JP2017174391A - Conference support system, information processing unit, and program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a conference support system capable of charging use of a content output device for use in a conference by a proper amount of money matching a use mode, according to the present invention.SOLUTION: There is provided a conference support system that is connected to an output device for use in a conference through a network, according to the present invention, the conference support system including: content storage means of storing a content transmitted from a terminal of a user, content output control means of receiving an output request from the terminal of the user and transmitting the content to the output device to output the content, and use charge calculating means of calculating the charge for use of the output device according to an output mode of the content. When a continuous output time of the content does not exceed a preset time, the use charge calculating means does not charge the use associated with the output of the content.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 2

Description

  The present invention relates to a conference support system, an information processing apparatus, and a program.

  Conventionally, in a service for renting a conference room on a time basis, equipment such as an electronic blackboard, a projector, and a copying machine used in a conference is rented for a fee.

  Traditionally, rental fees for these equipment are often charged by a simple time-based system based on the occupancy time of the equipment, but in this case, although the equipment was rented, there are few opportunities to actually use it. In many cases, the user feels that the rental fee of the equipment is expensive, which is one cause of the lack of use of the equipment.

  In this regard, Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-083230 (Patent Document 1) discloses the number of times of user operations (mouse clicks) for the purpose of optimizing the charge for services provided to terminal devices connected via a network. A method of charging a usage fee in a pay-as-you-go system based on the above.

  According to the charging method of Patent Document 1, it is possible to charge an appropriate amount corresponding to the actual usage as compared with the conventional simple time-based system, but an erroneous operation unintended by the user is included in the usage fee. The problem of being reflected remains. In consideration of this point, the charging method of Patent Document 1 sets an upper limit for charging, but this does not solve the situation that erroneous operation is reflected in the usage fee.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above-described problems in the prior art, and is a conference support capable of charging an appropriate amount commensurate with the use mode for the use of a content output device provided for the use of a conference. The purpose is to provide a system.

  As a result of earnestly examining the conference support system that can charge an appropriate amount corresponding to the usage mode for the use of the content output device provided for the use of the conference, the present inventor has conceived the following configuration. The present invention has been reached.

  That is, according to the present invention, there is provided a conference support system connected via a network to an output device for use in a conference, the content storage means for storing the content transmitted from the user terminal, and the user's Content output control means for receiving the output request from the terminal and transmitting the content to the output device for output; and usage fee calculation means for calculating a usage fee for the output device according to the output mode of the content. In addition, there is provided a conference support system in which the usage fee calculation means does not charge a usage fee related to the output of the content when the continuous output time of the content does not exceed a preset time.

  As described above, according to the present invention, there is provided a conference support system that can charge an appropriate amount corresponding to a usage mode for the use of a content output device used for the conference.

1 is a system configuration diagram of a network system according to a first embodiment. The functional block diagram of the network system of 1st Embodiment. The sequence diagram of the process performed in the network system of 1st Embodiment. The sequence diagram of the process performed in the network system of 1st Embodiment. The figure which shows the operation screen displayed on a user terminal. The flowchart of the process which a utilization charge calculation means performs. The figure which shows the operation screen displayed on a user terminal. The flowchart of the process which an intermediary machine performs. The functional block diagram of the network system of 2nd Embodiment. The figure which shows a storage time limit management table and a use performance management table. The sequence diagram of the process performed when storing a writing image. The figure which shows the operation screen displayed on a user terminal. The sequence diagram of the process performed when downloading a writing image. The figure which shows the operation screen displayed on a user terminal. The sequence diagram of the process performed at the time of payment. The figure which shows a usage fee notification screen. The hardware block diagram of the meeting assistance server of this embodiment.

  Hereinafter, although this invention is demonstrated with embodiment, this invention is not limited to embodiment mentioned later. In the drawings referred to below, the same reference numerals are used for common elements, and the description thereof is omitted as appropriate.

(First embodiment)
FIG. 1 shows a system configuration of a network system 1000 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. As shown in FIG. 1, the network system 1000 of this embodiment includes a conference support server 100 and a content output device 20, and the conference support server 100 and the content output device 20 are referred to as the Internet or the like. They are connected via a network 60 so that they can communicate with each other.

  The content output device 20 is a network-compatible electronic device that can output content. Note that “content” here means electronic data including a still image or a moving image that can be displayed and output. In the present embodiment, the content output device 20 is installed in a time-lending conference room (hereinafter referred to as a rental conference room) as equipment for use in the conference. FIG. An electronic blackboard 22a and a projector 22b are illustrated.

  The electronic blackboard 22a is a display device in which a large-sized platform display and an arbitrary type of handwriting input device are associated with each other. At the same time, the input content is displayed on the display, and at the same time, the content input by handwriting via the handwriting input device. Equipped with a function to display (draw lines) in a superimposed manner.

  On the other hand, the projector 22b is a projection device that projects and outputs input content on a screen. The projector 22b associates an arbitrary type of handwriting input device via the screen to project and output the input content on the screen, and at the same time, the content (drawing line) input by handwriting via the handwriting input device. A function of superimposing projection output may be installed.

  On the other hand, the conference support server 100 is an information processing apparatus equipped with a file server function and a Web application server function. In the present embodiment, the conference support server 100 outputs content used in the conference from the content output device 20 in response to a request from a user who uses the rental conference room, and charges the usage fee of the content output device 20. It plays the role of charging users.

  In FIG. 1, for convenience, the conference support server 100 is illustrated as one information processing apparatus, but the conference support server 100 may be configured as a system including two or more information processing apparatuses. In this case, each device may be distributed on the network. In this embodiment, all these forms of one or more information processing apparatuses are defined as “conference support system”, and hereinafter, “conference support system” is referred to as “conference support server 100” for convenience. And

  In using the rental conference room, the user brings his / her terminal 30 (hereinafter referred to as user terminal 30) into the rental conference room and connects to the network 60 via the LAN 50 built in the rental conference room. The Web service “conference room rental service” provided by the support server 100 is accessed. Although FIG. 1 illustrates a tablet PC as the user terminal 30, the user terminal 30 may be a personal computer equipped with a Web browser that can use a Web service, such as a smartphone or a notebook PC. It may be.

  On the other hand, terminals 70 (hereinafter referred to as store terminals 70) are installed in stores that provide rental conference rooms, and the store clerk accesses the conference support server 100 via the network 60 from the store terminals 70 at the time of payment. To obtain user billing information.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the intermediary machine 40 is installed in the rental conference room as a gateway that mediates between the user terminal 30 and the LAN 50, and the user first himself / herself before using the rental conference room. The user terminal 30 and the intermediary machine 40 establish wireless communication through exchange of connection information using, for example, near field communication (NFC). The role played by the intermediary machine 40 in this system will be described later.

  The system configuration of the network system 1000 according to this embodiment has been described above. Next, the functional configuration of the conference support server 100 will be described based on the functional block diagram shown in FIG.

  The conference support server 100 of this embodiment includes a content storage unit 102, a content output control unit 103, a usage fee calculation unit 104, a usage fee billing unit 105, and a storage area 108.

  The content storage unit 102 is a unit that temporarily stores the content transmitted from the user terminal 30 in the storage area 108. Note that the content storage unit 102 automatically deletes the user's content at the end of use of the rental conference room.

  The content output control unit 103 is a unit that receives an output request from the user terminal 30, reads content stored in the storage area 108, transmits it to the content output device 20, and outputs it.

  The usage fee calculation means 104 is a means for calculating the usage fee of the content output apparatus 20 in accordance with the content output mode.

  The usage fee billing unit 105 is a unit that charges the usage fee of the content output apparatus 20 to the user.

  The storage area 108 is a storage area provided by the recording unit of the conference support server 100. In the present embodiment, the storage area 108 stores, in addition to the content uploaded by the user, information related to the charge setting of the use fee of the content output device 20 (hereinafter referred to as charge setting information) and charge information for each user. doing.

  In this embodiment, the conference support server 100 functions as each unit described above by a processor (not shown) installed in the conference support server 100 executing a predetermined program.

  The functional configuration of the conference support server 100 has been described above. Next, usage fee setting for the content output apparatus 20 employed by the present system will be described.

This system charges a usage fee for the content output apparatus 20 based on the following policies (1) to (5).
(1) For the output of a still image, charging is performed by a pay-as-you-go system based on the data amount for each page.
(2) For the output of the moving image, charging is made by a pay-per-use system based on the output duration time.
(3) If the output duration of the content (still image / moving image) is extremely short, the output is presumed to be due to an erroneous operation by the user and is not charged.
(4) A predetermined period after the start of the display of the first content is set as a trial period for getting used to the operation of the apparatus, and the output made during that period is not charged.
(5) When handwritten input is made to the content, the usage fee related to the output of the content is increased at a predetermined premium rate.

  In the present embodiment, arbitrary setting values are set in advance for the setting items related to the policies (1) to (5), and the setting values are stored in the storage area 108 as fee setting information.

  Table 1 below illustrates fee setting information stored in the storage area 108.

  The functional configuration of the conference support server 100 has been described above. Next, the contents of processing executed in the network system 1000 of the present embodiment will be described based on the following scenarios (1) to (5).

(1) As the content output device 20, a projector 22b and an electronic blackboard 22a are prepared in the rental conference room.
(2) The user uses one document file (file name: still image A) and one moving image file (file name: moving image B) as conference material (content).
(3) The data amount of the document file (file name: still image A) is uniformly 100 MB per page.
(4) The usage fee is calculated based on the fee setting information shown in Table 1 above.
(5) The user has not uploaded the conference material (contents) to the conference support server 100 in advance.

  Hereinafter, description will be made based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  The user who has entered the rental conference room connects the user terminal 30 brought through the intermediary machine 40 to the network 60 and then accesses the conference support server 100 to display the operation screen of the “conference room rental service”. It is displayed on the terminal 30. FIG. 5A shows an operation screen displayed on the user terminal 30 at this time.

  As shown in FIG. 5A, the “Conference Room Rental Service” operation screen includes an area X for displaying a list of files that can be output, an accumulated amount of usage charges (hereinafter, cumulative usage charges). And a region Z for displaying a preview of content to be output and an operation button for operating the output. At this point, since no meeting material has been uploaded to the meeting support server 100, a blank file list is displayed in the area X, and “¥ 0” is displayed as the accumulated usage fee in the area Y. Yes.

  In response to this, the user performs an operation of uploading the conference material (still image A, video B) stored in the memory of the user terminal 30 to the conference support server 100. In response to this, the user terminal 30 transmits a content storage request including two files (still image A and moving image B) to the conference support server 100 (S1).

  In response to this, the content storage unit 102 of the conference support server 100 stores the two files (still image A and moving image B) included in the content storage request in the storage area 108 (S2), and the result is stored in the user terminal. 30. FIG. 5B shows an operation screen displayed on the user terminal 30 at this time. At this point, a file list presented so that two files (still image A and moving image B) can be selected is displayed in region X, and “¥ 0” is displayed as a cumulative usage fee in region Y. .

  In response to this, when the user designates the projector 22b as the output destination and selects the still image A as the content to be output, the user terminal 30 designates “the first page of the still image A”. An output request is transmitted to the meeting support server 100 (S3).

  In response to this, the content output control unit 103 of the conference support server 100 transmits a usage start notification, which is a notification that the user has started using the system, to the usage fee calculation unit 104 (S4). That is, the content output control unit 103 transmits a usage start notification to the usage fee calculation unit 104 only when the first content output request is received from the user terminal 30.

  In addition, the content output control unit 103 transmits a content acquisition request designating “the first page of the still image A” to the content storage unit 102 (S5). In response to this, the content storage unit 102 reads only the data corresponding to the first page from the “still image A” data stored in the storage area 108 (S6), and transmits it to the content output control unit 103. To do.

  In response to this, the content output control means 103 transmits the acquired “first page of still image A” to the projector 22b (S7), and the received “first page of still image A” received by the projector 22b on the screen. The projection is output (S8).

  Thereafter, the content output control means 103 monitors the continuous output time (the time during which the content is continuously output) while “the first page of the still image A” is output. Further, when there is a handwriting input device associated with the projector 22b, the content output control means 103 monitors the presence or absence of handwriting input via the handwriting input device.

  FIG. 5C shows an operation screen displayed on the user terminal 30 at this time. At this time, a preview of “first page of still image A” and an operation button for designating a page are displayed in area Z of the operation screen, and “¥ 0” is displayed as an accumulated usage fee in area Y. ing.

  After 120 seconds have elapsed since “first page of still image A” is projected on the screen, the user operates the operation button displayed in area Z of the operation screen to operate n pages of still image A (that is, When “any page” is selected, the user terminal 30 transmits a content output request designating “the nth page of the still image A” to the conference support server 100 (S9).

In response to this, the content output control means 103 of the conference support server 100 determines the type (still image / moving image) of the currently output content based on the extension of the file, and the following (1) to (4) The usage fee update request including the information is transmitted to the usage fee calculation means 104 (S10).
(1) Type of content currently output (still image / moving image)
(2) Data amount of currently output content (3) Continuous output time of currently output content (4) Presence / absence of handwriting input during output of currently output content

In this case, the usage fee update request transmitted in the previous S10 includes the following information (1) to (4).
(1) Type: Still image (2) Data volume: 100MB
(3) Continuous output time: 120 seconds (4) Presence of handwriting input: None

  In other words, in this embodiment, when the still image to be output is composed of a plurality of pages, the content output control unit 103 issues a usage fee update request every time a user selects a page different from the currently output page. It transmits to the usage fee calculation means 104.

  Upon receiving the usage charge update request transmitted from the content output control means 103, the usage charge calculation means 104 outputs the current charge based on the information (1) to (4) included in the received usage charge update request. The usage fee related to the output of the current page (ie, “first page of still image A”) is calculated. Details of the processing executed by the usage fee calculation unit 104 will be described later.

  Thereafter, the usage fee calculation means 104 adds the calculated usage fee to the current accumulated usage fee recorded in the charging information of the user stored in the storage area 108 and updates it (S11). ), And transmits the latest accumulated usage fee to the content output control means 103. In response, the content output control means 103 transmits the received latest accumulated usage fee to the user terminal 30 (S12), and the latest accumulated usage fee received by the user terminal 30 is displayed in the area Y of the operation screen. It is displayed (S13).

  In addition, the content output control unit 103 transmits a content acquisition request designating “the nth page of the still image A” newly selected by the user to the content storage unit 102 (S14). In response to this, the content storage unit 102 reads only the data corresponding to the nth page from the “still image A” data stored in the storage area 108 (S15), and transmits it to the content output control unit 103. To do.

  In response, the content output control means 103 transmits the acquired “nth page of still image A” to the projector 22b (S16), and the “nth page of still image A” received by the projector 22b is displayed on the screen. The projection is output (S17).

  Thereafter, each time the user selects a different page of the still image A via the operation button on the operation screen, the above-described S9 to S17 are repeatedly executed.

  The description will be continued based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  On the other hand, when the user designates the projector 22b as the output destination and selects the video B as the content to be output, the user terminal 30 transmits a content output request designating “video B” to the conference support server 100. (S18).

  In response to this, the content output control unit 103 transmits a content acquisition request designating “moving image B” to the content storage unit 102 (S19). In response to this, the content storage unit 102 reads “moving image B” from the storage area 108 (S20) and transmits it to the content output control unit 103.

  In response to this, the content output control means 103 transmits the acquired “moving image B” to the projector 22b by the streaming method (S21), and projects and outputs the “moving image B” received by the projector 22b on the screen (S22).

  When 30 seconds have elapsed after “Movie B” is projected on the screen, when the user operates the operation button on the operation screen to stop playback of “Movie B”, the user terminal 30 displays “Movie B”. Is sent to the conference support server 100 (S23).

  In response to this, the content output control means 103 of the conference support server 100 transmits a usage fee update request to the usage fee calculation means 104 (S24). In other words, in the present embodiment, when the output target is a moving image, the content output control means 103 issues a usage fee update request when the currently output moving image is stopped by the user (except for temporary suspension). It transmits to the usage fee calculation means 104.

In this case, the usage fee update request transmitted in S24 includes the following information (1) to (4).
(1) Type: Movie (2) Data amount: Blank (3) Continuous output time: 30 seconds (4) Presence / absence of handwriting input: None

  In response to this, the usage fee calculation means 104 uses the usage fee relating to the output of “moving image B” currently output based on the information (1) to (4) included in the received usage fee update request. Is calculated.

  Thereafter, the usage fee calculation means 104 adds the calculated usage fee to the current accumulated usage fee recorded in the charging information of the user stored in the storage area 108 and updates it (S25). ), And transmits the latest accumulated usage fee to the content output control means 103. In response to this, the content output control means 103 transmits the received latest accumulated usage fee to the user terminal 30 (S26), and the latest accumulated usage fee received by the user terminal 30 in the area Y of the operation screen. It is displayed (S27).

  In addition, the content output control unit 103 stops streaming transmission of “moving image B” (S28).

  The contents of the processing executed in the network system 1000 of this embodiment have been described above. In the above, a series of processing has been described by taking as an example the case where the user designates the projector 22b as the content output destination, but is executed when the user designates the electronic blackboard 22a as the content output destination. The processing is similar to this.

  Here, the detailed contents of the processing executed by the usage fee calculation means 104 will be described based on the flowchart shown in FIG.

  In step 101, a use start notification from the content output control means 103 is waited (No in step 101). As a result, when a usage start notification is received from the content output control means 103 (step 101, Yes), a trial period timer (60 seconds) is set in the subsequent step 102.

  In the subsequent step 103, a use fee update request from the content output control means 103 is waited (No in step 103). As a result, when a usage fee update request is received from the content output control means 103 (step 103, Yes), whether or not the trial period has expired in the subsequent step 104 (that is, the trial set in the previous step 102) It is determined whether or not the period timer (60 seconds) has expired.

  As a result, if the trial period has not expired (No in Step 104), the process returns to Step 103 and waits for a usage fee update request again. On the other hand, if the trial period has expired (step 104, Yes), whether or not the “continuous output time” included in the received usage fee update request exceeds the set value (5 seconds) in the subsequent step 105 Determine.

  As a result, when the “continuous output time” does not exceed the set value (5 seconds) (No in Step 105), the process returns to Step 103 and waits for a usage fee update request again. On the other hand, if the “continuous output time” exceeds the set value (5 seconds) (step 105, Yes), the process continues to step 106.

  In the following step 106, the usage fee is calculated according to the following procedure in accordance with the “type” included in the usage fee update request.

  In other words, when “type” is “still image”, a value obtained by multiplying the “data amount” included in the usage fee update request by the setting value “2 yen” shown in Table 1 above is calculated as the usage fee. To do. On the other hand, when the “type” is “video”, a value obtained by multiplying the “continuous output time” included in the usage fee update request by the setting value “10 yen” shown in Table 1 above is calculated as the usage fee. .

  In the next step 107, it is determined whether or not the value of “handwriting input” included in the usage fee update request is “present”. As a result, when the value of “handwriting input” is not “present” (step 107, No), the process proceeds to step 109. On the other hand, if the value of “handwriting input” is “present” (step 107, Yes), the surcharge shown in Table 1 is added to the usage fee calculated in the previous step 106 in the following step 108. Multiply the rate “1.2 (times)” to increase the usage fee.

  In the following step 109, the current usage fee calculated in the previous step 106 or the usage fee increased in the previous step 108 is added to the current cumulative usage fee to update the current cumulative usage fee. The latest accumulated usage fee is transmitted to the content output control means 103.

  Thereafter, the process returns to step 103, and thereafter, steps 103 to 110 are repeated.

  The series of processes executed in the network system 1000 according to the present embodiment has been described above. Subsequently, in a more practical usage scene, the conference support server 100 calculates and displays the usage fee in any form. Will be described in detail.

Here, a case is considered in which the user performs the actions shown in (a) to (g) below in time series.
(A) Start the meeting.
(A) The first page of the still image A is projected for 10 seconds from the projector 22b.
(C) The second page of the still image A is projected for “20 seconds” from the projector 22b.
(D) The first page of the still image A is projected for “2 minutes” from the projector 22b.
(E) The second page of the still image A is projected for “3 seconds” from the projector 22b.
(F) The third page of the still image A is projected for “2 minutes” from the projector 22b.
(G) Project moving image B from projector 22b for "30 seconds".
(H) The tenth page of the still image A is displayed for “30 minutes” on the electronic blackboard 22a, and handwritten input is performed during that time.
(G) End the meeting.

  First, since the actions (b) and (c) are both actions before the trial period (60 seconds) elapses, the usage fee for the actions (b) and (c) is not charged.

  The following action (d) is an action after the trial period has elapsed, and since the continuous output time exceeds 5 seconds, the usage fee for the action (d) is calculated immediately after the end of the action (d). And displayed on the operation screen of the user terminal 30. FIG. 7A shows an operation screen immediately after the end of the action (d) (that is, immediately after the start of the action (e)). At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, the usage fee “¥ 200” related to the action (d) is displayed as the latest accumulated usage fee.

  The subsequent action (e) is an action after the trial period has elapsed, but since the continuous output time does not exceed 5 seconds, the usage fee for the action (e) is not charged.

  The following action (f) is an action after the trial period has elapsed, and since the continuous output time exceeds 5 seconds, immediately after the end of the action (f), the usage fee related to the action (f) is calculated. Are displayed on the operation screen of the user terminal 30. FIG. 7B shows an operation screen immediately after the end of the action (F) (that is, immediately after the start of the action (K)). At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, “¥ 400” obtained by adding the usage fee “¥ 200” related to the action (f) to the latest cumulative usage fee “¥ 200” is the latest cumulative usage fee. Is displayed.

  The subsequent action (ki) is an action after the trial period has elapsed, and since the continuous output time exceeds 5 seconds, the usage fee related to the action (ki) is calculated immediately after the end of the action (ki). . FIG. 7C shows an operation screen immediately after the end of the action (i) (that is, immediately after the start of the action (q)). At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, “¥ 700” obtained by adding the usage fee “¥ 300” related to the action (ki) to the latest cumulative usage fee “¥ 400” is the latest cumulative usage fee. Is displayed.

  The subsequent action (ku) is an action after the trial period has elapsed, and since the continuous output time exceeds 5 seconds, the usage fee for the action (ku) is calculated immediately after the end of the action (ku). . FIG. 7D shows an operation screen immediately after the end of the action (K). At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, “¥ 940” obtained by adding the usage fee “¥ 240” related to the action (c) to the latest cumulative usage fee “¥ 700” is the latest cumulative usage fee. Is displayed.

  As described above, in this case, the four actions (d), (f), (g), and (g) are charged, and the accumulated usage fee “¥ 940” is charged to the user. Here, the calculation formulas of the usage fees related to the above-described four actions are summarized in Table 2 below.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, regarding the use of a content output device (such as an electronic blackboard or a projector) installed as an optional equipment in a rental conference room, it is used according to the output mode of the actually output content. Since the fee is calculated, it is possible to charge an appropriate amount corresponding to the usage mode.

  In addition, according to the present embodiment, since the user is not charged for the output due to the user's erroneous operation or the output made to get used to the operation of the apparatus, the user may be satisfied with the usage fee. it can.

  Furthermore, according to the present embodiment, since the latest accumulated usage fee is displayed on the user terminal 30 in real time, the user can be aware of the generated costs to some extent.

  Here, the process executed by the preceding intermediary machine 40 will be described.

  In the present embodiment, the intermediary machine 40 repeats the process shown in the flowchart of FIG.

  In step 201, a packet from the user terminal 30 is waited (No in step 201). As a result, when a packet is received from the user terminal 30 (step 201, Yes), it is determined in the subsequent step 202 whether or not the destination of the received packet is the conference support server 100.

  As a result, when the destination of the received packet is the conference support server 100 (step 202, Yes), in the subsequent step 203, the received packet is addressed to the conference support server 100, transferred to the network 60, and again the step. Return to 201. On the other hand, when the destination of the received packet is not the conference support server 100 (No at Step 202), the received packet is discarded without being transferred to the network 60 at Step 204, and the process returns to Step 201 again.

  In the present embodiment, when the intermediary machine 40 executes the above-described processing, the user cannot directly output the content stored in his / her user terminal 30 to the content output device 20, and charging Fraudulent acts aimed at escape are prevented.

  The first embodiment of the present invention has been described above. Next, the second embodiment of the present invention will be described. In addition, below, description of the part which is common in the content of 1st Embodiment is abbreviate | omitted, and only the difference from 1st Embodiment shall be demonstrated.

(Second Embodiment)
The second embodiment of the present invention differs from the first embodiment in that “conference material storage” and “conference material download” are provided as services. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the content (still image) displayed and output by the electronic blackboard 22a and an image (hereinafter referred to as writing) in which the drawing line (hereinafter referred to as handwritten input information) input by handwriting by the user is superimposed and synthesized. Is stored for a predetermined period in response to a storage request from the user, and is transmitted to the user terminal 30 in response to a download request from the user.

  FIG. 9 is a functional block diagram of the conference support server 150 constituting the network system 1500 according to the second embodiment of this invention. As shown in FIG. 9, the conference support server 150 of the present embodiment includes a content storage unit 102, a content output control unit 103, a usage fee calculation unit 104, a usage fee billing unit 105, and a written image storage unit 110. A write image transmission unit 112, a file format conversion unit 113, a usage record recording unit 114, and a storage area 108. Among these, the configurations of the content storage unit 102, the content output control unit 103, the usage fee calculation unit 104, and the usage fee billing unit 105 are the same as those described in the first embodiment, and thus description thereof is omitted here.

  In response to a request from the user terminal 30, the written image storage unit 110 is handwritten input by the user via an image displayed and output by the content output device 20 and a handwriting input device associated with the content output device 20. It is means for storing a written image obtained by superimposing and combining the handwritten input information.

  The written image transmission unit 112 is a unit that transmits a written image to the user terminal 30 in response to a request from the user terminal 30.

  The file format conversion unit 113 is a unit that converts the written image into a predetermined file format in response to a request from the user terminal 30.

  The usage record recording unit 114 is a unit for recording the usage record of the user.

  In the present embodiment, in view of user convenience, the service is used based on the terminal identification information of the user terminal 30 so that the user can use the service without taking a complicated procedure such as user registration. A configuration for managing users is adopted. Therefore, in the present embodiment, the user billing information is associated with the terminal identification information of the user terminal 30 and stored in the storage area 108. Here, examples of the terminal identification information include the individual identification number and MAC address of the user terminal 30.

Here, in this embodiment, in addition to the five policies described in the first embodiment, a usage fee is charged based on the following policies (1) to (3).
(1) The storage of the written image is charged according to a pay-as-you-go system based on the data amount (file size) of the target file and the storage days.
(2) A charge for downloading a written image is charged by a pay-as-you-go system based on the data amount (file size) of the target file. However, the unit price in this case differs depending on the file format of the target file (image file format / office compatible file format).
(3) The usage fee is discounted at a predetermined discount rate based on the usage record. The usage record here means a cumulative amount of service charges paid by the user in the past (hereinafter referred to as a cumulative payment amount).

  In the present embodiment, arbitrary setting values are set in advance for the setting items related to the policies (1) to (3), and the setting values are stored in the storage area 108 as fee setting information.

  Table 3 below illustrates fee setting information stored in the storage area 108.

  In addition, in the present embodiment, the conference support server 150 stores a storage time limit management table 500 for managing the storage time limit of the written image and a use result management table 600 for managing the use result of the user. 108.

  FIG. 10A shows a storage time limit management table 500. As shown in FIG. 10A, the storage period management table 500 stores a field 501 for storing terminal identification information of the user terminal 30, a field 502 for storing a file name, and a storage period. And a field 503.

  On the other hand, FIG. 10B shows a usage record management table 600. As shown in FIG. 10B, the usage record management table 600 includes a field 601 for storing the terminal identification information of the user terminal 30 and a field 602 for storing the accumulated payment amount. ing.

  The functional configuration of the conference support server 150 has been described above. Next, the contents of processing executed when the user stores the written image will be described based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  After the user uploads the content (still image) stored in the memory of the user terminal 30 to the conference support server 150, the electronic blackboard 22a is designated as the output destination, and the output request for the content is sent to the conference support server 150. Send to. In response to this, the conference support server 150 transmits the content related to the output request to the electronic blackboard 22a, and the electronic blackboard 22a displays and outputs the received content on the display.

  Here, when the user performs a handwriting input operation for drawing a character or the like using a stylus pen or the like on the display on which the content is displayed, the electronic blackboard 22a synchronizes with the handwriting input information. A written image obtained by superimposing (drawing line) and content (still image) is displayed on the display (S1), and the written image is transmitted to the conference support server 150 (S2). In response to this, the written image storage unit 110 stores the received written image in the temporary storage area (S3). Note that the written image storage unit 110 deletes the written image stored in the temporary storage area when the usage fee settlement is completed.

FIG. 12A shows an operation screen displayed on the user terminal 30 when the written image is saved. At this time, a line indicating the file name (FileA. _*** ) of the written image received from the electronic blackboard 22a is displayed in the file list displayed in the area X of the operation screen. In response to this, when the user selects the line of the written image (FileA. _*** ) and then selects the “Save” button displayed in the area J, the operation is performed as shown in FIG. A dialog box K for designating the number of days to store the written image is displayed on the screen. In response to this, when the user inputs the number of days that the user wants to store the written image in the text field of the dialog box K and selects the “OK” button, the user terminal 30 performs the following (1) to (3). A storage request including information is transmitted to the conference support server 150 (S4).
(1) Terminal identification information of user terminal 30 (2) File name selected by user (3) Number of storage days input by user

  In response to this, the written image storage unit 110 stores the written image having the file name included in the storage request in the storage area 108 and sets the storage period of the written image to the storage period management table 500 (FIG. 10 ( (See a)) (S5). Specifically, after adding a new record to the storage expiration management table 500, the storage expiration date derived from the terminal identification information, the file name, and the storage days included in the storage request included in the storage request are respectively set in the field 501. , 502 and 503.

Thereafter, the written image storage unit 110 transmits a usage fee update request including the following information (1) and (2) to the usage fee calculation unit 104 (S6).
(1) Data amount of stored written image (2) Storage days of stored written image

  In response to this, the usage fee calculation means 104 calculates the usage fee based on the above-mentioned information (1) and (2) included in the received usage fee update request, and the charging information of the corresponding user. After the calculated usage fee is added to the current cumulative usage fee recorded in (1) and updated (S7), the latest cumulative usage fee is transmitted to the written image storage means 110. In response to this, the written image storage means 110 transmits the received latest accumulated usage fee to the user terminal 30 (S8), and the latest accumulated usage fee received by the user terminal 30 is displayed in the area Y of the operation screen. (S9).

FIG. 12C shows the operation screen displayed in S10. At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, “¥ 1640” is obtained by adding the usage fee “¥ 700” related to storage of the written image (FileA. _*** ) to the latest cumulative usage fee “¥ 940”. "Is displayed as the latest cumulative usage fee.

  On the other hand, the written image storage unit 110 determines whether or not the storage time limit stored in the field 503 of the storage time limit management table 500 is exceeded at the timing when the date changes. After deleting the write image of the file name stored in the field 502 of the corresponding record from the storage area 108, the record is deleted (S10).

  The processing executed when the user stores the written image has been described above. Next, the sequence of the processing executed when the user downloads the written image is shown in FIG. Based on

As shown in FIG. 14A, after the user selects the line of the written image (FileA. _*** ) from the file list displayed in the area X of the operation screen, the “download” displayed in the area J is displayed. When the "" button is selected, a dialog box L for selecting a file format is displayed on the operation screen as shown in FIG. In the example shown in FIG. 14B, a radio button for selecting either “image file format” or “office compatible format” is displayed in the dialog box L.

In response to this, when the user selects either “image file format” or “office-compatible format” and selects the “OK” button, the user terminal 30 performs the following (1) and (2). The download request including the information is transmitted to the conference support server 150 (S1).
(1) File name of write image selected by user (2) File format selected by user

  In response to this, the written image transmission unit 112 of the conference support server 150 requests the written image storage unit 110 to acquire a written image of the file name included in the received download request (S2). In response to this, the written image storage unit 110 reads the corresponding written image from the storage area 108 (S3) and returns it to the written image transmission unit 112.

  In response to this, when the file format included in the download request received in S1 is “image file format”, the written image transmitting unit 112 returns the written image storage unit 110 as a response to the download request. The written image (image file format) received from is directly transmitted to the user terminal 30 (S4).

  On the other hand, if the file format included in the download request received in S 1 is “office compatible format”, the write image transmission unit 112 receives the write image (image file format) received from the write image storage unit 110. ) Is requested to the file format conversion means 113 to convert the file format to “office compatible format” (S5). In response to this, the file format conversion means 113 executes a process of converting the file format of the corresponding written image (image file format) into the “office compatible format” (S6). Specifically, the written image transmission unit 112 converts the written image received from the written image storage unit 110 into a “office-compatible format” such as PDF with text, Word, Excel, and PPT. The converted written image is returned to the written image transmitting means 112. In response to this, the written image transmitting unit 112 transmits the written image (office compatible format) received from the file format converting unit 113 to the user terminal 30 as a response to the download request received in S1 (S7). .

Thereafter, the written image transmission unit 112 transmits a usage fee update request including the following information (1) and (2) to the usage fee calculation unit 104 (S8).
(1) Data amount of writing image transmitted to user terminal 30 (2) File format of writing image transmitted to user terminal 30

  In response to this, the usage fee calculation means 104 calculates the usage fee based on the information (1) and (2) included in the received usage fee update request and stores it in the storage area 108. After the calculated usage fee is added to the current accumulated usage fee recorded in the billing information of the corresponding user and updated (S9), the latest accumulated usage fee is sent to the writing image transmitting means 112. Send. In response to this, the written image transmitting means 112 transmits the received latest accumulated usage fee to the user terminal 30 (S10), and the latest accumulated usage fee received by the user terminal 30 is displayed in the area Y of the operation screen. (S11).

FIG. 14C shows the operation screen displayed in S11. At this time, in the area Y of the operation screen, the usage fee “¥ 1400” related to the download of the written image (FileA. _*** ) (office compatible format) is added to the latest cumulative usage fee “¥ 1640”. The added “¥ 3040” is displayed as the latest accumulated usage fee.

  The processing executed when the user downloads the written image has been described above, but the content of the processing executed when the user who finished the conference in the rental conference room settles at the cash register. Will be described based on the sequence diagram shown in FIG.

  When the user who has finished the meeting applies for payment at the cash register, the store clerk who receives the request uses the predetermined input screen displayed on the store terminal 70 installed at the cash register to check the user terminal 30 of the user. Enter the terminal identification information.

  In response to this, the store terminal 70 transmits a usage fee inquiry including the terminal identification information input by the store clerk to the conference support server 150 (S1).

  In response to this, the usage fee billing means 105 of the conference support server 150 acquires the billing information associated with the terminal identification information included in the received usage fee inquiry from the storage area 108 (S2).

  Next, the usage fee billing unit 105 calculates the accumulated payment amount associated with the terminal identification information included in the received usage fee inquiry from the usage record management table 600 (see FIG. 10B) held in the storage area 108. Obtain (S3).

Next, the usage fee billing means 105 calculates the following (1) and (2) (S4).
(1) Usage fee at the time of normal payment (2) Usage fee at the time of application result discount application

  Specifically, first, the billing amount indicated by the billing information acquired in S2 is set as a usage fee for normal settlement. Next, use the cumulative payment amount acquired in S3 multiplied by a predetermined discount rate (in this case, “3%”) as the discount amount, and use the discounted actual usage amount by subtracting the discount amount from the normal usage fee. Use fee at the time of application.

  In the present embodiment, the fee setting information illustrated in Table 4 below is stored in the storage area 108, and in S4, the fee is discounted according to at least one of the day of the week used or the time zone used. You may comprise as follows.

  Next, the usage fee billing unit 105 generates a usage fee notification screen for notifying the two types of usage fees calculated in S4 (S5), and transmits this to the store terminal 70 (S6). In response, the store terminal 70 displays the received usage fee notification screen on the display (S7). FIG. 16 shows a usage fee notification screen displayed in S7. As shown in FIG. 16, on the usage fee notification screen, two types of usage fees calculated at S4 (at the time of normal payment / at the time of usage discount application) and two types of payment methods (normal payment / discount application) are selected. The button to do is displayed.

  In response to the usage fee notification screen being displayed on the display of the store terminal 70, the store clerk asks the user whether to apply the usage record discount. As a result, if the user wishes to apply a discount, the user selects the “discount application” button. If the user does not wish to apply the discount, the user selects the “normal payment” button.

Here, in response to the store clerk selecting a button for selecting a settlement method (ordinary settlement / discount application), the store terminal 70 makes a usage record update request including the following information (1) to (3). Is transmitted to the conference support server 150 (S8).
(1) Terminal identification information of user terminal 30 (2) Selected settlement method (normal settlement / discount application)
(3) Usage fee according to the payment method

  In response to this, the usage record recording unit 114 of the conference support server 150 updates the accumulated payment amount in the usage record management table 600 (see FIG. 10B) (S9). Specifically, when the settlement method included in the received usage record update request is “normal payment”, the latest cumulative payment amount stored in the field 602 is included in the usage record update request. Add usage fees. On the other hand, if the settlement method included in the received usage record update request is “apply discount”, the latest accumulated payment amount is cleared to zero, and the usage fee included in the usage record update request is entered in the field 602. Store.

  On the other hand, the clerk charges the user the total amount of the service usage fee corresponding to the settlement method selected by the user and the rental fee for the conference room, and the user pays the billed amount in cash or Settlement with credit card.

  As described above, according to the present embodiment, the contents of the writing performed during the conference can be downloaded to the user terminal 30, so that the user can discuss with his / her terminal after the conference is completed. The content can be reviewed. In addition, according to the present embodiment, the contents of writing performed during the meeting can be stored in the meeting support server 100, so that the user can take a meeting following the previous writing contents at the next opportunity. Will be able to do. This leads to securing of repeaters for those who rent a conference room, and it is also expected to improve profitability by charging download and storage services.

  Up to now, the conference material storage service has been described by taking the form of storing the written image exclusively, but in this embodiment, it is not necessary to limit the storage target to the written image. The conference support server 150 may accept storage of no content (content uploaded by the user). In this case, the above-described write image storage unit 110 can be referred to as the content storage unit 110.

  Finally, the hardware configuration of the conference support servers 100 and 150 of this embodiment will be described based on the hardware configuration diagram shown in FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 17, the information processing apparatus constituting the conference support servers 100 and 150 of this embodiment includes a processor 12 that controls the operation of the entire apparatus, a ROM 13 that stores a boot program, a firmware program, and the like, An input / output for connecting an external device with a RAM 14 that provides an execution space, an auxiliary storage device 15 for storing a program, an operating system (OS), and the like for causing the conference support server 100 to function as the above-described units. An interface 16 and a network interface 17 for connecting to the network 60 are provided.

  Each function of the above-described embodiment can be realized by a device-executable program written in C, C ++, C #, Java (registered trademark) or the like, and the program of this embodiment includes a hard disk device, a CD-ROM, an MO It can be stored in a device-readable recording medium such as a DVD, a flexible disk, an EEPROM, or an EPROM, and can be distributed, and can be transmitted via a network in a format that other devices can.

  As described above, the present invention has been described with the embodiment. However, the present invention is not limited to the above-described embodiment, and as long as the operations and effects of the present invention are exhibited within the scope of embodiments that can be considered by those skilled in the art. It is included in the scope of the present invention.

12 ... Processor 13 ... ROM
14 ... RAM
15 ... Auxiliary storage device 16 ... Input / output interface 17 ... Network interface 20 ... Content output device 22a ... Electronic blackboard 22b ... Projector 30 ... User terminal 40 ... Mediation machine 50 ... LAN
60 ... Network 70 ... Store terminal 100, 150 ... Conference support server 102 ... Content storage means 103 ... Content output control means 104 ... Usage fee calculation means 105 ... Usage fee billing means 108 ... Storage area 100, 150 ... Conference support server 110 ... Write image storage means 112 ... Write image transmission means 113 ... File format conversion means 114 ... Usage record recording means 500 ... Storage period management table 600 ... Usage record management tables 1000, 1500 ... Network system

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-083230

Claims (16)

A conference support system connected via a network to an output device for use in a conference,
Content storage means for storing content transmitted from the user's terminal;
Content output control means for receiving an output request from a user terminal and transmitting the content to the output device for output;
Usage fee calculating means for calculating a usage fee of the output device according to the output mode of the content;
Usage fee billing means for charging users for usage fees;
Including
The usage fee billing means is:
If the continuous output time of the content does not exceed a preset time, the usage fee for the output of the content is not charged,
Meeting support system. The usage fee billing means is:
Do not charge a usage fee related to the output of the content that has been output from when the first output request is received from the user until a preset time has elapsed,
The meeting support system according to claim 1. The usage fee calculation means includes:
If the content is a video, calculate the usage fee according to the continuous output time of the video,
When the content is a still image, a usage fee is calculated according to the data amount of the still image.
The conference support system according to claim 1 or 2. The content output control means includes
Detecting the presence or absence of handwriting input via a handwriting input device associated with the output device;
The usage fee calculation means includes:
When the handwriting input is detected, the usage fee related to the output of the content is increased by a predetermined premium rate,
The meeting assistance system as described in any one of Claims 1-3. The content output control means includes
Displaying the latest usage fee calculated by the usage fee calculating means on the terminal in real time;
The meeting support system as described in any one of Claims 1-4. A user terminal is connected to the network via an intermediary machine, and the intermediary machine transfers only a request addressed to the conference support system among the requests transmitted from the terminal to the network.
The meeting assistance system as described in any one of Claims 1-5. In response to a request from the user's terminal, the image displayed and output by the output device and the handwritten input information input by the user via the handwriting input device associated with the output device are superimposed and synthesized. A writing image storage means for storing the writing image;
The meeting support system according to any one of claims 1 to 6. The usage fee billing means is:
Charge the usage fee according to at least one of the file size and storage period of the written image to be stored,
The meeting support system according to claim 7. The written image storage means includes:
Automatically erasing the written image when the storage period of the written image is exceeded,
The meeting support system according to claim 7 or 8. In response to a request from the user's terminal, including a writing image transmitting means for transmitting the writing image to the terminal,
The meeting support system according to any one of claims 7 to 9. In response to a request from the user's terminal, including a file format conversion means for converting the written image into a predetermined file format,
The written image transmitting means includes
Transmitting the written image converted into the predetermined file format to the terminal of the user;
The meeting support system according to claim 10. The usage fee billing means is:
Charging a usage fee according to at least one of the file size and file format of the written image transmitted by the written image transmitting means;
The meeting support system according to claim 10 or 11. Including a usage record recording means for recording the usage record of the user;
The usage fee billing means is:
Charge the usage fee of the user by discounting according to the usage record of the user,
The meeting assistance system as described in any one of Claims 1-12. The usage fee billing means is:
Charge the user's usage fee by discounting according to at least one of the day of the week or time of use,
The meeting support system according to any one of claims 1 to 13. An information processing apparatus connected via a network to an output device for use in a conference,
Content storage means for storing content transmitted from the user's terminal;
Content output control means for receiving an output request from a user terminal and transmitting the content to the output device for output;
Usage fee calculating means for calculating a usage fee of the output device according to the output mode of the content;
Including
The usage fee calculation means includes:
If the continuous output time of the content does not exceed a preset time, the usage fee for the output of the content is not charged,
Information processing device. A computer connected via a network to an output device used for the conference,
Content storage means for storing content transmitted from the user's terminal;
Content output control means for receiving an output request from a user terminal and transmitting the content to the output device for output;
A means for calculating a usage fee for the output device according to the output mode of the content, and when the continuous output time of the content does not exceed a preset time, the usage fee for the output of the content is not charged , Usage fee calculation means,
Program to function as.