WO2000043897A1

WO2000043897A1 - Conference support file managing system

Info

Publication number: WO2000043897A1
Application number: PCT/JP1999/000200
Authority: WO
Inventors: Satoru Watanabe; Ryuichi Matsukura; Kazuo Sasaki
Original assignee: Fujitsu Limited
Priority date: 1999-01-20
Filing date: 1999-01-20
Publication date: 2000-07-27

Abstract

A conference support file managing system comprising a conference managing server for managing the state of participation in a conference, a file managing server for keeping and managing the contents of files, information processors for displaying and updating the contents of files, and a network for interconnecting the conference managing server, the file managing server, and the information processors, wherein the information processor perceived to be participating in a conference updates the contents of a first file kept by the file managing server, stores the contents of the first file in a second file, and keeps the first file independently of the second file.

Description

Description Meeting support file management system

The present invention relates to a file management system that supports browsing, updating, creating files, and the like by using an information processing device such as a personal computer at a meeting or a meeting.

Background art

In general office work, it is common for the individual work of the user and the joint work such as meetings and meetings to be performed in parallel. However, at present, the use of information processing devices such as personal computers is centered on supporting personal work, and individual users operate files on their own personal computers. .

On the other hand, with the rapid development of groupware and the like, there is an active movement to digitize meetings and meetings, and digitization is being attempted using various methods.

As a typical example, face-to-face electronic conferencing systems are being digitized using the system shown in Fig. 1 with the advent of portable notebook PCs and space-saving, high-definition display projectors. Have been.

In Fig. 1, for example, a file is sent from a PC brought in by a participant to a server so that all participants can work, as shown in ②, or a specific participant obtains operation rights as shown in ②. It is conceivable to provide such a function that only the specific participant can operate, or that participants exchange opinions using a multi-pointer as shown in ③. Also, with regard to remote and asynchronous conference systems, with the development of communication technology and the accompanying increase in transmission speed, the use of e-mail functions and file sharing functions, etc., has enabled the use of relatively large volumes of voice data. An environment for easy remote sharing, including multimedia-related data such as image data and image data, is being prepared. By using these systems, it is expected that a system environment will be widespread that allows all or one person to browse, update, and create files at meetings.

In this case, in order for the meeting to proceed smoothly, the meeting participants should be able to view and update the document file prepared by the participants, and the document files newly created in the meeting, either as a group or individually. It is strongly required that conference participants use personally after the conference.

However, in the conventional file management system, when a file on the shared file server is opened from the user's personal terminal, the file is only opened remotely, so the user updates the file as it is. If they do, the update will be reflected in the file on the shared file server that should become the master.

In addition, after the meeting, the files used in the meeting, that is, files that have not been updated for viewing, files that have been opened and updated on a personal computer, and files that have been personally updated, and shared files can be shared by all participants in the meeting. Since updated files are not always on the same personal computer, there is also a problem that it is unclear which file is trusted if it is the latest update status.

Disclosure of the invention

The present invention solves the above-mentioned problems by enabling generation management for each user without destroying or falsifying information on the shared file server. The purpose is to realize a meeting support file management system that provides an environment for browsing, updating, and creating individual users.

In order to achieve the above object, a meeting support file management system according to the present invention includes: a meeting management server for managing a participation state of a meeting; a file management server for storing and managing files used in the meeting; In a meeting support file management system including a plurality of information processing devices for displaying, updating, and storing contents, a conference management server, a file management server, and a network connecting the plurality of information processing devices. In a case where a plurality of information processing apparatuses recognized as participating in a conference update the contents of the first file opened by notification from the file management server and save the contents as a second file, information processing is performed. The first file before being updated by the device is stored separately and independently from the second file.

With this configuration, the users participating in the conference can browse, update, and store the files used in the conference without being aware of where the files are actually stored.

In the conference support file management system according to the present invention, in the information processing apparatus recognized as participating in the conference, the information processing apparatus updates the first file content opened by being notified from the file management server. It is preferable that the file management server provide a method of accessing the first file and the second file to the plurality of information processing devices when the meeting ends after the file is saved as the second file. This is because the files used in the meeting can be used effectively.

Further, in the meeting support file management system according to the present invention, it is desirable that an access method is different depending on a use mode of the information processing apparatus. Some participants could bring their own PCs to the conference, while others could not. This is to give them the opportunity to make effective use of files.

Further, the meeting support file management system according to the present invention includes a meeting management server.

—It is preferable that the server specifies a user who uses the information processing device and identifies an information processing device to which a method for accessing the first file and the second file after the meeting is provided. This is to prevent users who have no use value, or who do not want the creator to use it, from providing a way to access the file.

Further, the conference support file management system according to the present invention is updated by the information processing device when the conference support server recognizes that the information processing device is an information processing device used by an unspecified number of users. Preferably, the file management server recognizes that the file provides a way to access meeting participants. Since it is difficult to identify a user in such an information processing apparatus, the purpose is to provide all information at least to other participants in the conference.

In addition, the conference support file management system according to the present invention, when the conference management server recognizes that the conference has started, the file used by the conference management server in the past in the same conference with respect to the file management server. To search for information and to access the files used in the same meeting in the past to the information processing devices participating in the meeting when there is a file used in the same meeting in the past It is preferred to provide By utilizing the past files, the meeting can proceed smoothly. In addition, the meeting support file management system according to the present invention can be used when the information processing device participates in the middle of the meeting and another information processing device is participating in the meeting, and the material file has already been distributed. It is preferable to provide the information processing device with a method for accessing the material file. In order to be able to obtain information up to that point even when attending from the middle of the meeting It is.

In addition, the meeting support file management system according to the present invention provides a method in which a document file that is updated in a meeting that is continued after the information processing device has abandoned the meeting is stored in the information processing device at the end of the meeting. It is preferred to provide a method for performing the Even if a conference is abandoned, the content of the subsequent conference will be provided to the same level as other participants. In addition, the conference support file management system according to the present invention provides an alternative alternative access method when a method for accessing a file is specified and a method for accessing the specified file cannot be used. Preferably, can be selected. This is to ensure that the file contents can be obtained.

Further, in the conference support file management system according to the present invention, in the information processing device used by the creator of the material file, a conference participant other than the creator does not access the material file, and When the information is updated, it is preferable that the updated data file be stored in the file management server. This is to provide an opportunity to modify the pre-distributed document files.

In addition, the conference support file management system according to the present invention registers users who cannot participate in a conference in the conference management server in advance, so that users who cannot participate in the conference are terminated after the conference. It is preferable to provide a method for accessing the same file as the above. This is to provide an opportunity to understand the contents of the meeting even if the participants cannot attend the meeting. Next, in order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable recording medium storing a program to be executed by the computer according to the present invention receives a request to start a conference and a request to participate in a conference, and recognizes participants of the conference. Procedures for storing and managing files used in meetings, A procedure for receiving a request to provide a method for accessing a file, a procedure for searching for the presence or absence of a related file, a procedure for providing a method for accessing a file having search conditions, and a procedure for determining the end of a meeting It is characterized by the following.

With this configuration, by loading the program on a computer and executing the program, users participating in the meeting do not need to be aware of which file is the file indicating the latest update status, and It is possible to provide a server function of a meeting support file management system that allows browsing and updating of files used for a meeting without being aware of where the files are actually stored.

Next, in order to achieve the above object, a computer-readable recording medium storing a program to be executed by the computer according to the present invention includes a procedure for transmitting a meeting participation request, a procedure for receiving a file, and a procedure for accessing the file. The method includes a step of transmitting a request for providing a method, a step of transmitting a request to cancel a conference participation, a step of searching for the presence or absence of a file that has not been updated, and a step of deleting a file satisfying the search conditions. I do. With this configuration, by loading the program on a computer and executing the program, users participating in the meeting do not need to be aware of which file is the file indicating the latest update status, and It is possible to realize a meeting support file management system that allows browsing and updating of files used for a meeting without being aware of where the files are actually stored.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 is an illustration of a conventional conferencing system digitization.

FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of an information processing unit in the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 4 is an illustration of an operation right service in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of a file open operation in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of a file open operation in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 is an explanatory diagram of processing at the time of a file open operation in a conventional file management system.

FIG. 8 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of file updating in the conventional meeting support file management system.

FIG. 9 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of a file open operation in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of a file open operation in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of a file open operation in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of leaving a conference in the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 13 is an explanatory diagram of a process at the time of leaving a conference in the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 14 is an explanatory diagram of selection of an alternative access method in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 15 is a conceptual processing diagram of the meeting support file management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 16 is a conceptual processing diagram of the meeting support file management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 is a conceptual processing diagram of the meeting support file management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 18 is a conceptual diagram of a process at the time of halfway participation in the conference support file management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 19 is a conceptual diagram of a process when a meeting is absent in the meeting support file management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of the processing of the meeting support file management system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 21 is a flowchart of a process in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 22 is a flowchart of a process in the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 23 is an illustration of a recording medium.

BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described based on examples. (Example 1)

Hereinafter, a meeting support file management system according to a first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 2 is a configuration diagram of the meeting support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, 21 is a conference management server, 22 is a file management server, 23 is an information processing device, 24 is an information processing unit, 25 is a display unit, and 26 is an input. Parts are indicated respectively.

The conference management server 21 manages the connection status between the file management server 22 and the information processing device 23 and the status of participation in the conference. The connection status is It is grasped by monitoring the connection start request and connection end request from the management device 23. In addition to the connection status of the information processing device 23, the status of participation in the conference can be grasped by monitoring a request for establishing a participation relationship in the conference from the information processing device 23, and the result is obtained by a file management server. 22 Notify 2. The method of grasping is not limited to this, and any method can be used as long as it can grasp the trend of the meeting participants (including not only participation in the meeting and absence, but also halfway participation, leaving the room, etc.). good.

The file management server 22 manages files for a file service to be provided to the information processing device 23. The file system is stored and managed by the information processing device 23. The file management server 22 stores the file address and the information processing device that stores the file. There are cases where the address of 23 is managed.

The information processing device 23 recognized by the conference management server 21 as participating in the conference can receive services such as automatic file storage and automatic transmission by the file service. Also, the information processing device 23 that is recognized by the conference management server 21 as not participating in the conference can receive the equivalent service as described later.

For example, if you want to pass the file to the file management server 2 2 and (a or part) All of the participating in the conference are recognized in the conference management server ₂ 1 information processing apparatus 2 3, file management Just send the file to server 22. In this case, when the file is transmitted to the file management server 22, the file management server 22 refers to the conference management server 21 to process the information processing device recognized as participating in the conference. 23 All (or some) can be notified that the file is viewable.

Also, for example, a specific information processing device 23 is used by a specific participant. In the event that the file is viewed, updated, created, etc. in the meeting after the meeting, the file management server 22 will need to specify the file or determine it based on the participant information. To be sent to the information processing device 23.

The information processing device 23 includes three information processing units 24, a display unit 25, and an input unit 26. The display unit 25 displays the file contents, and the input unit 26 accepts file operations and other operations from the user. The information processing section 24 can be further divided into six functions. FIG. 3 is a configuration diagram of the information processing section 24. In FIG. 3, reference numeral 31 denotes a transmitting unit, 32 denotes a receiving unit, 33 denotes a user information managing unit, 34 denotes a local update file managing unit, and 35 denotes an operation right event analyzing unit. And 36 denote operation right event execution units, respectively.

The transmitting unit 31 and the receiving unit 32 transmit and receive necessary information via a network. Regardless of the form of the network, it is assumed that it includes all forms of communication, as well as ordinary LAN ZWAN.

Further, the user information management unit 33 acquires and manages the identification ID, password, login time, logout time, file access history, and the like of the user who uses the information processing device 23. This is to enable a plurality of users to use the same information processing device 23.

Further, the local update file management unit 34 manages information such as a file name, an update date and time, and an updater for a file updated on the information processing device 23. This allows the user to keep track of files that have been personally updated and to see which files are up to date.

Next, the operation right event analysis unit 35 and the operation right event execution unit 36 perform processing relating to the operation right between the information processing devices 23. Specifically, Fig. 4 When the user of the other information processing apparatus B wants to operate the file displayed on the information processing apparatus A, such as instructing or editing, as shown in FIG. The user input information from an input medium such as a mouse or a keyboard in 5 is transmitted to the receiving unit 32 of the information processing apparatus A through the transmitting unit 31. In the information processing device A, the operation right event is executed from the reception unit 32 through the operation right event analysis unit 35 and the operation right event execution unit 36, and the user of the other information processing device B is permitted. If the user is willing to do so, give access rights to their files. As a result, the user of the other information processing device B can specify and edit the file displayed on the information processing device A.

The function of the conference support system according to the first embodiment having the above-described configuration will be described more specifically. First, a case where the user of the information processing device 23 issues an open request for a file on the file management server 22 will be described.

The user can easily know the file to which the user can issue an open request. If there is a file stored on the file management server 22, the file management server 22 refers to the conference management server 21 to process the information processing device 2 recognized as participating in the conference. This is because all or a part of 3 automatically notifies the existence of the storage file.

In this case, on the information processing device 23 of the user, in response to the file presence notification from the file management server 22, the identifier of the file is displayed on the display unit 24 as shown in FIG. When the user issues a file open request, if the user performs an open request operation on the displayed file identifier, the open request is transmitted to the file management server 22. In response to the open request from the user, the file management server 22 displays the open target as shown in FIG. 6 on the display unit 24 of the information processing device 23 to which the user who issued the request is logged in. Display the contents of the file. In this case, the user does not need to be conscious of whether the substance of the file is on the file management server 22 or on the information processing device 23 of the user.

In the conventional file management system, when a file is displayed as described above, the file on the file management server 22 is remotely opened as shown in FIG. 7, and the file is actually stored on the file management server. 2 exists in 2 Therefore, as shown in FIG. 8, when the user rewrites the file and performs an update process, the contents of the file on the file management server 2 are also updated. There was a problem that it no longer exists.

In order to avoid this, the update process had to be performed by one of the following methods. One method is to copy the file on the file management server 22 to the information processing device 23 of the user and then open the copied file. The other is to remotely copy the file on the file management server 22. This is a method of saving the updated file under a new name after opening it once. In addition, a method of remote opening the copy file after copying to another directory on the file management server 22 or moving the file on the file management server 22 to the information processing device 23 of the user However, a method is also conceivable in which the user's information processing device 23 copies the file to another directory and then opens the copy file.

Such a method is inconvenient for the user because the user needs to know exactly where the file entity is stored. Therefore, in the first embodiment, the user uses the following method to save the file. Ensure that updated files can be saved without regard to where the entities are stored.

First, as shown in FIG. 9, when the information processing device 23 requests a file to be opened, the file management server 22 does not remotely open the file 91 to be opened, and In this method, the copy file entity 92 is transmitted to the information processing device 23 that has made the request. According to this method, the file can be updated on the information processing device 23 that has received the file. Therefore, the updated content is not reflected on the file before update 91 on the file management server 22. Absent. At the end of the meeting, if the copy file entity 92 transmitted to the information processing device 23 has not been updated at all, the copy file 92 on the information processing device 23 is automatically deleted.

In the following method, as shown in FIG. 10, when the information processing device 23 requests a file to be opened, the file management server 22 gives the right to read the file to be opened (a read-only remote open). Rather than giving the file, a copy file 102 of the file to be opened is created in another folder in the file management server 22 and opened remotely. In this method, since the update after the file is remotely opened is performed on the copy file 102 in the file management server 22, the pre-update file 91 on the file management server 22 has the Is not reflected. At the end of the meeting, if the copy file 102 in the file management server 22 has not been updated at all, the copy file 102 is automatically deleted.

As a final method, as shown in FIG. 11, when the information processing device 23 requests a file to be opened, the file management server 22 sends the file entity 91 to be opened to the information processing device 23. Send and save the file It is a method. That is, on the information processing device 23, a copy file 112 of the file transmitted from the file management server 22 is created in another directory, and two files having the same name are managed. . In this method, the file sent from the file management server 22 is managed as a file that should retain the contents before the update, and the copy file 112 created in another directory is managed as an updatable file. . Therefore, since the file management server 22 does not have an entity of the file to be opened, the user other than the user who has requested the opening of the file does not execute the processing until the processing of the user who has requested the opening is completed. File cannot be accessed. At the end of the meeting, if the copy file 112, which is an updatable file, has not been updated compared to the master file 91, the copy file 112 is automatically deleted.

Next, processing at the end of the meeting will be described. Because various files are browsed, updated, and created by the meeting, post-processing of these files is important.

In general, when a conference ends or when a conference participant leaves the conference, the conference participant transmits a request to cancel the participation relationship to the conference management server 21. The conference management server 21 recognizes the participant who has received the cancellation request as not participating in the conference, and notifies the file management server 22 of the end of the conference when there are no more conference participants. At the time when such notification is made, the post-processing for the file used in the conference is started by the file management server 22.

First, the information processing device 23 remotely opens and browses the material file on the file management server 22 and updates the content of the material file. File management server The bar 22 transmits a copy file of the material updated on the file management server 22 to the information processing device 23. Further, the file management server 22 is updated on the file management server 22 using an e-mail or the like for the information processing device 23 of a participant different from the information processing device 23. Send a copy file of the material.

By performing such processing, the requester who cancels the conference can obtain the file that is the latest updated state in the conference, or the other participant in the conference can receive the latest file at the time of leaving the conference. By distributing it by e-mail, etc., it will be possible to use it as a material for continuing the meeting.

In addition, if the materials on the file management server 22 are copied as a file and then viewed and updated, the conference management server 21 notifies the meeting management server 21 of a request to cancel the conference participation. Then, the file management server 22 transmits only the copy file of the master file to the information processing device 23. On the other hand, on the information processing device 23, the copy file of the material file is compared with the copy file of the master file, and if no update is made, both copy files are deleted. Further, the file management server 22 also sends a copy file of the master file to the information processing device 23 of another participant using the electronic mail or the like. The information processing device 23 of another participant also compares the copy file on the information processing device 23 with the copy file of the master file, and if updated, updates the updated file to the conference. It is distributed by e-mail etc. to the information processing device 23 of the participant cancellation requester.

This process not only sends the latest file to the other participants when the unsubscriber leaves the conference, but also allows the unsubscriber to It is possible to obtain the latest file at the time when the participant leaves the conference. Whether to distribute update files by downloading to the information processing device 23 or not. Either by e-mail or the like. It depends on whether or not a participant brought his / her PC to the meeting and participated. . That is, as shown in FIG. 12, a participant who brought the PC to the conference automatically downloads the target file when the request to cancel the conference is issued. Also, as shown in Fig. 13, participants who do not bring their PCs can send the target file to their PCs by e-mail, etc. Will be sent.

The start of providing the method for accessing the file by the file management server 22 is not limited to the time when the information processing device 23 issues a request to cancel the conference relationship. That is, it is determined based on the trend of the information processing device 23 related to another conference, and the file management server 22 accesses the file handled after the information processing device 23 issues the conference participation release request. There are cases where a method is provided for doing so.

For example, if another information distribution device 23 distributes another material after the information processing device 23 notifies the conference management server 21 of the request to cancel the conference participation. There are cases where there is an update, or a case where these files are transmitted by e-mail or the like even to the information processing device 23 whose relationship has been canceled earlier by the file management server 22 after the start of the conference. Details will be described later.

Further, as shown in FIG. 14, when a method for accessing a file is specified in advance and an access method becomes unavailable due to some cause, an alternative access method is used. Should be able to be selected automatically. Line failures, etc., are highly likely to occur and must be replaced to maintain file content consistency. This is because it is necessary to prepare some communication method to be performed.

For example, as shown in Fig. 14, when the file entity is set to be downloaded to the information processing device 23 and the download to the information processing device 23 cannot be performed due to a line failure of the dedicated line, etc. For example, a method of automatically selecting a method of sending by e-mail or the like via a telephone line can be considered.

As described above, according to the first embodiment, the status of participation in the conference can be accurately grasped, and the information stored in the file management server is not destroyed or tampered with before the update and after the update. In addition to making it easy to distinguish them, it is possible to provide an environment in which individual users can view, update, and use the created files even after the meeting or after the meeting.

(Example 2)

Next, a second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 15 is a conceptual diagram of the processing of the meeting support file management system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 15, the file management server 22 needs to grant an access right to the file used at the time of the meeting, which is given to the information processing device 23 of each user after the meeting. If you do not give access rights, anyone can view the file, etc., and it would be a problem if the file was confidential.

However, it is natural that each participant in the conference mostly creates new materials individually and updates handouts. On the other hand, it is rare for participants in these conferences to browse each other's individually created and updated files.

Therefore, in order to collectively manage the file browsing of the meeting participants by the file management server 22, the number of meeting participants is n On the other hand, a maximum of (1 + n) copy files are created on the file management server 22 for each information processing device 23, and the conference participants can remotely copy such copy files from their own information processing device 23. Use a method that is open and used.

In this way, for example, if a participant wants to leave the meeting after updating the contents of the distributed file, the file management server 22 will use a copy of the master file of the material and use of the participant. The copy file updated by the information processing device 23 that has been used is directly transmitted to the information processing device 23. This will prevent random transfer of the copy file to other participants.

As described above, according to the second embodiment, each individual participant's personally created / updated file can be reliably managed by himself / herself without specially setting access rights to the file. .

Here, the file management server 22 needs to acquire the user ID of the conference participant in order to transmit the material file and deliver it by e-mail. However, the conference management server 21 can acquire the user ID of the requester when there is a request to participate in the conference. In addition, it is easy for the file management server 22 to acquire the user ID who has accessed the file. The method of acquiring the user ID is not limited to these, and any method can be used as long as the user ID can be acquired reliably.

(Example 3)

Next, a third embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 16 is a conceptual diagram of the processing of the meeting support file management system according to the third embodiment of the present invention.

In Fig. 16, when the information processing device 23 is not used only by a specific user, but is used by an unspecified number of users The conference management server 21 determines that, and if there is an updated file on the information processing device 23, the conference management server 21 notifies some or all participants participating in the conference. It is recognized by the file management server 22 as a file that provides a method of accessing the file.

That is, if the information processing device 23 is an information processing device 23 for use in a group, the file displayed there should not be viewed only by a specific participant, and the file is updated. In such a case, all participants in the meeting should send materials after the meeting. On the other hand, in the case of the personal information processing device 23, only the user who uses the information processing device 23 may be a target of the file transmission service.

For example, if the conference management server 21 determines from the user ID that the information processing device 23 used by the conference participant is the information processing device 23 for the group, the updated file is If present, such a file will be available for download to the bring-in PC or sent by e-mail to all participants in the conference.

If a material file prepared by another meeting participant is updated on the group information processing device, the material file is sent to all meeting participants after the meeting, and the user of the meeting participant is updated. Based on the ID, the file management server 22 recognizes that the information processing apparatus 23 used by the participant is an information processing apparatus 23 provided with a method of accessing.

In a group information processor, when a specific participant displays and updates a file, not only the participant but also other participants can use the file at the next meeting. Things.

For example, if a participant sends a material mileage to the group information processing device 23 and updates it with the approval of all conference participants (for example, at a meeting, etc.), Is the actual file The file is transmitted to the other users, and the other users are transmitted to the same file stored in the file management server 22.

Further, each information processing device has a function of executing an operation right from each information processing device to the group information processing device, and uses the input device of each personal information processing device to execute the group information processing device. If the file displayed in the group can be operated, the file operated by the group information processing device will have the operation right after the meeting based on the user ID using the operation right of the group information processing device. A method is provided for accessing the information processing device 23 used by one or more participants used.

This is because if an update is performed on the group information processing device, it is highly likely that only the participants who have updated using the operating right will reuse it after the meeting.

For example, if a meeting participant creates a file by using the operation right function from another information processing device to the group information processing device, the user ID of the information processing device that used the operation right function after the conference ends At that time, the entity of the file is sent by e-mail, and users who do not use the operation right receive only a file copy of the file stored on the server for a certain period of time.

As described above, according to the third embodiment, even when a single information processing device 23 is used separately by a plurality of conference participants, the individual's browsing, updating, and creating files can be performed at the conference or at the end of the conference. It will be possible to provide an environment where it can be utilized later.

(Example 4)

Next, a fourth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 17 is a conceptual diagram of the processing of the conference support file management system according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 17, when it is determined that the conference has been started in the conference management server 21, a command is issued to the file management server 22 to search for the material file used in the previous or previous same conference. The material file includes not only the material file used in the previous meeting, but also the minutes of the meeting and the accompanying investigation materials. If the document file exists on the file management server 22, the information file stored on the file management server 22 is transferred to the information processing device 23 recognized as participating in the conference. Provide a way to access.

By having such a function, it is possible to check the contents of the minutes of the same meeting that was held before and the distributed materials during the meeting, and to continue the meeting from the state at the end of the previous meeting, etc. The efficiency of meeting progress can be improved.

For example, the conference management server 21 receives notification of the start of the conference from the plurality of information processing devices 23, and starts searching for the contents of the same conference that was held before. If a file that has been browsed, created, updated, etc. on the group information processing device 23 at the time of the meeting is stored in the file management server 22, the file pointer of the saved file is displayed to the participant of the meeting. By transmitting the information to the information processing devices 23 of all the members, the conference participants can easily know the contents of the previous conference.

In the case of midway participation in the conference that is already started, i.e. the conference management server ₂ 1 with another information processing apparatus 2 3 before being connected is recognized as participating in the conference to conference management server 2 1 If so, it is normal that the meeting materials have already been distributed to other participants. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 18, for the midway participant to the conference, the conference management server 21 notifies the information processing device 23 of the halfway participant of the browsing information of the already distributed materials. At the same time, the information processing A method is provided for accessing the management device 23.

Specifically, when a conference start notification is received from a certain information processing device 23 to the conference management server 21, the conference management server 21 issues a request for a conference in which the information processing device 23 has already started. In the case of participation, the information file and the file file distributed to the other information processing device 23 at the meeting are transmitted to the information processing device 23.

Also, as shown in Fig. 19, participants who are clearly unable to participate in the conference before the conference starts can be registered in advance in the conference management server 21 so that they can be registered after the conference. By providing a way to access the same files as meeting participants, it will be possible to promote participation in the next meeting without particularly reporting the meeting. As described above, according to the fourth embodiment, when starting a meeting or joining the meeting in the middle, the participant can securely access the file to be referenced without special awareness. It can be expected that the efficiency of the meeting will increase. In addition, even if you cannot participate in the conference, you can expect the same information disclosure as the conference participants.

(Example 5)

Next, a fifth embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 20 is a conceptual diagram of the processing of the meeting support file management system according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 20, a prospective participant other than the participant does not view the document file that a particular participant sent to the file management server 22 before the start of the conference as a conference material. If only the user views and updates the information on the information processing device 23, the content of the transmitted material file managed by the file management server 22 is replaced with the content of the updated file. You. By having such a function, if the creator of the material file wants to modify the created material, it can be updated freely when other participants are not looking.

For example, when a material file is transmitted from a certain information processing device 23 to the file management server 22 and then the material file is updated on the information processing device 23, the other information processing device If the browsing request has not been received from 23, it can be replaced with the master file on the file management server 22 that stored the updated file. This is because it is not in the eyes of a third party, and confusion does not occur even if it is replaced. As described above, according to the fifth embodiment, it is possible to guarantee that the conference materials are up to date, and the conference participants can make the conference without having to consider which material file is the latest material. You can concentrate on

In addition, for example, if the file management server automatically displays a blank file for a specific information processing device after the start of the meeting, and writes a memo during the meeting in the blank file, the file will be displayed after the meeting. It can be used as a meeting material as a target of the file access service. In addition, the blank file automatically displayed on the information processing device automatically records the participant identification information based on the participant information at the start of the conference and the load information such as the conference start date and time. There may be.

Next, a description will be given of a processing flow of a program for realizing the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIGS. 21 and 22 show flowcharts of processing of a program for realizing the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 21 shows a flow chart of processing in the conference management server 21 and the file management server 22, and FIG. 22 shows a flow chart of processing in the information processing device 23.

First, in FIG. 21, the conference management server 21 receives a conference start request. It is recognized that the conference has been started from the point of receiving the information (step S211). Then, the conference management server 21 receives the request for participation in the conference transmitted from the information processing device 23 of the conference participants (step S212), and recognizes the participants in the conference. (Step S2 1 3).

When the conference is started, a request to provide a method of accessing a file transmitted from the information processing device 23 of each participant is received in order to view materials for the conference (step S2114). .

The conference management server 21 notifies the file management server 22 that it has received the access method provision request, and the file management server 22 that has received the notification associates the information processing device 23 with the request. A search is performed to determine whether or not a meeting material file or the like to be stored exists in the file management server (step S215). If the file exists in the file management server, a method for accessing the related file is provided to the information processing device 23 (step S2166).

Then, when the conference management server 21 receives the conference participation release request from the information processing device 23 (step S 2 17), it is determined whether there are no conference participants and the entire conference ends. It is determined whether or not the process has been completed (step S218). If the process has not been completed, the participant associated with the information processing device 23 is recognized as not participating in the conference (step S2113). If so, end the entire meeting.

In FIG. 21, the processing of the conference management server 21 and the processing of the file management server 22 are described together, but the system configuration may be a server configuration in which both are integrated. It may be independent as an individual server.

Next, in FIG. 22, the information processing device 23 transmits a request to participate in the conference (step S2 21). View and update meeting materials, etc. If so, a request to provide a method for accessing the file is sent (step S222).

Also, when leaving the conference, a request to cancel the conference is transmitted (step S2 23), and when leaving the conference is approved, the conference is stored in its own information processing device. A search is performed to determine whether a file that has not been updated exists in the related file (step S2224). If there is a file that has not been updated, the file is deleted and the process is terminated (step S224). Step S2 25).

As shown in the example of the recording medium shown in FIG. 23, the recording medium storing the program for realizing the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is a portable type such as a CD-ROM or a floppy disk. In addition to the recording medium, any other storage device provided at the end of the communication line, or a recording medium such as a computer hard disk or RAM may be used. Executed in

Further, as shown in the example of the recording medium shown in FIG. 23, the recording medium for recording the update file in the conference generated by the conference support file management system according to the first embodiment of the present invention is also a CD-ROM. Not only a portable storage medium such as an R ゃ M ゃ floppy disk, but also any other storage device provided at the end of a communication line, or a storage medium such as a computer hard disk or RAM may be used. It is read by a computer when using the conference support file management system according to the invention.

Industrial applicability

As described above, according to the conference support file management system according to the present invention, users participating in a conference do not need to be aware of which file is the file indicating the latest update status, and Review files used for meetings without being aware of where they are actually stored. View 'Update' can be stored.

Claims

The scope of the claims

1. A meeting management server that manages the status of participation in the meeting, a file management server that stores and manages files used in the meeting, and a plurality of information processing devices that display, update, and store file contents. In a meeting support file management system including the meeting management server, the file management server, and a network connecting the plurality of information processing apparatuses, the plurality of the plurality of meetings recognized as participating in a meeting are provided. When the information processing device updates the content of the first file opened by being notified from the file management server and saves the content as a second file, the first file before being updated by the information processing device is updated. A meeting support file management system, wherein the first file is stored separately from the second file.

2. In the information processing apparatus recognized as participating in the conference, after updating the contents of the first file opened by being notified from the file management server and storing it as the second file, The conference support system according to claim 1, wherein the file management server provides the plurality of information processing devices with a method of accessing the first file and the second file when the conference ends.

3. The conference support system according to claim 2, wherein the access method differs depending on a use mode of the information processing apparatus.

4. The information processing apparatus to which the conference management server specifies a user who uses the information processing apparatus and provides a method for accessing the first file and the second file after the conference ends. The conference support system according to claim 1, wherein

5. When the conference support server recognizes that the information processing device is the information processing device used by an unspecified number of users, the conference information processing device updates the information processing device. 2. The conference support system according to claim 1, wherein the file management server recognizes that a method for accessing a conference participant is provided for the created file.

6. When the conference management server recognizes that the conference has started, the conference management server instructs the file management server to search for a file used in the same conference held in the past, and And providing a method for accessing the file used in the same conference held in the past to the information processing device participating in the conference when a file used in the same conference held in the same exists. The conference support system described.

7. When the information processing device participates in the meeting in the middle, another information processing device is participating in the meeting, and if the material file has already been distributed, the material file is also stored in the information processing device. The meeting support system according to claim 1, which provides a method for accessing the meeting.

8. A method for providing a method of accessing the material file to the information processing device at the end of a meeting for a material file updated in a meeting that is continued after the information processing device has left the meeting. The meeting support system described in 1.

9. The meeting support according to claim 2, wherein when a method for accessing the file is specified, if a method for accessing the specified file is not available, an alternative alternative access method can be selected. system.

10. In the information processing device used by the creator of the material file, if a meeting participant other than the creator does not access the material file and the creator updates the material file, The conference support system according to claim 1, wherein the updated material file is stored in the file management server.

1 1. By registering users who cannot participate in the conference in the conference management server in advance, users who cannot participate in the conference will be registered after the conference ends. The meeting support system according to claim 1, wherein a method for accessing the same file as the conferee is provided.

1 2. Receiving a request to start a conference and a request to join a conference, and recognizing the participants of the conference, storing and managing the files used in the conference, and requesting a method to provide access to the files. A computer that has a procedure for receiving, a procedure for searching for the presence or absence of a related file, a procedure for providing a method for accessing a file having search conditions, and a procedure for determining the end of a meeting. A computer-readable recording medium that records the program to be executed.

1 3. Sending a meeting request, receiving a file, sending a request to provide access to the file, sending a unjoin request, and A computer-readable recording medium storing a program to be executed by a computer, the method comprising: a step of searching for presence / absence; and a step of deleting a file satisfying a search condition.