addition, although it describes as a legend also in FIG. 2, the arrow by the continuous line in FIG. 2 represents the process or data flow by each functional block. Moreover, the arrow by the broken line in FIG. 2 represents the flow of the RTP packet. Further, the local area network N1, the private network N2, and the carrier cellular phone packet communication network N3, which are not deeply related to the description of the functional blocks included in the distribution device E1, are omitted in FIG.

  Referring to FIG. 2, the distribution system S100 includes a distribution device E1, a first transmission source terminal S1 to an i th transmission source terminal Si, and a first transmission destination terminal R1 to a jth transmission destination terminal Rj.

  Here, the first transmission source terminal S1 to the i-th transmission source terminal Si (i is an arbitrary natural number) and the first transmission destination terminal R1 to the j-th transmission destination terminal Rj (j is a natural number of 2 or more). Are equivalent to any one of the first terminal T1 to the n-th terminal Tn shown in FIG. Further, the roles of the transmission destination and the transmission source are not fixed for each terminal.

  That is, the first source terminal S1 to the i-th source terminal Si can be the first destination terminal R1 to the j-th destination terminal Rj. Similarly, the first transmission destination terminal R1 through the jth transmission destination terminal Rj can be the first transmission source terminal S1 through the i th transmission source terminal Si.

  In the following description, when referring to any one of the first transmission source terminal S1 to the i-th transmission source terminal Si without specifying, it is simply described as “terminal S”. Further, when any one of the first transmission destination terminal R1 to the jth transmission destination terminal Rj is specified without being specified, it is simply described as “terminal R”.

  On the other hand, the distribution apparatus E1 includes an RTP packet receiving unit M1, a received RTP packet duplicating / transmitting unit M2, a transmission right acquisition control unit M3, a group belonging terminal group information storage unit D1, and a group link information storage unit D21.

  The RTP packet receiving unit M1 receives RTP packets transmitted from the transmission source terminal S1 to the i-th transmission source terminal Si.

  The transmission right acquisition control unit M3 determines whether or not to give a transmission right to the transmission source terminal S1 to the i-th transmission source terminal Si.

  The RTP packet copying / transmitting unit M2 creates a copy of the RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1. Then, the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 transmits the duplicated RTP packet to the terminal that is the transmission destination among the first transmission destination terminal R1 to the jth transmission destination terminal Rj. Note that transmission to these terminals as transmission destinations is also referred to as “distribution” as appropriate in the following description.

  The group affiliation terminal group information storage unit D1 stores “group affiliation terminal group information” that is information including the terminal ID of each terminal belonging to each group. Then, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 and the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 perform each process with reference to the group belonging terminal group information.

  The group link information storage unit D2 stores “group link information” that is information including the group ID of each group belonging to each link group. Then, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 and the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 perform each process with reference to the group link information storage unit D2 in addition to the above-described group belonging terminal group information.

  Next, a more specific example of the group affiliation terminal group information stored in the group affiliation terminal group information storage unit D1 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 3 is a diagram illustrating an example of group affiliation terminal group information.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the group affiliation terminal group information includes two tables: a group affiliation terminal group information database table and a terminal information table.

  Here, the group affiliation terminal group information database table is a table searched using the group ID as a key. The group belonging terminal group information database table stores terminal IDs for identifying belonging terminals belonging to the respective groups corresponding to the respective group IDs. By searching using any group ID as a key, the terminal IDs of the terminals belonging to the group corresponding to the group ID can be extracted. In addition, it is possible to extract which terminal belonging to each group is currently acquiring the transmission right. The transmission right is a right that becomes a transmission source of the RTP packet. The terminal that has acquired the transmission right is 1 in the one-to-many communication.

  Here, a method for searching whether or not there is a terminal having a transmission right in the group to which the transmission source terminal (corresponding to any of the terminals S) belongs will be described.

  First, the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is obtained by searching the terminal information table using the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal as a search key. And it is confirmed whether the terminal which has acquired the transmission right exists in the group uniquely identified by acquired group ID. For this purpose, information on whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right or the current transmission right, and which terminal is, if any, is obtained every time the transmission right is acquired and released. It is associated with the ID and stored as shown in FIG.

  Further, instead of storing the group ID and the terminal that currently obtains the transmission right as shown in FIG. 3, the current transmission right is obtained every time the transmission right is acquired and released. Information indicating whether the terminal is a terminal may be associated with each terminal ID. In this case, all the terminal IDs of the terminals belonging to the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs are extracted by searching the belonging terminal group information database table using the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. To do. Then, it is determined whether or not there is a terminal that currently obtains the transmission right by referring to information indicating whether or not the terminal is currently obtaining the transmission right associated with each of the extracted terminal IDs. . This also makes it possible to confirm whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the group to which the transmission source terminal S1 belongs.

  In this embodiment, since it is assumed that voice communication is performed, it may be expressed as a transmission right instead of a transmission right, but the application range of this embodiment is not necessarily limited to voice communication. Therefore, in this specification, the expression “transmission right” is used. However, when a specific example is given, the expression “transmission right” may be used. In the present embodiment, the number of terminals included in one group is not particularly limited.

  On the other hand, the terminal information table is a table searched using the terminal ID as a key. The terminal information table stores information regarding each terminal identified by each terminal ID. Specifically, the IP address of the terminal, privileged person information, selectable group information, selected group information, and alive state are stored.

  The IP address of the terminal is an IP address assigned to each terminal. The distribution device E1 distributes to each terminal based on the IP address.

  The privileged person information is information indicating whether each terminal is set as a privileged person. If the terminal is set as a privileged user, the value is set to True. If the terminal is not set as a privileged user, the value is set to false. The privileged person represents the right to forcibly acquire the transmission right without waiting for a timeout or the like, for example, when the terminal that has acquired the transmission right is moved out of the service area. Thus, by providing a privileged person, it becomes possible to immediately transfer the transmission right to another terminal when the terminal that has acquired the transmission right has moved out of the service area.

  The selectable group information is information indicating which group each terminal can select as a transmission destination group of the RTP packet. The selectable group information may be managed by a bitmap index, for example. Specifically, a row is provided for every group included in the distribution system 100. If each terminal can select the group, the value is “1”, and each terminal can select the group. The value is managed to be “0”. The transmission right acquisition control unit M3 and the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 can determine whether each terminal is a group that can be selected by searching using this bitmap index.

  The selected group information is a group selected by the user using each terminal. Here, if there is a terminal having only one selectable group, the terminal can be selected as it is without being selected by the user. On the other hand, if the terminal has a plurality of selectable groups, the user of the terminal selects a group as a transmission destination from the plurality of groups. That is, this selected group becomes a selected group. Each terminal included in the selected group becomes a transmission destination of the RTP packet.

  However, in any case, one-to-many communication can be performed between link groups including other groups linked to the selected group when processing using a link group described later is performed. It becomes. As described above, the user of each terminal does not need to perform special processing in order to use the link group.

  The life / death state is information indicating whether or not the terminal is currently in a communicable state. If the terminal can communicate, the value is Active. On the other hand, if the terminal is out of the range where wireless communication is possible or the terminal is out of battery and the terminal cannot communicate, the value is set to non. By using such information and the above-mentioned privileged person information, it becomes possible to immediately transfer the transmission right to another terminal when the terminal that has acquired the transmission right has moved out of the service area.

  Among these pieces of information, the terminal ID, IP address, privileged person information, and selectable group information are statically set, for example, by inputting in advance by an administrator who manages the distribution apparatus E1. For the administrator to input and update the input information, the administrator operates the distribution device E1, or the administrator operates another device (not shown) connected to the distribution device E1. It is done by.

  Of these pieces of information, the selected group information is dynamically set by a group selection operation of the terminal, for example.

  Further, among these pieces of information, the life and death state is determined by, for example, a life and death monitoring server prepared separately from the terminal and the distribution device or the terminal, and monitoring the life and death of each terminal and exchanging the result of life and death monitoring with the distribution device E1 By doing so, it will be set dynamically.

  Further, of these pieces of information, the transmission right acquisition terminal is dynamically set every time the distribution apparatus E1 gives the transmission right or cancels the transmission right.

  Also, these pieces of information may be replaced with other information, or other information other than these pieces of information may be added.

  For example, when the user authenticates the terminal when using the terminal, the user is allowed to input a user ID. The privileged person information may be information associated with the user ID. That is, instead of associating privileged person information for each terminal ID, privileged person information may be associated for each user ID. Thereby, even if it is the same terminal, the presence or absence of privileged person information can be varied according to the user to use.

  In addition, for example, for theft / loss countermeasure, theft / loss information for making the stolen terminal or the lost terminal unusable may be provided. If the theft / loss information is false, the terminal can be used as usual. On the other hand, if the administrator of the distribution apparatus E1 that has received the report of theft or loss of the terminal from the user sets the theft / loss information of the stolen or lost terminal as true, this stolen or lost It is also possible to disable the used terminal.

  Next, a more specific example of the group link information database table stored in the group link information storage unit D2 will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating an example of the group link information database table.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the group link information database table is a table searched using the link group ID as a key. The group link information database table stores a group ID for identifying a group belonging to each link group corresponding to each link group ID. As shown in the figure, by searching using any link group ID as a key, the group ID of the group belonging to the link group corresponding to this link group ID can be extracted. Although not shown, the link group ID of the link group to which the group corresponding to the group ID belongs can be extracted by searching using any group ID as a key. In this example, it is assumed that there are 1 (1 is a natural number of 2 or more) link groups.

  In the group link information database table, the group ID of the transmission right highest priority group can be stored for each link group ID. The details will be described later with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 8. When a plurality of groups have acquired the transmission right in the group group to be linked, it is determined which group transmission right is maintained and linked. Is for.

  Here, one transmission right highest priority group is designated for the group link ID. Then, when the administrator performs a link operation for generating a link group, the transmission right highest priority group is designated. When the link is started when the transmission right highest priority group is transmitting, the transmission from the terminal included in the transmission right highest priority group is distributed to all the terminals in the linked group group. If the transmission of a terminal included in a group other than the transmission right highest priority group is transmitting when the link is started, all the transmission rights are once released, and the transmission right is preempted by a subsequent push-on operation, and again Start sending transmissions.

  Note that setting the transmission right highest priority group in this way means that the priority of the transmission right highest priority group is raised and the priority of all other groups is uniformly lowered. However, this is an example. Instead of doing this, stepwise priorities may be set for each of the groups 1 to l. For example, if there are four groups, the group with the highest priority, the group with the second priority, the group with the third priority, and the group with the fourth priority are set. May be.

  In this case, when the administrator performs a link operation, the priority order set by the administrator may be stored for each link group ID in the group link information database table. And when a plurality of groups are transmitting, it is good to distribute to all the terminals of the group group which linked the transmission from the terminal contained in a group with a high priority.

Alternatively, the priority order set by the administrator may be stored for each group ID in the group membership terminal group information database table. For example, this may be done when it is troublesome for the administrator to specify the priority every time the link operation is performed. Specifically, operations such as setting the group of the headquarters in advance with a high priority and setting the priority of the branch group in a low priority may be considered.
[Description of operation]
Next, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the flowchart of FIG. 8, the operation | movement at the time of delivery of the delivery apparatus E1 in this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

  First, with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 5, the operation | movement at the time of delivery of the delivery apparatus E1 in this embodiment is demonstrated in detail.

  First, the transmission source terminal S1 accepts a push-on operation from the user. The transmission source terminal S1 that has accepted the push-on operation transmits an RTP packet to the distribution device E1. Then, the distribution device E1 receives the RTP packet transmitted from the transmission source terminal S1 by the RTP packet reception unit M1 (step S11).

  In this specification, in order to start transmission, an operation for requesting transmission right acquisition is expressed as a “push-on operation” as described above. On the contrary, an operation for requesting release of the transmission right to end the transmission is expressed as a “push-off operation”. This is an expression that matches the original “push-to-talk” origin of “push and talk”.

  As an actual operation reception method, for example, an external transmission button connected to the transmission source terminal S1 is provided, and a transmission right acquisition request is meant when the external transmission button is pressed (that is, a push-on operation is performed). If you hold it down, it will be in the middle of transmitting, and when you release it, it means a request to release the transmission right (that is, it is determined that a push-off operation has been performed). Good.

  However, it is not always necessary to follow the etymology, and the operation of “holding down” during transmission may not be required. For example, touching the “transmission right not acquired” icon displayed on the display on the terminal means a transmission right acquisition request (that is, it is determined that a push-on operation has been performed), and then any icon is touched. If not, it means that the transmission is in progress, and touching the “transmission right acquisition status” icon displayed on the terminal display means a transmission right release request (ie, it is determined that a push-off operation has been performed). It may be said that.

  Here, it is determined whether or not the RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1 is an RTP packet transmitted by a transmission source terminal that is being distributed (that is, currently transmitting) (step S12). For example, the RTP packet receiving unit M1 acquires the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal that currently obtains the transmission right from the transmission right acquisition control unit M3. Then, the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal included in the RTP packet received by the RTP packet reception unit M1 obtains the current transmission right, and the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal being delivered (that is, currently transmitting) Judgment is made based on whether or not they are the same.

  If the RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1 has been transmitted by the transmitting source terminal (Yes in step S12), the RTP packet is copied to the RTP packet duplicating / transmitting unit M2 in order to perform the process of step S16. To pass. Although the detailed description is omitted because it is a general technique, the RTP packet receiving unit M1 also performs general processing in packet communication such as control of a jitter buffer.

  On the other hand, if the RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1 is not transmitted by the transmitting source terminal but transmitted by another terminal (No in step S12), the RTP packet receiving unit M1 Then, the transmission right acquisition unit M3 is notified of the transmission right acquisition request from the transmission source terminal S1 and the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal included in the RTP packet, and the process proceeds to step S13.

  In step S13, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 searches the terminal information table stored in the group belonging terminal group information storage unit D1 using the terminal ID notified from the packet reception unit M1 as a search key. Then, by referring to the selected group of the terminal corresponding to the terminal ID as the search key in the terminal information table, the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is obtained.

  Further, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 searches the group link information database table stored in the group link information storage unit D2 using the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. Here, when the group ID used as the search key belongs to any one of the link groups, all group IDs included in the affiliated link group are extracted.

  Further, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 searches the group belonging terminal group information database table stored in the group belonging terminal group information storage unit D1 using the group ID of the belonging group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. Then, it is confirmed whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs. If the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs belongs to a link group, the group belonging terminal group information storage unit D1 uses all group IDs included in the link group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. The group affiliation terminal group information database table stored in is searched.

  By performing such processing, within the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs, or when a group link is set for the group, the transmission right is already assigned to another terminal within the link group. It is confirmed whether it has not been acquired (step S13).

  If the transmission right has already been acquired by another terminal (Yes in step S13). The RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1 is discarded without giving the transmission right to the transmission source terminal (step S14). On the other hand, if the transmission right is not acquired by another terminal (No in step S13), an instruction to give the transmission right is given to the RTP packet receiving unit M1 (step S15).

  When the transmission right is given (step S15), or when the RTP packet received by the RTP packet receiving unit M1 is transmitted by the transmitting source terminal (Yes in step S12), the RTP packet receiving unit M1 delivers the RTP packet and the terminal ID of the transmission source terminal to the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 (step S16).

  Next, in step S17, the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 duplicates the delivered RTP packet. And the terminal information table memorize | stored in the group affiliation terminal group information storage part D1 is searched by using terminal ID of a transmission source terminal as a search key. Then, by referring to the selected group of the terminal corresponding to the terminal ID as the search key in the terminal information table, the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is obtained.

  Further, the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 searches the group link information database table stored in the group link information storage unit D2 using the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. Here, when the group ID used as the search key belongs to any one of the link groups, all group IDs included in the affiliated link group are extracted.

  Further, the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 searches the group belonging terminal group information database table stored in the group belonging terminal group information storage unit D1 using the group ID of the belonging group to which the transmission source terminal belongs as a search key. . In addition, when the group ID of the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs belongs to any link group, all group IDs included in the link group to which the transmission source terminal belongs belong to the group as a search key. The group belonging terminal group information database table stored in the terminal group information storage unit D1 is searched.

  By this search, it is possible to obtain information on a destination terminal group to be a destination. Then, the RTP packet duplication / transmission unit M2 transmits the duplicated RTP packet to each destination terminal based on the information of the destination terminal group (step S17).

  In the present embodiment, it is not essential to provide a “privileged person” as in the terminal information table shown in FIG. Therefore, in the flowchart of FIG. 5 and the description of FIG. In this regard, if a privileged person is provided, the process of FIG. 5 is partially modified.

  Specifically, if Yes in step S13, it is confirmed by referring to the terminal information table whether or not the transmission source terminal is set as a privileged person.

  If the transmission source terminal is not set as a privileged user, the process proceeds to step S14, where the transmission right is not given to the transmission source terminal, and the RTP packet received from the transmission source terminal is discarded.

  On the other hand, if the transmission source terminal is set as a privileged user, the process proceeds to step S15, a transmission right is given to the transmission source terminal that is a privileged user, and then the processing from step S16 is performed. When the transmission right is given to the transmission source terminal that is a privileged person, the transmission right of the terminal that has obtained the transmission right at that time is revoked.

  Through the operation described above, one-to-many transmission can be performed to other terminals included in the group to which the transmission source terminal that has given the transmission right belongs. In addition, when the group to which the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right belongs belongs is linked to another group, other groups included in the other group in addition to the group to which the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right has been assigned belong One-to-many communication can be performed with the other terminals.

  Such one-to-many communication will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining the flow of RTP packets when the groups are not linked. In this example, it is assumed that the first terminal T1 is a transmission source terminal. The first terminal T1 belongs to the group G1.

  In this case, if there is no terminal having the transmission right in the group G1, the distribution apparatus E1 gives the transmission right to the first terminal T1. Accordingly, the RTP packet transmitted from the first terminal T1 is duplicated. This time, group G1 is not linked to other groups. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 6, the replicated RTP packet is transmitted to the second terminal T2 and the nth terminal Tn, which are terminals other than the first terminal T1 belonging to the group G1. The Thereby, one-to-many communication within a group is realized.

  Next, FIG. 7 is a diagram for explaining the flow of the RTP packet when each group is linked. In this example, it is assumed that the group G1, the group G2, and the group G3 are linked, and these three groups form one link group (corresponding to “first link group” in the figure). . Further, it is assumed that the first terminal T1 is a transmission source terminal. The first terminal T1 belongs to the group G1.

  In this case, if there is no terminal having the transmission right in the group G1, the distribution apparatus E1 gives the transmission right to the first terminal T1. Accordingly, the RTP packet transmitted from the first terminal T1 is duplicated. This time, group G1 is linked to other groups, group G2 and group G3. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 7, the replicated RTP packet is only transmitted to the second terminal T2 and the nth terminal Tn, which are terminals other than the first terminal T1 belonging to the group G1. Instead, it is also applied to the third terminal T3 to the sixth terminal T6 belonging to the group G2 and the group G3. Thereby, one-to-many communication within the link group is realized.

  In either case of FIG. 6 or FIG. 7, as described above with reference to FIG. 8, the user of the transmission source terminal may perform a push-off operation at the time of outgoing call, There is no need to perform a special operation for selecting or a special operation for not selecting a link group. Therefore, in the present embodiment, it is possible to solve the problems described in the section “Problems to be solved by the invention”.

  In addition, after realizing such one-to-many communication, when there is a push-off operation from the transmission source terminal, a transmission right release process is performed. Since this process is a general process, refer to the flowchart. The description that has been made will be omitted.

  Next, processing performed by the distribution apparatus E1 when “starting”, “adding”, or “reducing / ending” a group link will be described with reference to the flowchart of FIG. Here, these processes are executed when a group link request is received from an administrator or the like.

  Specifically, when a predetermined operation on the distribution device E1 by an administrator or the like is received, or on another device (not shown) connected to the distribution device E1 by the administrator, there is a predetermined operation. In the event of a failure, it is assumed that a group link request from an administrator etc. has been accepted.

  In the following description, the processing in the case where any terminal included in the linked group has already acquired the transmission right or the case where any terminal has not acquired the transmission right will be described in detail. Do. Such processing is exclusively performed by the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 of the distribution apparatus E1.

  When receiving the group link request from the administrator or the like (Step S21), the distribution device E1 delivers the received group link request to the transmission right acquisition control unit M3. Then, the transmission right acquisition control unit M3 determines what type of the received group link request is (step S22). Here, it is assumed that types of group link requests include “start”, “additional update”, and “reduction / end”.

  The “start” is a request to generate a new link group by starting a link. That is, it is a request to generate a new link group by linking groups that do not belong to any link group.

  The “additional update” is a request to further update a new group. That is, it is a request to increase the number of groups included in the link group by further linking a new group to the already generated link group.

  The “reduction / termination” is a request for releasing some or all of the links in the link group. In other words, a request to cancel some links in a link group that has already been generated and not to release some links (equivalent to reduction), or to release all links in a link group that has already been generated This is a request (equivalent to termination). In the former case, the link group to be processed continues while reducing the number of linked groups. On the other hand, in the latter case, the link group after the processing target does not survive.

  Here, when the type of group link request is the start of a group link (“start” in step S22), a new link group ID is generated, and the link group ID and the group included in the new link group are generated. Are stored in the group link information database table of the group link information storage unit D2. At this time, the transmission right highest priority group is determined according to an instruction from an administrator or the like, and such information is also stored in the group link information database table. As described above, the priority order may be stored for each link group ID or group ID.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right among any of the terminals included in the group group to be linked this time (step S23). If no terminal has acquired the transmission right (No in step S23), this process ends. Thereafter, when any terminal push-off operation is performed, the processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed, and a transmission right is assigned.

  On the other hand, when there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right among any of the terminals included in the group group to be linked this time (Yes in step S23), the process proceeds to step S24.

  Then, the transmission right of the terminal of the group with the higher priority is kept given, and the transmission right of the terminal of the group with the lower priority or the priority is not set is canceled (step S24). In this case, the terminal of the group with the highest priority has not acquired the transmission right. For example, when the terminal of the group with the second highest priority has acquired the transmission right, the priority is given. The transmission right of the terminal of the group with the second highest rank may be left as it is, and the transmission right of the terminal of the group having a lower priority or no priority set may be canceled ( Step S24). In other words, the transmission right may be left to be given to the terminal of the group having the highest priority among the groups of terminals that have acquired the transmission right instead of all the groups.

  In addition, when the priority is set instead of the priority group for the transmission right, the transmission right of the terminal of the highest priority group for the transmission right is left given, and the transmission of the terminal of the other group is left as it is. The right may be released (step S24).

  Thereafter, when an RTP packet is received from a terminal that has been given the transmission right, the RTP packet is distributed to other terminals included in the new link group (step S27). This corresponds to the processing of Yes, Step S16, and Step S17 in Step S12 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the type of the group link request is an additional update of the group link (“additional update” in step S22), the group link information database table in the group link information storage unit D2 is rewritten and a new group is added. The group ID of the newly added group is further linked to the link group ID of the link group. At this time, the transmission right highest priority group is determined according to an instruction from an administrator or the like, and such information is also stored in the group link information database table. As described above, the priority order may be stored for each link group ID or group ID.

  Next, it is determined whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right among any of the terminals included in the group or group to be added this time (step S25). If none of the terminals has acquired the transmission right (No in step S25), this process ends. Thereafter, when any terminal push-off operation is performed, the processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed, and a transmission right is assigned.

  On the other hand, when there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right among any of the terminals included in the group or group group to be added (Yes in step S25), the process proceeds to step S26.

  And the transmission right of the terminal contained in the group or group group which carries out an additional link is cancelled | released. Further, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the group that is linked from the source in the link group of the addition destination, the transmission right is maintained (step S26).

  Thereafter, when an RTP packet is received from a terminal that has been given the transmission right, the RTP packet is distributed to other terminals included in the link group to which the new group is additionally linked (step S27). This corresponds to the processing of Yes, Step S16, and Step S17 in Step S12 of FIG.

  On the other hand, when the type of the group link request is a partial group release update or link group end ("reduction / end" in step S22), the group link information database table in the group link information storage unit D2 is rewritten. . Specifically, if it is a link release update of a partial group, the group ID of the group for releasing the link or the group of groups for releasing the link, which is linked to the link group ID, is deleted. If it is the end of the link group, the group IDs and link group IDs of all groups linked to the link group ID are deleted.

  At this time, if a partial group is canceled and updated, the transmission right highest priority group is determined in accordance with an instruction from an administrator or the like, and such information is also stored in the group link information database table. As described above, the priority order may be stored for each link group ID or group ID.

  Next, it is confirmed whether or not there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the link group that has been subject to processing such as partial group release update or link group termination (step S28).

  For example, if the current process is a partial group release update, the transmission right is acquired in the group that continues the link after the partial release update or in the group that ends the link due to the partial release. Check if the terminal exists. If the current process is the end of the link group, it is confirmed whether there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in all the groups in which the link has ended.

  If none of the terminals has acquired the transmission right (No in step S28), this process ends. After that, if there is a push-off operation of any terminal, the processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed for each updated link group link or each group for which the link has been completed, and transmission rights are granted. I do.

  On the other hand, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right (Yes in step S28), the process proceeds to step S29.

  In step S29, the transmission right of the terminal that has acquired the transmission right is maintained (step S29).

  Thereafter, when an RTP packet is received from a terminal that maintains the transmission right, the RTP packet is distributed to a new link group in which some groups have been released or other terminals included in each group in which the link has been terminated. (Step S27).

  Specifically, if the terminal in the link group that continues the link after the partial release update maintains the transmission right, other terminals included in the link group that continues the link after the partial release update An RTP packet is distributed to (step S27). This corresponds to the processing of Yes, Step S16, and Step S17 in Step S12 of FIG. In this case, for each group for which the link has been completed, the processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed for each group for which the link has been completed, and a new transmission right is assigned.

  On the other hand, if the terminal in any group whose link is terminated maintains the transmission right, the RTP packet is distributed to other terminals included in the group to which the terminal belongs (step S27). . This corresponds to the processing of Yes, Step S16, and Step S17 in Step S12 of FIG. In this case, for a link group that continues to be linked even after partial release update, the processing described above with reference to FIG. 5 is performed, and a new transmission right is assigned.

  As described above, in the present embodiment, in response to a group link request from an administrator or the like, link start, link addition, link deletion, and the like are performed. Then, processing such as maintaining the transmission right or releasing the transmission right is performed on the difference in consideration of the transmission right of each group. As a result, it is possible to prevent a situation in which a plurality of terminals have a transmission right in one link group, and to realize one-to-many communication in the link group.

  Next, an example which is an example in the case of realizing the above-described embodiment will be described.

[Description of configuration]
Various configurations for realizing the above-described embodiment are conceivable.

  For example, apart from the distribution device E1, a server for controlling group voice communication (for example, maintenance / monitoring of the life of a terminal) or for authenticating a terminal (for example, measures against theft / loss of terminals) Many cases are considered necessary. In this case, a configuration in which two devices, ie, a distribution device E1 and a server device are physically provided can be considered.

  Instead of doing so, the distribution device E1 and the server device may be physically the same. For example, the server device can be physically included in the distribution device E1. Further, by using server virtualization technology, the server device and the distribution device E1 can be realized by a single device.

  However, considering that the function and processing capability of a single device are limited, in order to improve the processing capability of the distribution device E1, particularly to increase the number of simultaneous distribution terminals, the server is physically defined as a distribution device. In general, it is considered that there are many cases where it is more advantageous for the distribution apparatus to be specialized in distribution control. And the structure which arrange | positions such a server in the local area network N1, and connects with the delivery apparatus E1 can be considered.

  Furthermore, it is conceivable to install a plurality of servers according to applications. As an arrangement example in the case where a plurality of servers are installed in this way, an authentication server in which an administrator registers data on the highly reliable local area network N1 side and needs to communicate directly with a terminal. May be arranged in a DMZ (DeMilitarized Zone) in order to prevent unauthorized access.

  Various configurations are conceivable as described above. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, the distribution device E1 is realized by a plurality of devices. Specifically, it is realized as a packet distribution unit having a function obtained by reducing the function of the control server from the distribution device, and the control server.

  As described above, other configurations may be considered, but it is not the gist of the present embodiment that the server device and the distribution device E1 are specifically realized. Therefore, in the following description, only the configuration shown in FIG. 9 will be described, and description of other implementation examples of these devices and detailed description of the installation location will be omitted.

  Referring to FIG. 9, the distribution system 200 includes a first maintenance management device MT11, a first control server S11, a first packet distribution unit E11, a first leased line network N11, a second maintenance management device MT12, Second control server S12, second packet distribution unit E12, second leased line network N12, wide area network N13, operator mobile phone packet communication network N3, and first terminal T1 to nth terminal Tn (N is a natural number of 2 or more).

  Compared with the distribution system 100 described above, a first control server S11, a first packet distribution unit E11, a second control server S12, and a second packet distribution unit E12 are installed instead of the distribution apparatus E1. It is different in point. Another difference is that a first maintenance management device MT11 and a second maintenance management device MT12 are installed. Another difference is that the dedicated network N2 is two dedicated networks and that the packet distribution unit is connected to the wide area network. Hereinafter, these differences will be described. Note that descriptions of parts that are not different from the distribution system 100 are omitted.

  First, in this embodiment, the control server is divided into a first control server S11 and a second control server S12. For example, the first control server S11 is installed separately for the headquarters located in the prefecture A, and the second control server S12 is installed separately for the branch office located in the prefecture B.

  In the present embodiment, the first maintenance management device MT11 is installed for the manager of prefecture A. The first maintenance management device MT11 is connected to the first control server S11 via a LAN. On the other hand, a second maintenance management device MT12 is installed for managers in prefecture B. The second maintenance management device MT12 is connected to the second control server S12 via a LAN. The manager of each prefecture can make the group link request described with reference to FIG. 8 to the control server by operating the maintenance management apparatus installed in his / her prefecture.

  Although a detailed description of the contents is omitted, the maintenance management device may have a configuration different from that shown in FIG. For example, when there are a plurality of branches in each prefecture, a control server can be installed for each prefecture, or a plurality of control servers can be installed in one prefecture for load distribution and fault tolerance improvement. In addition, it is possible to improve convenience when there are a plurality of managers by installing a plurality of maintenance management devices instead of one in one prefecture. Furthermore, a mode in which the administrator does not perform a group link setting operation from the maintenance management apparatus but sets from an application such as a smartphone is also conceivable.

  In this embodiment, the packet distribution unit is divided into a first packet distribution unit E11 and a second packet distribution unit E12. For example, it is assumed that the first packet distribution unit E11 and the second packet distribution unit E12 are installed in a distant place to improve fault tolerance and disaster resistance. The number of packet distribution units is not limited to two, but can be duplicated or distributed at each site.

  The first and second control servers and the first and second packet distribution units are connected to the wide area network N11.

  The first packet distribution unit E11 is connected to the carrier cellular phone packet communication network N3 via the first private line network N11, and the second packet distribution unit E12 is connected to the business via the second private line network N12. Is connected to the packet communication network N3 for the mobile phone of the user.

[Description of operation]
Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described with reference to the sequence diagrams of FIGS. In the sequence diagrams of FIGS. 10A to 15, illustration of devices and terminals that are not directly related to the processing to be described is omitted. Further, illustration of a network such as a wide area network N11 connecting the devices and terminals and a dedicated line network N12 is also omitted.

  First, FIGS. 10-1 to 10-2 are sequence diagrams when the first terminal T1 performs a push-on operation in a state where a group link is set, and relates to acquisition of a transmission right. This sequence is as follows:

1. Transmission Right Setting Request The first terminal T1 requests the first packet distribution unit E11 to acquire the transmission right by pressing the transmission button. The request includes the group ID of the group to which the first terminal T1 belongs and the ID of the first terminal T1. The first packet distribution unit E11 refers to the group link information table (corresponding to the “group link information database table” in the above-described embodiment), and the group corresponding to the notified group ID links to another group. After confirming whether or not the transmission right has already been acquired in the group link, it is confirmed.

2. Transmission right information notification The first packet distribution unit E11 notifies the second packet distribution unit E12 of acquisition of the transmission right. The notification includes the ID of the group link that includes the first terminal T1.

3. Transmission right information response The second packet distribution unit E12 returns the transmission right acquisition result to the second packet distribution unit E12. Also, the transmission right information in the group link information table is updated based on the notified group link ID.

4). Communication Confirmation Notification The first packet distribution unit E11 refers to the group information table (corresponding to the “group affiliation terminal group information database table” in the above-described embodiment), and is included in the group including the first terminal T1. Check if there is a terminal for which communication has not been confirmed. Then, a communication confirmation notification is transmitted to the second terminal T2 that has not been confirmed to communicate. Further, the transmission right information in the group link information table is updated based on the ID of the group link including the first terminal T1T1.

5. Communication confirmation result The second terminal T2 returns a communication confirmation result to the first packet distribution unit E11. The reply includes the group ID of the group to which the second terminal T2 belongs and the ID of the second terminal T2.

6). Transmission Right Setting Response The first packet distribution unit E11 returns a transmission right acquisition success to the first terminal T1. Thus, the transmission right acquisition process ends.

  FIG. 10-2 illustrates how the RTP packet transmitted by the first terminal T1 is transmitted and received between the devices after the above-described transmission right acquisition process.

  As shown in the figure, the first packet distribution unit E11 is a packet distribution unit as a packet distribution unit to be communicated with among the second packet distribution unit E12 and terminals included in the same link group as the first terminal T1. The packet is distributed and distributed to the second terminal T2 for which 1 is designated.

  Further, the second packet distribution unit E12 is a third terminal T3 in which the second packet distribution unit E12 is designated as a packet distribution unit to be communicated among terminals included in the same link group as the first terminal T1. Distributes and distributes packets.

  Although not shown in FIGS. 10-1 and 10-2 since it is not the gist of the present embodiment, each terminal is designated with a packet distribution unit to communicate at the time of login to the control server. ing. The first terminal T1 that has acquired the transmission right transmits the RTP packet to the first packet distribution unit E11 that is the designated packet distribution unit. The timing for actually transmitting the RTP packet may be after the sequence of FIG. 10-1 is finished, but may be almost the same as the above “1. Information on the request to set the talk right may be included in the RTP packet.

  Next, an operation when the first terminal T1 performs a push-off operation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 11A is a sequence diagram when the first terminal T1 performs a push-off operation in a state where the group link is set, and relates to release of the transmission right.

1. Transmission Right Setting Request The first terminal T1 notifies the first packet distribution unit E11 of the transmission right release by a push-off operation. The notification includes the group ID of the group to which the first terminal T1 belongs and the ID of the first terminal T1. The first packet distribution unit E11 refers to the group link information table (corresponding to the “group link information database table” in the above-described embodiment), and the group corresponding to the notified group ID links to another group. Check whether or not

2. Transmission Right Information Notification The first packet distribution unit E11 notifies the second packet distribution unit E12 of cancellation of the transmission right. The notification includes the ID of the group link that includes the first terminal T1.

3. Transmission Right Information Response The second packet distribution unit E12 cancels the transmission right and returns a successful cancellation to the first packet distribution unit E11. Also, the transmission right information in the group link information table is updated based on the notified group link ID.

4). Transmission Right Setting Response The first packet distribution unit E11 returns a transmission right release success response to the first terminal T1. The first terminal T1 returns to the receiving state. Further, the transmission right information in the group link information table is updated based on the ID of the group link including the first terminal T1.

  FIG. 11B shows how the RTP packet transmitted by the first terminal T1 is transmitted / received between the devices after the above-described transmission right releasing process.

  As shown in the figure, the second packet distribution unit E12 stops the packet distribution to the third terminal T3.

  Also, the first packet distribution unit E11 stops packet distribution to the second packet distribution unit E12 and the second terminal T2.

  Next, processing related to the group link list will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 12 is a sequence diagram in which the maintenance management apparatus makes a group link list request and displays a group link list screen.

1. Group link list screen display request The administrator requests group link list screen display by performing an operation of selecting a group link list from the main menu screen of the first maintenance management device MT11. The first control server S11 acquires set group link information (including group usage status) from a database such as a group link master and link group information.

2. Group Link List Screen Display The first control server S11 transmits information on registered group links acquired from the database to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be transmitted includes, for example, a group link ID and a group link name. Based on the information transmitted by the first control server S11, the registered group link list is displayed on the group link list screen of the first maintenance management device MT11.

  Next, registration / start of a group link will be described with reference to FIGS. 13-1 and 13-2. FIGS. 13-1 to 13-2 are sequence diagrams in which the first maintenance management device MT11 makes a group link registration request and the group link is registered and started.

1. Group Link Registration Screen Display Request An administrator who refers to the group link list displayed by performing the processing shown in FIG. 12 performs an operation of selecting group link registration from the group link list screen of the first maintenance management device MT11. By doing so, a group link registration screen display is requested.

2. Group Link Registration Screen Display The first control server S11 of its own prefecture acquires group information to be displayed on the group link registration screen from the database, and transmits the group link registration screen to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be transmitted includes the group ID of the group in the prefecture, the group name of the group in the prefecture. Based on the information transmitted by the first control server S11, a group link registration screen is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

3. Group link name maintenance The administrator inputs the group link name of the group link to be registered.

4). Selected group maintenance The administrator selects the group in his / her prefecture to be linked.

5. Group acquisition request The administrator specifies groups in other prefectures that can be group-linked by the method shown in the figure. Then, the administrator performs an operation of selecting another prefecture when linking with a group of another prefecture. Then, an acquisition request for a group that can be link-registered with the own prefecture in the selected prefecture is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the own prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes a prefecture number for identifying the selected other prefecture.

6). Group List Acquisition Request The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits a group list acquisition request to the specified second control server S12 of another prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes a prefecture number for identifying its own prefecture.

7). Group List Acquisition Response The second control server S12 of another prefecture returns a list of groups that can be registered as a link to the requesting self prefecture. The information to be returned includes the group ID of the linkable group in other prefectures and the group name of the linkable group in other prefectures.

8). Group acquisition response The first control server S11 of its own prefecture returns a group list acquired from another prefecture to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be returned includes the group ID of the linkable group in other prefectures and the group name of the linkable group in other prefectures.

9. Selected other prefecture group holding The administrator selects a group of another prefecture to be linked.

10. Group link registration confirmation screen request When the administrator presses the confirmation button after inputting each item necessary for registration, a group link registration confirmation screen request is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the prefecture.

11. Group Link Registration Confirmation Screen Display The first control server S11 of its own prefecture performs input check of each item and returns the processing result to the first maintenance management device MT11. The returned processing result is displayed on the group link registration confirmation screen on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

12 Group selection request (registration)
When the administrator presses the registration button on the group link registration confirmation screen, the group selection request (registration) is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the prefecture.

The group link information to be transmitted is composed of the following data.
・ Group link ID
・ Group link name ・ Group ID (1) to (X) of the selected prefecture
・ Group ID (1)-(Y) of other selected prefectures
13. Group link setting request (registration)
When the group of another prefecture is selected, the first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits a group link setting request to the second control server S12 of the other prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes the group link ID and the group ID of the selected prefecture. Along with this, information is recorded in the database as shown.

14 Group link setting response (registration)
The second control server S12 of another prefecture registers in the database that the selected other prefecture group has been linked, and returns the processing result to the first control server S11 of its own prefecture. Along with this, information is recorded in the database as shown.

15. Group link information setting notification (registration)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the registered group link information to the first packet distribution unit E11.

The group link information to be transmitted is composed of the following data.
・ Group link ID
・ Group ID (1) to (X) of the selected prefecture
・ Group ID (1)-(Y) of other selected prefectures
16. Group link information setting response (registration)
The first packet distribution unit E11 stores the group link information in the group link information table, and returns the processing result to the first control server S11 of its own prefecture.

17. Group link information setting notification (registration)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the registered group link information to the second packet distribution unit E12. The group link information to be transmitted is the same as “15. Group link information setting notification (registration)”.

18. Group link information setting response (registration)
The second packet distribution unit E12 stores the group link information in the group link information table and returns the processing result to the first control server S11 of its own prefecture.

19. Group selection response (registration)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the processing result to the first maintenance management device MT11. The processing result is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

  Thus, the process ends. In the sequence of “15. Group link information setting notification (registration)” to “18. Group link information setting response (registration)”, the first packet distribution unit E11 and the second packet are sent from the first control server S11. A group link information setting notification is sent to the packet distribution unit E12, and each packet distribution unit that receives the notification can identify terminal data to be distributed. Here, if there is a group including a terminal that has obtained the right to transmit in the group group to be linked, the logic described in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is used to maintain the right to transmit and release the right to transmit. Is called.

  Next, processing related to group link update will be described with reference to FIGS. FIGS. 14-1 to 14-2 are sequence diagrams in which the first maintenance management device MT11 makes a group link update request and the group link is updated.

1. Group link update screen display request An administrator who refers to the group link list displayed by performing the process shown in FIG. 12 selects a group link to be updated from the group link list screen of the first maintenance management device MT11. Request group link update screen display. This request includes the ID of the group link to be updated.

2. Group link acquisition response The first control server S11 in its own prefecture acquires group link information to be displayed on the group link update screen from the database, and transmits the group link update screen to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be transmitted includes the prefecture name, group ID, and group name of the registered group link. Further, the group ID of the own prefecture and the group name of the own prefecture are further included. A group link update screen generated based on these pieces of information is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

3. Group link maintenance When updating the group link name, the administrator inputs a new group link name.

4). Selection group maintenance When the administrator changes the group of his / her prefecture to be linked, the administrator updates the selection of the group of his / her prefecture.

5. Group acquisition request When linking with a group in another prefecture, the administrator specifies a group in another prefecture that can be group-linked by the method shown in the figure. And an administrator performs operation which selects another prefecture. Then, an acquisition request for a group that can be link-registered with the own prefecture in the selected prefecture is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the own prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes a prefecture number for identifying the selected other prefecture.

6). Group List Acquisition Request The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits a group list acquisition request to the specified second control server S12 of another prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes a prefecture number for identifying its own prefecture.

7). Group List Acquisition Response The second control server S12 of another prefecture returns a list of groups that can be registered as a link to the requesting self prefecture. The information to be returned includes the group ID of the linkable group in other prefectures and the group name of the linkable group in other prefectures.

8). Group acquisition response The first control server S11 of its own prefecture returns a group list acquired from another prefecture to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be returned includes the group ID of the linkable group in other prefectures and the group name of the linkable group in other prefectures.

9. Selection other prefecture group holding | maintenance An administrator updates the group selection of other prefectures of 1st maintenance management apparatus MT11, when changing the group of other prefectures linked.

10. Group link update confirmation screen request After the input of each item necessary for registration, when the administrator presses the confirmation button, a group link registration confirmation screen request is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the prefecture.

11. Group link update confirmation screen display The first control server S11 of its own prefecture performs input check of each item and returns a processing result. The returned processing result is displayed on the group link registration confirmation screen on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

12 Group selection request (update)
When the registration button is pressed on the group link registration confirmation screen, (update) is transmitted to the first control server S11 of the own prefecture.

The group link information to be transmitted is composed of the following data.
・ Group link ID
・ Group link name ・ Group ID (1) to (X) of the selected prefecture
・ Group ID (1)-(Y) of other selected prefectures
13. Group link setting request (update)
When the group of another prefecture is selected, the first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits a group link setting request (update) to the second control server S12 of the other prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes the group link ID and the group ID of the selected prefecture. Along with this, information is recorded in the database as shown.

14 Group link setting response (update)
The second control server S12 in another prefecture updates the database with the selected group, and returns the processing result to the first control server S11 in its own prefecture. Along with this, information is recorded in the database as shown.

15. Group link information setting notification (update)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the updated group link information to the first packet distribution unit E11.

The group link information to be transmitted is as follows.
・ Group link ID
・ Group ID (1) to (X) of the selected prefecture
・ Group ID (1)-(Y) of other selected prefectures
The first packet distribution unit E11 updates the group link information table.

16. Group link information setting response (update)
After updating the group link information, the first packet distribution unit E11 returns the processing result to the first control server S11 in its own prefecture.

17. Group link information setting notification (update)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the updated group link information to the second packet distribution unit E12. The group link information to be transmitted is the same as “15. Group link information setting notification (update)”.

18. Group link information setting response (update)
The second packet distribution unit E12 updates the group link information and returns the processing result to the first control server S11 in its own prefecture.

19. Group selection response (update)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the processing result to the first maintenance management device MT11. The processing result is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

  Thus, the process ends. In the sequence of “15. Group link information setting notification (update)” to “18. Group link information setting response (update)”, the first packet distribution unit E11 and the second packet are sent from the first control server S11. A group link information setting notification is sent to the packet distribution unit E12, and each packet distribution unit that receives the notification can identify terminal data to be distributed. Here, if there is a group including a terminal that has obtained the right to transmit in the group group to be linked, the logic described in the flowchart of FIG. 8 is used to maintain the right to transmit and release the right to transmit. Is called.

  Next, processing related to group link cancellation will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 15 is a sequence diagram in which the first maintenance management device MT11 makes a group link release request and the group link is released.

1. Group link release confirmation screen display request An administrator who refers to the group link list displayed by performing the process shown in FIG. 12 selects a group link to be released from the group list screen of the first maintenance management device MT11, and Press the release button to request the group link release confirmation screen display. The request includes the group link ID of the group link to be released.

2. Group Link Release Confirmation Screen Display The first control server S11 of its own prefecture checks whether the selected group link can be released by referring to the database. If it can be canceled, a group link cancellation confirmation screen is transmitted to the first maintenance management device MT11. The information to be transmitted includes the group link ID and group link name of the group link to be released. Based on the information transmitted by the first control server S11, a group link release confirmation screen is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

3. Group selection request (cancellation)
The administrator presses the release button on the group link release confirmation screen of the first maintenance management device MT11. When such an operation is accepted, a group selection request (cancellation) is transmitted to the first control server S11 in the prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes the group link ID of the group link to be released.

4). Group link setting request (cancellation)
When the group of the other prefecture is linked to the group link to be released, the first control server S11 of the own prefecture acquires the group ID of the other prefecture. Then, the first control server S11 in its own prefecture transmits a group link setting request (cancellation) to the second control server S12 in another prefecture. The information to be transmitted includes the group ID of another prefecture linked to the group link to be released.

5. Group link setting response (cancellation)
The second control server S12 in another prefecture releases the link from the group information and returns the processing result to the first control server S11.

6). Group link information setting notification (cancellation)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture releases the group link to be released from the database. Then, the first control server S11 in its own prefecture transmits the group link to be released to the first packet distribution unit E11. The information to be transmitted includes the group link ID of the group link to be released.

7). Group link information setting response (cancellation)
The first packet distribution unit E11 releases the designated group link from the table and returns the processing result to the first control server S11.

8). Group link information setting notification (cancellation)
The second control server S12 in another prefecture transmits the group link to be released to the second packet distribution unit E12. The information to be transmitted includes the group ID of another prefecture linked to the group link to be released.

9. Group link information setting response (cancellation)
The second packet distribution unit E12 releases the designated group link from the table and returns the processing result to the second control server S12.

10. Group selection response (cancel)
The first control server S11 of its own prefecture transmits the processing result to the first maintenance management device MT11. The processing result is displayed on the display of the first maintenance management device MT11.

Thus, the process ends. From “6. Group link information setting notification (cancellation)” to “9. Group link information setting response (cancellation)”
Then, the group link information setting notification is sent from the first control server S11 to the first packet distribution unit E11 and the second packet distribution unit E12, and the terminal data to be distributed by each packet distribution unit that has received such notification is sent. Here, when there is a group being transmitted in the group group to be unlinked, the transmission right is maintained by the logic described in the flowchart of FIG.

  In the sequence diagrams described above, the processing from the first packet distribution unit E11, the first control device, and the first maintenance management device MT11 has been described. However, the second packet distribution unit E12 has been described. In addition, the second control device and the second maintenance management device MT12 can perform the same processing.

  Moreover, although the above-described embodiment is a preferred embodiment of the present invention, the scope of the present invention is not limited only to the above-described embodiment, and various modifications are made without departing from the gist of the present invention. Implementation in the form is possible.

  For example, in the above-described embodiments and examples, communication by PoC is assumed, but communication between devices may be performed by other group communication methods.

  The first effect is that it is possible to change the destination group without requiring any special operation for changing the destination group on the terminal side.

  The reason for this is that when a technology such as PoC is used, the terminal side does not perform any special operation with respect to the terminal group to be distributed, and an arbitrary group is linked by an operation of an administrator, etc. This is because a means for switching to group communication in a group) is provided.

  The second effect is that the transmission right of terminals in a predetermined group can be maintained. Further, it is possible to prevent a transmission right from being given to a plurality of terminals within one link group or one group.

  The reason for this is that when setting a new link group start, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the linked group or group group, the transmission right is given to the terminal of the group having a higher priority, This is because the terminal transmission right of a group with a low priority or a non-priority set is canceled to start a group link and continue or stop transmission.

  Another reason is that when a group or group group to be linked is added to the set link group, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the group to be added, This is because the transmission right of the group to be added is canceled, and if the original link group has the transmission right, it is maintained, the group link is updated, and transmission is continued or stopped.

  Furthermore, another reason is that when a link group that has been set is set to reduce the group or group to be linked or to terminate the group link, a transmission right is acquired for the link group. If there is a terminal, update the group link by maintaining the transmission right in the updated link group in which the terminal is participating, or taking over the transmission right in the group after the link release in which the terminal is participating, or This is because the transmission is continued in the updated link group or the transmission is taken over in the group after the link is released.

  In the above-described embodiment, the distribution device is configured to associate (link) a plurality of groups in a group for specifying a terminal group as a distribution destination, so that a large group (link group) including a plurality of groups is combined. Is dynamically generated while determining the transmission right. As a result, when technology such as PoC is used, with regard to the terminal group to be distributed, a plurality of groups can be dynamically associated with each other without special operation of the terminal so that communication in a larger group (link group) is possible. It is possible to take over or cancel the original transmission right at the time of link switching.

  Such a distribution device can be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Further, the distribution method performed by the above distribution apparatus can also be realized by hardware, software, or a combination thereof. Here, “realized by software” means realized by a computer reading and executing a program.

  The program may be stored using various types of non-transitory computer readable media and supplied to the computer. Non-transitory computer readable media include various types of tangible storage media. Examples of non-transitory computer readable media include magnetic recording media (for example, flexible disks, magnetic tapes, hard disk drives), magneto-optical recording media (for example, magneto-optical disks), CD-ROMs (Read Only Memory), CD- R, CD-R / W, and semiconductor memory (for example, mask ROM, PROM (Programmable ROM), EPROM (Erasable PROM), flash ROM, RAM (random access memory)).

  A part or all of the above-described embodiment can be described as in the following supplementary notes, but is not limited thereto.

(Supplementary note 1) A distribution device that handles a plurality of terminals in association with each other and performs a process for realizing one-to-many communication addressed from any terminal in the group to other terminals in the group. There,
A connection means for connecting a plurality of the groups without requiring an operation for connecting the groups by a terminal that performs transmission; and
Communication management means for performing processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to any other terminal in the connected group from any one of the connected groups;
A distribution apparatus comprising:

  (Supplementary Note 2) If the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is a group that is not connected, the transmission right is granted to the transmission source terminal on the condition that the transmission right is not granted to other terminals in the group. If the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is the group that is connected, the transmission source is provided on the condition that the transmission right is not granted to other terminals in all the connected groups. The transmission right is given to the terminal, the one-to-many communication in which the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right is given becomes a transmission source is permitted, and the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right is not given becomes the transmission source The distribution apparatus according to appendix 1, wherein to-many communication is prohibited.

  (Supplementary note 3) The distribution device according to supplementary note 2, wherein a terminal to which the transmission right is granted is changed to another terminal in response to a change in the connection state.

(Supplementary Note 4) Priorities are assigned to a plurality of the groups,
When a plurality of the groups are newly connected, if there is a terminal to which the transmission right is granted among the plurality of groups to be connected, a group having a higher priority among the plurality of groups to be connected A transmission right is granted to one of the terminals, and a transmission right granted to a terminal in a group having a lower priority than the group having a higher priority and a terminal in a group to which no priority is assigned is canceled. The distribution apparatus according to Supplementary Note 2 or 3, wherein:

(Supplementary Note 5) When one or more groups are newly added and connected to a plurality of the already connected groups,
Any one of appendices 2 to 4, wherein when there is a terminal to which a transmission right is granted in the one or more groups to be newly added, the transmission right of the terminal is canceled. Delivery device.

(Supplementary Note 6) When one or more groups are newly added and connected to a plurality of already connected groups,
Any one of appendices 2 to 5, wherein when there is a terminal to which a transmission right is granted in the plurality of already connected groups, the transmission right of the terminal is maintained. Distribution device.

(Supplementary note 7) When a group connected from a plurality of already connected groups is reduced or when the connection is terminated, if there is a terminal to which a transmission right is given, the terminal While maintaining transmission rights,
If the terminal is a group of terminals that are continuously connected, processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed from the terminal to other terminals in the connected group is performed. Done
If the terminal is a terminal of a group that is not connected, the terminal performs processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to other terminals in the group. 7. The distribution device according to any one of 2 to 6.

(Supplementary Note 8) The distribution device is a device for relaying communication between the terminals,
The process for realizing the one-to-many communication means that information received from the terminal corresponding to the one in the one-to-many communication is transmitted to a plurality of terminals corresponding to the many in the one-to-many communication. 8. The distribution apparatus according to any one of appendices 1 to 7, wherein the distribution device is a process for transferring to the distribution apparatus.

(Supplementary note 9) A distribution system including the distribution device according to any one of supplementary notes 1 to 8, and a plurality of terminals,
The distribution system, wherein the distribution device targets the plurality of terminals to be processed by the connection unit and the communication management unit.

(Supplementary Note 10) As a distribution device that handles a plurality of terminals in association with each other and performs processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to any other terminal in the group from any terminal in the group A distribution program for causing a computer to function,
A connection means for connecting a plurality of the groups without requiring an operation for connecting the groups by a terminal that performs transmission; and
Communication management means for performing processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to any other terminal in the connected group from any one of the connected groups;
A distribution program for causing the computer to function as a distribution apparatus comprising:

(Supplementary Note 11) Information for grouping terminal groups is registered and stored in advance.
Receive information identifying the group in which the terminal participates from the terminal to join the group,
When the terminal makes a request to start transmission, determine whether or not to grant the right to transmit the group,
In a distribution device that realizes one-to-many communication by copying and transmitting a received packet to a terminal or a group of terminals participating in the group when receiving a transmission right,
By dynamically creating a large group (link group) that combines multiple groups by setting to associate (link) multiple groups,
A distribution apparatus characterized in that one-to-many communication in a link group can be performed without performing any special operation of a terminal.

  (Supplementary note 12) When setting a new link group start, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the linked group or group group, the transmission right is given to the group having a higher priority. 12. The distribution apparatus according to appendix 11, wherein the transmission right of the group having a low priority or no priority order is canceled to start the group link, and the transmission is continued or stopped.

  (Supplementary note 13) When setting to add a group or group to be linked to a link group, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the group to be added, the transmission right of the group to be added is 13. The distribution apparatus according to appendix 11 or 12, wherein the distribution device releases the original link group and maintains the transmission right if the original link group has, updates the group link, and continues or stops transmission.

  (Supplementary Note 14) When setting a link group to reduce the group or group to be linked or to terminate the group link, if there is a terminal that has acquired the transmission right in the link group, Maintain the transmission right in the updated link group in which the terminal is participating, or take over the transmission right to the group after the release of the link in which the terminal is participating, and update or end the group link. 14. The distribution device according to any one of appendices 11 to 13, wherein transmission is continued in a link group or transmission is taken over in a group after link cancellation.

  (Supplementary Note 15) A distribution system in which the distribution device according to Supplementary Notes 11 to 14 is combined with a terminal that can be a transmission source and a transmission destination.

  (Supplementary note 16) A distribution program for controlling the distribution device according to supplementary notes 11 to 14.

  The present invention is widely suitable regardless of its use as long as group simultaneous communication is used.

  For example, the present invention can be applied to group simultaneous voice communication that requires command and information transmission in a wide area and on a large scale, such as disaster prevention, security, and fire fighting. Even in smaller areas, factories, etc., it is also suitable for group simultaneous voice communication using a mobile phone packet communication network provided by a telecommunications carrier without installing a self-operated radio base station. The invention can be applied.

S100 Distribution system E1 Distribution device E11 First packet distribution unit E12 Second packet distribution unit N1 Local area network (LAN)
N11 Wide Area Network (WAN)
N2 leased line network N21 1st leased line network N22 2nd leased line network N3 carrier cellular phone packet communication network MT11 1st maintenance management device MT12 2nd maintenance management device S11 1st control server S12 2nd Control server T1 first destination terminal T2 second destination terminal T3 third destination terminal T4 fourth destination terminal T5 fifth destination terminal T6 sixth destination terminal Tn nth transmission Destination terminal S1 first source terminal S2 second source terminal S3 third source terminal Si i th source terminal R1 first destination terminal R2 second destination terminal R3 third destination Terminal Rj jth destination terminal M1 RTP packet receiving unit M2 RTP packet duplicating / transmitting unit M3 transmission right acquisition control unit D1 group belonging terminal group information storage unit D2 group link information storage unit

Claims (10)

A distribution device that handles a plurality of terminals in association with each other and performs processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to any other terminal in the group from any terminal in the group,
A connection means for connecting a plurality of the groups without requiring an operation relating to the connection of the groups by a terminal that performs transmission, and
One-to-many addressing from any terminal in the connected group to another terminal in the connected group without requiring an operation related to group connection by the transmitting terminal. Communication management means for performing processing for realizing the communication of
A distribution apparatus comprising: If the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is a group that is not connected, grant the transmission right to the transmission source terminal on the condition that the transmission right is not granted to other terminals in the group,
If the group to which the transmission source terminal belongs is a group connected to the transmission source terminal, transmission to the transmission source terminal is performed on the condition that no transmission right is given to other terminals in all the connected groups. Granting rights,
The one-to-many communication in which the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right is granted is permitted, and the one-to-many communication in which the transmission source terminal to which the transmission right is not granted is the transmission source is prohibited. The distribution apparatus according to claim 1.   The distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein a terminal to which the transmission right is granted is changed to another terminal in response to a change in the connection state. Assigning priorities to a plurality of said groups;
When a plurality of the groups are newly connected, if there is a terminal to which the transmission right is granted among the plurality of groups to be connected, a group having a higher priority among the plurality of groups to be connected A transmission right is granted to one of the terminals, and a transmission right granted to a terminal in a group having a lower priority than the group having a higher priority and a terminal in a group to which no priority is assigned is canceled. The distribution apparatus according to claim 2, wherein the distribution apparatus is a distribution apparatus. In the case where one or more groups are newly added and connected to a plurality of the already connected groups,
The transmission right of the terminal is canceled when there is a terminal to which a transmission right is given in the one or more groups to be newly added. The delivery device described in 1. In the case where one or more groups are newly added and connected to a plurality of the already connected groups,
The transmission right of the terminal is maintained when there is a terminal to which a transmission right is given in the plurality of already connected groups. The delivery device described. When a group connected from the plurality of groups already connected is reduced or when the connection is terminated, if there is a terminal to which a transmission right is granted, the transmission right of the terminal is maintained. And
If the terminal is a group of terminals that are continuously connected, processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed from the terminal to other terminals in the connected group is performed. Done
If the terminal is a terminal of a group that is not connected, a process for realizing one-to-many communication addressed to another terminal in the terminal is performed. Item 7. The distribution device according to any one of Items 2 to 6. The distribution device is a device for relaying communication between the terminals,
The process for realizing the one-to-many communication means that information received from the terminal corresponding to the one in the one-to-many communication is transmitted to a plurality of terminals corresponding to the many in the one-to-many communication. The distribution apparatus according to claim 1, wherein the distribution apparatus is a process for transferring data to the distribution apparatus.   9. The communication management unit according to claim 1, wherein the communication management unit performs processing for realizing the one-to-many communication without receiving an operation related to group connection by a receiving terminal. 2. The distribution device according to item 1. A plurality of terminals are associated with each other and treated as a group, and the computer is caused to function as a distribution device that performs processing for realizing one-to-many communication addressed from any terminal in the group to other terminals in the group A distribution program for
A connection means for connecting a plurality of the groups without requiring an operation relating to the connection of the groups by a terminal that performs transmission, and
One-to-many addressing from any terminal in the connected group to another terminal in the connected group without requiring an operation related to group connection by the transmitting terminal. Communication management means for performing processing for realizing the communication of
A distribution program for causing the computer to function as a distribution apparatus comprising:

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