WO2010055799A1

WO2010055799A1 - Information sharing system

Info

Publication number: WO2010055799A1
Application number: PCT/JP2009/068873
Authority: WO
Inventors: 義雅菅原; 香美森脇; 賢治正木; 弘之小澤; 勉須賀
Original assignee: コニカミノルタビジネステクノロジーズ株式会社
Priority date: 2008-11-12
Filing date: 2009-11-05
Publication date: 2010-05-20
Also published as: JPWO2010055799A1; JP5099232B2

Abstract

Whether an SD card has been inserted or not is determined (S5). When it is determined that an SD card has been inserted, reading of data on the SD card is then executed (S6). Whether or not workspace information is contained in the data obtained by reading the data on the SD card is determined (S6#). When it is determined that workspace information is contained in the data obtained by reading the data on the SD card, workspace data are generated based on workspace control information (S7).

Description

Information sharing system

The present invention relates to an information sharing system, and controls an information device via a relay device by connecting an information processing device such as a personal computer (PC) and an information device such as a printer to the relay device. About the system.

In recent years, an environment in which each individual PC can be used freely has become widespread due to the downsizing and low cost of workstations and PCs. In addition, with the development of networks such as LAN (Local Area Network), PCs can be connected to all networks and exchange data between PCs.

In such an environment, a system for sharing one screen between PCs, or a system capable of sharing information by executing an attended meeting, a TV conference, etc. by communicating images, sounds, etc. (Patent Document 1).

JP-A-8-88843

On the other hand, for example, in a system capable of sharing information by sharing one screen between PCs, when a meeting is held once using the system, the system is used again next time. When a conference is held, it is necessary to execute an operation for restoring from the initial state to the previous conference state screen every time the system is started up.

Also, in general, information devices such as scanners, projectors, and TV conference systems are not linked to the system, and when using the information devices, depending on the purpose and situation of each information device. It was necessary to make the operation for each information device independent again.

The present invention has been made to solve the above-described problems, and in a system capable of sharing information, the convenience of the user is improved by storing the state of the previous system. An object of the present invention is to provide an information sharing system that can be used.

An information sharing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses and at least one information processing apparatus among the plurality of information processing apparatuses, each including display means for displaying a work area screen shared with each other. A relay device connected to the apparatus. The relay device includes attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment of a removable storage device, attachment / detachment storage device control means capable of reading and writing data to the attached storage device, and attachment / detachment detection means. In response to the detection result, the control information for restoring the previous work area screen written to the removable storage device attached by the data writing by the removable storage device control means is read by data reading, Transmitting means for transmitting to at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device.

Preferably, each information processing device generates control information for restoring the current work area screen in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen, and transmits the control information to the removable storage device control means of the relay device It further includes transmission means. The removable storage device control means stores the control information for restoring the current work area screen transmitted from the control information transmission means in the attached removable storage device.

Preferably, when a removable storage device further storing connection information related to a connection state of at least one information processing device connected to the relay device is attached, the removable storage device control means adds the stored connection information to the stored connection information. Data reading is executed for the data. The transmission unit transmits the control information to at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device based on the connection information.

Preferably, the relay device further includes device management means for managing connection information related to a connection state with at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device. In accordance with the instruction to end transmission on the work area screen, the removable storage device control means stores the connection information managed by the device management means in the removable storage device.

Preferably, an information device capable of inputting and / or outputting information connected to the relay device is further provided. When the detachable storage device storing the operation state information of the information device is attached, the detachable storage device control means executes data reading with respect to the stored operation state information. The relay device includes device control means for controlling the operation of the information device connected to the relay device. The device control means controls the operation of the information device connected to the relay device based on the operation state information that has been read out.

Preferably, the relay device further includes device management means for managing operation state information related to an operation state of the information device connected to the relay device. In accordance with the instruction to end transmission on the work area screen, the removable storage device control unit stores the operation state information managed by the device management unit in the removable storage device.

Preferably, it has the same configuration as the relay device, and further includes another relay device connected by a network. At least one information processing apparatus among the plurality of information processing apparatuses is connected to another relay device. The relay device includes communication means for exchanging data with another relay device via a network. The transmission unit of another relay device transmits the control information transmitted from the communication unit of the relay device via the network to at least one information processing apparatus connected to the other relay device.

In particular, the communication means of another relay device transmits connection information regarding the connection state of at least one information processing apparatus connected to another relay device via the network to the relay device in accordance with an instruction to end transmission on the work area screen. To do. The removable storage device control means of the relay device stores connection information of at least one information processing device connected to another relay device in the attached removable storage device.

Especially, an information device capable of inputting and / or outputting information connected to another relay device is further provided. Another relay device includes device control means for controlling the operation of an information device connected to another relay device. When the removable storage device storing the operation state information of the information device connected to another relay device is attached, the removable storage device control means of the relay device is connected to another stored relay device. Data reading is performed on the operating state information of the information device. The communication means of the relay device transmits the operation state information of the information device to another relay device via the network. The device control means of the other relay device controls the operation of the information device connected to the other relay device based on the operation state information that has been read.

In particular, the other relay device further includes device management means for managing the operation state information related to the operation state of the information device connected to the other relay device. The communication means of another relay device transmits operation state information related to the operation state of the information device connected to the other relay device to the relay device via the network in accordance with a transmission end instruction on the work area screen. The removable storage device control means of the relay device stores operation state information related to the operation state of the information device in the removable storage device.

Another information sharing system according to the present invention includes a plurality of information processing apparatuses each including display means for displaying a work area screen shared with each other, and at least one of the plurality of information processing apparatuses A relay device connected to the information processing apparatus. The relay device includes attachment / detachment detection means for detecting attachment of a detachable removable storage device, and removable storage device control means capable of reading and writing data with respect to the attached removable storage device. In response to the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection means, the attachable / detachable storage device control means reads the read code written last time to the attachable / detachable storage device attached by data writing by data reading. Acquires control information for restoring the previous work area screen from the storage device connected to the relay device according to the read code, and connects the storage device access means capable of accessing the storage device and the acquired control information to the relay device. And transmitting means for transmitting to the at least one information processing apparatus.

Preferably, each information processing device generates control information for restoring the current work area screen in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen, and transmits the control information to the storage device access means of the relay device. Further included. The storage device access means acquires the read code by storing control information for restoring the current work area screen transmitted from the control information transmission means in the storage device. The removable storage device control means stores the read code acquired by the storage device access means in the attached removable storage device.

In the information sharing system according to the present invention, in the removable storage device control means, the removable storage device mounted by data writing by the removable storage device control means in response to a detection result of the attachment detection means. The control information for restoring the previous work area screen that has been written is read out by data reading and transmitted to at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device. In a system capable of sharing information by this process, when a removable storage device is installed, control information for restoring the previous work area screen is transmitted to the information processing device, and the previous work It is possible to immediately return to the area screen, and it is possible to improve user convenience.

It is the schematic explaining the information sharing system according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating a configuration of a relay device 20. FIG. It is a schematic block diagram explaining the structure of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the device management table managed in the device management process part 30 of the relay device 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a block diagram explaining schematic structure of PC according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the work space displayed on the display part of PC5,10. It is a flowchart explaining the starting process of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the delivery process of the work space data according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the reception process of the work space data according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the case where the file which is an object is moved to the workspace. It is a figure explaining the work space data delivered from the relay apparatus 20 to the relay apparatus 25. FIG. FIG. 10 is a diagram illustrating a case where a display operation is performed on an object placed in a workspace. It is a figure explaining the flow of a process in each apparatus at the time of performing the process with respect to the object demonstrated in FIG. It is a flowchart explaining storage of the work space information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining the workspace end process according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. FIG. 16 is a diagram for describing the flow of processing in each device when the workspace end operation described in FIG. 15 is executed. It is a flowchart explaining the control processing of the apparatus management information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the flow in the case of receiving the distributed apparatus management information according to Embodiment 1 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the device management information stored in the SD card. It is a figure explaining the device management table showing another device management information stored in the SD card. It is a figure explaining the flow of a process in each apparatus at the time of performing the reading process of another apparatus management information stored in the SD card demonstrated in FIG. It is the schematic explaining the information sharing system according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a flowchart explaining storage of the work space information according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device when the workspace end operation described in FIG. 23 is executed. It is a flowchart explaining the starting process of the workspace of the relay apparatus 20 according to Embodiment 2 of this invention. It is a figure explaining the flow of a process in each apparatus at the time of performing the reading process of another apparatus management information stored in the SD card demonstrated in FIG. 20 according to Embodiment 2 of this invention.

Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. In the following description, the same parts and components are denoted by the same reference numerals. Their names and functions are also the same.

FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information sharing system according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 1,

information sharing units

1 and 2 configured in a local area are provided, and

information sharing units

1 and 2 are connected to each other by a network 35. In this example, the case where only the

information sharing units

1 and 2 are connected to each other via the network 35 will be described. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and a system in which a plurality of information sharing units are connected to the network is used. It is also possible to have a configuration with only one information sharing unit. The network 35 may be a LAN (Local Area Network) or a WAN (Wide Area Network) using a public line or the like.

The information sharing unit 1 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes PCs 5 and 10 (Personal Computer) which are a kind of information processing apparatus, a TV conference system 15, and a relay device 20.

Further, the information sharing unit 2 includes PC6 and PC11 (Personal Computer), which are a kind of information processing apparatus, a TV conference system 16, and a relay device 25.

Further, it is assumed that the

relay devices

20 and 25 are connected to the network 35.
Here, it is assumed that the

TV conference systems

15 and 16 are provided with cameras, and images captured by the cameras are displayed on the TV.

The PC 5, PC 6, PC 10, and PC 11 store software capable of displaying a common work area screen (work space), which will be described later, in cooperation with the relay device 20, and are transmitted from the relay device 20. It is assumed that a display unit for displaying the workspace according to the reception of the workspace and an operation unit such as a mouse or a keyboard for processing the workspace displayed on the display unit are provided.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram illustrating the configuration of the relay device 20.
Referring to FIG. 2, in this example, relay device 20 is provided with connector terminals 41 to 43 as an example, connected to PC 5 through connector terminal 41, and connected to PC 6 through connector terminal 42. In this case, a case where the video conference system 15 is connected via the connector terminal 43 is shown. Although not shown, it is assumed that a connector terminal connected to the network 35 is provided.

Further, in this example, the relay device 20 is provided with the insertion port 45, and the insertion device 45 can be connected to the internal device of the relay device 20 by inserting a removable storage device such as an SD card. And In this example, an SD card is used as an example of a removable storage device. However, the present invention is not limited to an SD card, and other recording media can be used.

Note that the number of connector terminals is not limited. In this example, the configuration of the relay device 20 has been described, but the configuration of the relay device 25 is the same.

FIG. 3 is a schematic block diagram illustrating a configuration of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 3, relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention includes a removable storage device control unit 21, a workspace control processing unit 22, a RAM (Rondam Access Memory) 23, and a ROM (Read Only). Memory) 33, connected device identification processing unit 24, information device control information management unit 26, information device control processing unit 28, communication unit 29, device management processing unit 30, and information processing device operation detection unit 32 The information processing device transmission unit 34, the removable storage device connection unit 31, the connector unit 36, the DHCP service 40, and the internal bus 38 are included.

The connector unit 36 includes connector terminals and connector terminals 41 to 43 connected to a network 35 (not shown), and is connected to the information processing apparatus and the information equipment via the connector terminals 41 to 43. It is assumed that the information device can transmit data via the relay device 20 by being connected to the relay device 20 via the connector terminal.

The work space control processing unit 22 controls the entire relay device 20 and executes processing for a common work area screen (work space) for sharing information using the RAM 23.

In addition, the workspace control processing unit 22 reads the software for controlling various operations of the workspace stored in the ROM 25, thereby executing a workspace startup process and the like.

The connected device identification processing unit 24 identifies the device type / attribute connected through the connector terminals 41 to 43 provided in the connector unit 36, respectively. Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 communicates with a device assigned an IP address by the DHCP service 40 described later using a general-purpose protocol such as MIB (Management Information Base), and the type and attribute of the device. To get. Further, as described above, since the relay device 20 has the connector terminal connected to the network 35, another relay device (the relay device 25 in this example) connected via the network 35 is also used. It is assumed that an IP address is assigned by the DHCP service 40 and is recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24 in the relay device 25 as well.

The information device control information management unit 26 manages control signal information and the like for controlling the information device as work space cooperation processing. Specifically, according to the device type / attribute identified by the connected device identification processing unit 24, control signal information for controlling the identified device is stored in advance as a work space cooperation process. To do. Note that storage of control signal information for controlling the information device as a work space cooperation process may be automatically downloaded from a server storing the control signal information connected via a network and stored. It is possible to obtain the information from the storage device in which the information connected via the connector 36 is stored.

The information device control processing unit 28 controls the information device based on the control information managed by the information device control information management unit 26 as a work space cooperation process.

The DHCP service 40 automatically assigns and stores an IP address to a device connected to a connector terminal provided in the connector unit 36.

The device management processing unit 30 stores and manages the relationship between the port number corresponding to the connector terminal acquired by the connected device identification processing unit 24, the IP address assigned by the DHCP service 40, and the device type / attribute. Specifically, it has a device management table, and stores the port number, IP address, device type / attribute, and device status information (status) corresponding to the connector terminal in the device management table. It also manages the IP address and the like of another relay device recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24. In this example, information in the device management table is also referred to as device management information.

The information processing device operation detection unit 32 detects the operation processing of the operation unit for the workspace displayed on the display unit of the

PCs

5 and 10 which are a kind of information processing device.

The information processing device transmission unit 34 transmits information for controlling the workspace to the

PCs

5 and 10 that are information processing devices registered in the device management table.

The communication unit 29 performs data transmission with an external relay device connected via the network 35, for example.

The removable storage device connection unit 31 detects the connection with the removable storage device and outputs the detection result to the removable storage device control unit 21.

The detachable storage device control unit 21 accesses the detachable storage device whose connection is detected by the detachable storage device connection unit 31, and executes data reading and data writing.

Each part is connected to the internal bus 38, and each part can exchange data with each other via the internal bus 38.

Each part may be composed of a different IC chip. For example, the CPU executes various programs stored in the ROM 33 to cooperate with the RAM 23, so that the removable storage device control unit 21, Workspace control processing unit 22, connected device identification processing unit 24, device management processing unit 30, information device control information management unit 26, information processing device operation detection unit 32, information device control processing unit 28, information processing device transmission unit 34, You may make it implement | achieve the function of said each part, such as the DHCP service 40. FIG.

FIG. 4 is a diagram illustrating a device management table managed in device management processing unit 30 of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention. For example, the device management table is stored using a partial area of the RAM 23 as an example.

Referring to FIG. 4, ports 1 to 3 are provided corresponding to connector terminals 41 to 43, respectively, and IP addresses AD1 to AD3 are assigned using DHCP service 40 as described above. ing.

Also, the connected device identification processing unit 24 recognizes that the device type connected to the port 1 is PC (5). Further, it is recognized that the device type connected to the port 2 is PC (10). Further, it is recognized that the device type connected to the port 3 is the TV conference system (15).

FIG. 5 is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration of the PC according to the first embodiment of the present invention.
Referring to FIG. 5, the PC according to the embodiment of the present invention temporarily stores CPU 201 that executes various programs including an operating system (OS) and data necessary for executing the program portion of CPU 201. And a hard disk unit (HDD: Hard Disk Drive) 211 that stores a program executed by the CPU 201 in a nonvolatile manner.

The hard disk unit 211 stores a software program for using the information sharing system according to the present invention. The CPU 201 reads the software program and is shared with each other in the information sharing system described later. Functions such as display of a workspace that is a work area screen are realized.

Such a program is read from the flexible disk 217a or the CD-ROM 215a by the FD drive 217 or the CD-ROM (Compact Disc-Read Only Memory) drive 215, respectively.

The CPU 201 receives an instruction from the user via the input unit 209 including a keyboard and a mouse, and outputs a screen output generated by executing the program to the display unit 205.

In addition, the CPU 201 executes data exchange with the relay device 20 connected via the communication interface unit 207. Further, the above-described units exchange data with each other via the internal bus 203.

In addition, as will be described later, the CPU 201 generates work space control information necessary for restoring the work area screen and transmits it to the relay device 20 in accordance with the end operation instruction of the work area screen (work space) shared with each other. .

FIG. 6 is a diagram for explaining a workspace displayed on the display unit of the

PC

5 or 10.

Referring to FIG. 6, here, a case where a workspace 50 as a workspace is displayed on the desktop screen of the display unit is shown. The workspace is the initial screen. In the listing, a “menu” button 52 capable of executing various functions of the workspace and an “end” button 54 for ending the workspace 50 are displayed. By pressing the “end” button 54 using a pointing device such as a mouse, a workspace end operation to be described later is executed. As described above, the screen and functions of the workspace are realized by the CPU 201 reading the software program of the hard disk unit 211 of the PC.

It should be noted that the operation processing for the workspace can be performed using a pointing device such as a mouse. Here, the case where objects of “file A” and “file B” are displayed in an area outside the work space 50 is shown.

For example, the cursor is moved to “File A” or “File B” using a pointing device such as a mouse, and moved to “File A” or “File B” in the workspace by so-called drag and drop. It is possible to make it.

(Relay device start processing)
FIG. 7 is a flowchart illustrating a startup process of relay device 20 according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 7, first, it is determined whether or not the relay device 20 is turned on (step S1). When the power is turned on, a workspace activation process is executed (step S2).

Specifically, software for controlling various operations related to the work space stored in the ROM 25 of the relay device 20 is loaded by the work space control processing unit 22, and the work space in each part of the relay device 20 is related. Processing is possible, and control processing for a connected information processing apparatus and control processing for a connected information device (workspace cooperation processing) are possible.

Next, the connection of the device is confirmed (step S3). Specifically, the connected device identification processing unit 24 recognizes the device type connected to the connector terminals 41 to 43.

Then, the device management processing unit 30 registers data related to the devices connected to the connector terminals 41 to 43 in the device management table according to the device type identified as described above (step S4).

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 determines whether an SD card is inserted (step S5).

Specifically, it is determined whether or not the connection of the SD card is detected in the removable storage device connection unit 31 and the detection result is output to the removable storage device control unit 21.

In step S5, when it is determined that the SD card is not inserted, the work space control processing unit 22 next executes a work space data distribution process (step S10). Then, the process ends (END).

When there is no SD card inserted, the work space control processing unit 22 executes a data distribution process that instructs the connected information processing apparatus to start up the initial screen of the work space. The workspace data distribution process will be described later.

On the other hand, if it is determined in step S5 that the SD card is inserted, the work space control processing unit 22 next executes data reading from the SD card (step S6).

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 determines whether or not the work space information is included in the data read by the data reading of the SD card (step S6 #). The workspace information includes workspace control information and device management information necessary for restoring the previous workspace state. The device management information includes connection information and operation state information regarding the connection state of the information processing apparatus or the like to which the previous work space has been distributed.

If the work space control processing unit 22 determines that the work space information is not included in the data read by the data reading of the SD card, the process proceeds to step S10.

On the other hand, the work space control processing unit 22 generates work space data based on the work space control information when determining that the work space information is included in the data read by the data reading of the SD card. (Step S7).

Next, device management information control processing is executed (step S7 #). The device management information control process will be described later.

Then, workspace data distribution processing (step S8), local information device control (step S9) is executed based on the device management information, and the processing is terminated (end).

The processing related to the work space information read out by reading data from the SD card is processing when resuming the work space.

FIG. 8 is a flowchart illustrating the work space data distribution process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 8, first, a work space data distribution process is executed on a local information processing apparatus (step S11). Specifically, as described above, when there is no SD card inserted, the work space control processing unit 22 distributes an instruction command for instructing start-up of the initial screen as work space data. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the initial screen of the workspace is displayed on the display unit of the PC 5 or PC 10.

On the other hand, when the SD card is inserted and the work space information is stored, the work space control processing unit 22 includes the previous work space related to object movement and work processing included in the work space information. The workspace data including the workspace control information necessary for restoring to the state is generated and output to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

The information processing device transmission unit 34 transmits the work space data including the work space control information output from the work space control processing unit 22 to the local information processing device. In this regard, the information processing device transmission unit 34 uses the workspace to the information processing device that has distributed the previous workspace based on the connection information included in the workspace information among the local information processing devices. Send data. In this example, it is assumed that the data is transmitted to PC5 and PC10 registered in the device management table.

Next, it is determined whether there is a connection of another relay device (step S12). Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 can make a determination based on whether there is an IP address or the like of another relay device recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24.

In step S12, if the workspace control processing unit 22 determines that another relay device is connected, the workspace control processing unit 22 next executes a process of distributing workspace data to the other relay device (step S13).

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 externally transmits an instruction command for instructing start-up of the initial screen as work space data via the communication unit 29 when the SD card is not inserted. Send to the relay device.

On the other hand, when the SD card is inserted and the work space information is stored, the work space control processing unit 22 includes the previous work space related to object movement and work processing included in the work space information. The work space data including work space control information necessary for restoring to the above state is output via the communication unit 29 to the external relay device via the network 35. In this example, the data is output to the relay device 25.

If it is determined in step S12 that no other relay device is connected, the process ends (END).

In this example, for example, a case will be described in which transmission is performed as an external relay device to the relay device 25.

FIG. 9 is a flowchart illustrating a workspace data reception process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 9, first, it is determined whether workspace data has been received (step S14).

In this example, as an example, it is assumed that the relay device 25 receives workspace data.

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 determines whether or not work space data has been received via the communication unit 29.

When the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives the work space data transmitted from the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29, the work space control processing unit 22 executes the work space data distribution process to the local information processing apparatus. (Step S15).

Specifically, when the SD card is not inserted and workspace data including only an instruction command for instructing to start up the initial screen is received, the data distribution process is executed. Thereby, for example, as shown in FIG. 6, the work space is displayed on the display unit of the PC 6 or PC 11.

On the other hand, when the SD card is inserted and the work space information is stored in the work space data, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 moves the object included in the work space information. And workspace data including workspace control information necessary for restoring the previous workspace state related to the work processing or the like is generated and output to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

The information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the work space data including the work space control information output from the work space control processing unit 22 to the local information processing device. In this regard, as will be described later, the information processing apparatus transmission unit 34, for the information processing apparatus that has distributed the previous workspace based on the connection information included in the workspace information, among the local information processing apparatuses. To send workspace data. In this example, it is assumed that the data is transmitted to PC6 and PC11 registered in the device management table.

By this processing, the same workspace as the workspace 50 displayed on the

PCs

5 and 10 is displayed on the display unit of the

PCs

6 and 11. That is, work space data, which is a work space for sharing information, is distributed to the

PCs

6 and 11.

The workspace data distribution process and the workspace data reception process described with reference to FIGS. 8 and 9 are executed for each process on the workspace.

FIG. 10 is a diagram for explaining a case where a file as an object is moved to the workspace.

As shown in FIG. 10, here, the objects of the files A and B displayed outside the workspace 50 displayed on the desktop screen of the display unit of the PC 5 shown in FIG. The screen when moved is shown.

In this example, as an example, it is assumed that the objects of the files A and B displayed on the display unit are moved into the workspace 50 on the PC 5.

Specifically, it is assumed that “file A” and “file B” are moved into the workspace 50 by drag and drop using a pointing device such as a mouse on the PC 5 as described above.

In the relay device 20, the information processing device operation detection unit 32 detects the file input of the “file A” object 60 and the “file B” object 70 into the work space 50 in the PC 5, and performs a work space control process. To the unit 22. Further, the coordinate position in the workspace where the object according to the pointing device such as a mouse is arranged is detected and output to the workspace control processing unit 22.

The workspace control processing unit 22 generates workspace data based on the detection result detected by the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32. Then, the work space data is output to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

The information processing device transmission unit 34 transmits the work space data generated by the work space control processing unit 22 to the PC 10 that is the information processing device registered in the device management table (work space data distribution processing). As a result, the same workspace as that displayed on the display unit of the PC 5 is displayed on the display unit of the local PC 10. In this example, since the work space data is based on the operation of the PC 5, it will be described as a configuration in which the work space data is transmitted only to the PC 10 that does not have the work space data. It is also possible to do so.

Also, the work space control processing unit 22 distributes the work space data to the relay device 25 through the communication unit 29.

FIG. 11 is a diagram for explaining the work space data distributed from the relay device 20 to the relay device 25.

Referring to FIG. 11, the size of the work space, which is the size of the work space when displayed on the display unit, is executed here as work space data from relay device 20 to relay device 25. When an object is placed in the workspace, file transfer of the object is executed according to the input of the object detected by the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32.

Further, when an object is arranged in the workspace, the coordinates of the object in the workspace detected by the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 based on the size of the workspace are transferred.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives the work space data via the communication unit 29 and outputs it to the information processing device transmission unit 34. The information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the work space data output from the work space control processing unit 22 to the local PCs 6 and 11 (work space data distribution processing).

As a result, the same workspace as that displayed on the display unit of the PC 5 is displayed on the display units of the

local PCs

6 and 11.

FIG. 12 is a diagram for explaining a case where a display operation is performed on an object arranged in the workspace 50.

Referring to FIG. 12, here, there is shown a screen when a display operation for displaying the contents of file A arranged in workspace 50 shown in FIG. 11 is executed.

Specifically, on the PC 5, using the pointing device such as a mouse as described above, the pointing device is aligned with the object of “file A” and double-clicked (open instruction). It is assumed that the process of displaying the contents of “file A” on the screen is executed on the display unit of the PC 5 by this process.

Further, in the relay device 20, the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 detects an open instruction for the object of “file A” in the work space 50 in the PC 5 and outputs it to the work space control processing unit 22.

The work space control processing unit 22 generates work space data based on the detection result from the information processing device operation detection unit 32. The workspace control processing unit 22 generates a double-click instruction command for the object of “file A” as workspace data.

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 outputs the workspace data to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

The information processing device transmission unit 34 transmits the work space data generated by the work space control processing unit 22 to the PC 10 (work space data distribution process).

As a result, the process of displaying the contents of “file A” on the screen is executed on the display unit of the PC 10.

Also, the work space control processing unit 22 transfers the generated work space data from the relay device 20 to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives data (work space data) transmitted from the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29. The workspace control processing unit 22 outputs the received workspace data to the information processing device transmission unit 34. The information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the work space data to the local PCs 6 and 11 (work space data distribution process).

Suppose that the same workspace as “File A” displayed on the display unit of PC5 is displayed on the display unit of PC6 and PC11.

FIG. 13 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device when processing for the object described in FIG. 12 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 13, in this example, as an example, it is assumed that the object coordinates where “file A” is arranged are double-clicked on PC 5.

The information processing device operation detection unit 32 of the relay device 20 detects a double-click instruction for the object coordinate position of “file A” in the work space 50 in the PC 5, and outputs it to the work space control processing unit 22.

The workspace control processing unit 22 generates workspace data for sharing information based on the detection result from the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32. Specifically, a double click instruction command for the object of “file A” is generated as work space data.

The workspace control processing unit 22 outputs the generated workspace data to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

Then, the information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 20 transmits the work space data generated by the work space control processing unit 22 to the PC 10 (work space data distribution).

Then, on the display unit of the PC 10, the display image of the object is updated and displayed in the workspace based on the workspace data transmitted from the information processing device transmission unit 34.

Also, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 transmits the work space data to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29. Specifically, a double-click instruction command for the position of the object coordinates of “file A” in the work space 50 is transmitted to the relay device 25 as work space data.

The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 transfers the work space data transmitted from the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29 and outputs it to the information processing device transmission unit 34.

Then, the information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 25 transmits the transferred work space data to the PCs 6 and 11 (work space data distribution).

Then, the display image of the object is updated and displayed in the workspace based on the work space data transmitted from the information processing device transmission unit 34 on the display units of the

PCs

6 and 11.

On the other hand, on the PC 5, in the workspace where the contents of “File A” are displayed on the screen, a pointing device such as a mouse is used to align the pointing device with the object of “File A” and double-click (close instruction). ) To finish the process of displaying the contents of “file A”. That is, when a non-display operation is performed on an object, the workspace is again displayed as the screen shown in FIG.

Even in this case, the same workspace is displayed on the display unit of PC 10 and the display units of PC 6 and PC 11 in the same manner as described above.

In this example, file data such as a document file has been described as an example of an object displayed in the workspace. Also good.

Next, storage of workspace information will be described.
FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating storage of workspace information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 14, it is determined whether or not there is a workspace end operation (step S21).

Specifically, the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 determines whether or not there has been an operation instruction (click) on the “end” button 54 of the workspace.

When the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 detects an operation instruction for the “end” button 54 of the workspace, first, the workspace control processing unit 22 starts from the device management processing unit 30 of the own relay device 20 to the device. Device management information, which is information stored in the management table, is acquired (step S22). The device management information includes connection information regarding the connection between the information device and the information processing apparatus and the relay device 20, and operation state information regarding the operation state of the information device and the information processing apparatus.

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 transmits a device management information acquisition request command to another relay device via the communication unit 29 (step S23).

The workspace control processing unit 22 of the other relay device 25 receives a command requesting transmission of device management information from the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29 and outputs the command to the device management processing unit 30. Then, the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 25 outputs device management information, which is information stored in the device management table of the relay device 25, to the workspace control processing unit 22. The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 transmits the acquired device management information to the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29.

The relay device 20 acquires the device management information transmitted from the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29 (step S24). Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 acquires device management information transmitted from the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29. The device management information includes connection information regarding the connection between the information device and the information processing apparatus and the relay device 25, and operation state information regarding the operation state of the information device and the information processing apparatus.

Next, the workspace control processing unit 22 acquires workspace control information (step S25).

Specifically, for example, when the user gives an instruction to operate the “end” button 54 for the workspace displayed on the display unit of the PC 5, the CPU 201 of the PC 5 performs the workspace via the communication interface unit 207. It is assumed that workspace control information, which is information necessary for restoring the file, is output. For example, when an operation instruction for the “end” button 54 is executed on the workspace screen in FIG. 10, the workspace size that is the size of the workspace displayed on the display unit as the workspace control information. If an object is placed in the workspace, the file of the object, and if the object is placed in the workspace, information about the coordinates of the object in the workspace based on the size of the workspace It is output to the relay device 20 as space control information.

The workspace control processing unit 22 acquires the workspace control information transmitted from the PC 5.

Then, the work space information acquired for the SD card is stored (step S26).

Specifically, the workspace control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 includes the acquired workspace control information transmitted from the PC 5, the device management information transmitted from the relay device 25, and the device management processing unit of the relay device 20. The device management information acquired from 30 is output to the removable storage device control unit 21. That is, the work space control processing unit 22 includes work space control information that is information necessary for restoring the previous work space in the display unit, and information devices and information processing devices connected to the

relay devices

20 and 25, respectively. Connection information and operation state information regarding the operation state of the information devices and information processing devices connected to the

relay devices

20 and 25, respectively, are acquired and output to the removable storage device control unit 21.

Then, the removable storage device control unit 21 uses the workspace control information, connection information, and operation state information output from the workspace control processing unit 22 as work space information as an SD card via the removable storage device connection unit 31. To store.

Then, a workspace end process is executed (step S27).
FIG. 15 is a flowchart illustrating a workspace end process according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 15, first, the workspace control processing unit 22 executes a processing for distributing a workspace deletion instruction command for the local information processing apparatus (step S30). Specifically, according to the operation instruction of the “end” button 54 of the workspace, the workspace control processing unit 22 executes the process of distributing the workspace deletion instruction command to the information processing device transmission unit 34. In this example, it transmits to PC10.

Accordingly, the display of the work space on the PC 10 ends.
Next, the work space control processing unit 22 executes a work space deletion instruction command distribution process to another relay device (step S31).

Specifically, the workspace control processing unit 22 transmits a workspace deletion instruction command from the relay device 20 to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29.

The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 outputs the received erasure instruction command to the information processing device transmission unit 34, and the information processing device transmission unit 34 sends a work space erasure instruction command to the local PC 6 and PC 11. Send.

Accordingly, the display of the work space on PC6 and PC11 ends.
Then, the process ends (END).

FIG. 16 is a diagram illustrating the flow of processing in each device when the workspace end operation described in FIG. 15 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 16, in this example, it is assumed that a workspace end operation is executed in PC 5 as an example.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 acquires device management information from the device management processing unit 30.

Also, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 transmits a command for requesting acquisition of device management information to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29 based on the end operation.

The workspace control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives a command for requesting acquisition of device management information from the relay device 20, and transmits the device management information held in the device management processing unit 30 via the communication unit 29. Transmit to the relay device 20.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 acquires the device management information held by the device management processing unit 30 and the device management information transmitted from the relay device 25 together with the work space control information.

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 outputs the workspace control information and the device management information to the removable storage device control unit 21.

The removable storage device control unit 21 stores the work space control information and the device management information in an SD card that is a removable storage device.

Also, the relay device 20 delivers a workspace deletion instruction command to the PC 10 in accordance with the workspace end operation.

Specifically, the workspace control processing unit 22 outputs a workspace deletion instruction command to the information processing device transmission unit 34 to the information processing device transmission unit 34. The information processing device transmission unit 34 outputs a work space deletion instruction command to the local PC 10.

Also, the workspace control processing unit 22 outputs a workspace deletion instruction command to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29.

The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 outputs a work space deletion instruction command to the information processing device transmission unit 34. The information processing device transmission unit 34 outputs a work space deletion instruction command to the

local PCs

6 and 11.

This erases the workspace display on PC6, PC10, and PC11 (workspace display erase).

For PC5, the workspace display is erased according to the workspace termination operation.

(Workspace resume)
Hereinafter, resumption of the work space when the work space information is stored in the SD card as described above will be described.

Referring again to FIG. 7, when the workspace is resumed, it is determined in step S5 whether there is an SD card inserted (step S5). Then, when it is determined that there is an SD card inserted, data reading from the SD card is executed (step S6). Next, based on the data read from the SD card, it is determined whether or not the work space information is included in the data read from the SD card (step S6 #).

Specifically, the SD card stores workspace control information and device management information necessary for restoring the previous workspace as workspace information. The device management information includes connection information relating to information devices and information processing devices connected to the

relay devices

20 and 25 in the state in which the previous workspace was executed, and relay devices in the state in which the previous workspace was executed. 20 and 25, the operation state information regarding the operation state of the information equipment and the information processing apparatus connected to each of them. As the workspace control information, for example, the size of the workspace that is the size of the workspace when displayed on the display unit, and when an object is placed in the workspace, the object file, the object in the workspace In the case of being arranged, it is assumed to have information on the coordinates of the object in the workspace based on the size of the workspace. Further, it is assumed that the connection information and the operation state information include information on device management tables provided corresponding to the

relay devices

20 and 25, such as device type and status.

Next, when it is determined in step S6 # that the workspace information is included in the SD card, workspace data is generated based on the workspace control information (step S7).

Next, device management information control processing is executed (step S7 #).
FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating device management information control processing according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 17, first, device management information included in the data read from the SD card is acquired (step S40).

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 acquires device management information that is connection information and operation state information included in the work space information read from the SD card. That is, for example, device management information corresponding to the relay device 20 and device management information corresponding to the relay device 25 are acquired.

Next, the workspace control processing unit 22 outputs the device management information corresponding to the relay device 20 that is the acquired device management information to the device management processing unit 30. Then, the device management processing unit 30 executes the connection confirmation processing based on the connection information regarding the information device and the information processing device respectively connected to the relay device 20 in the state where the previous work space has been executed (step S41). ).

Specifically, the device management processing unit 30 includes, for the connected device identified by the connected device identification processing unit 24, the device management table managed by the device management processing unit 30 and the device management read from the SD card. The device management table, which is information, is compared, and the IP address and device type stored in the device management table read from the SD card correspond to the device management table managed by the device management processing unit 30. Determine if the item matches. Then, it is assumed that control based on the distribution processing of the work space data to the PC and the device management information of the information device is executed for the matching connected device. On the other hand, control based on device management information is not executed for non-matching connected devices, and work data distribution processing and information device control are not executed.

Next, it is determined whether or not there is a connection with another relay device (step S43). Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 can make a determination based on whether there is an IP address or the like of another relay device recognized by the connected device identification processing unit 24.

In step S43, when the workspace control processing unit 22 determines that another relay device is connected, the work space control processing unit 22 distributes the device management information to the other relay device (step S44). In this example, device management information corresponding to the relay device 25 is distributed to the relay device 25.

FIG. 18 is a diagram illustrating a flow when receiving distributed device management information according to the first embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 18, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 determines whether or not device management information has been received via the communication unit 29 (step S50). When the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives the device management information via the communication unit 29, the work space control processing unit 22 outputs the device management information to the device management processing unit 30, and the device management processing unit 30 As described above, the connection confirmation processing is executed based on the connection information regarding the information device and the information processing device respectively connected to the relay device 25 in the state where the previous work space has been executed (step S51).

Specifically, as described above, the device management table held in the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 25 is compared with the received device management information (connection information) to manage the device. The device management table managed by the processing unit 30 is compared with the device management table which is device management information, the IP address and device type stored in the device management table read from the SD card, and the device It is determined whether or not the corresponding item in the device management table managed by the management processing unit 30 matches. Then, it is assumed that control based on the distribution processing of the work space data to the PC and the device management information of the information device is executed for the matching connected device. On the other hand, control based on device management information is not executed for non-matching connected devices, and work data distribution processing and information device control are not executed.

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining the device management information stored in the SD card.
19A and 19B show device management tables that are device management information stored corresponding to the

relay devices

20 and 25, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 19A, here, as the device management table before the end of the work space of relay device 20, data indicating the status (status) of the device is stored together with the IP address and the device type. Yes. Specifically, the status of the IP address AD1 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP address AD2 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. In addition, the status of the IP address AD3 and the device type of the TV conference system indicates a case where the power is on.

Referring to FIG. 19B, the device management table before the end of the work space of relay device 20 stores data indicating the status (status) of the device along with the IP address and the device type. Specifically, the status of the IP address AD4 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP address AD5 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP address AD6 and the device type of the TV conference system is shown as a power-on state.

In this example, a case will be described in which the connection confirmation processing is the same for all connected devices.

Then, the process ends (END).
Referring to FIG. 7 again, next, the workspace data distribution process is executed (step S8).

Specifically, as the workspace data, for example, the size of the workspace that is the size of the workspace when displayed on the display unit, and when an object is placed in the workspace, the file of the object, the workspace When an object is placed inside, information regarding the coordinates of the object in the workspace based on the size of the workspace is distributed as workspace data.

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 outputs the work space data to the information processing device transmission unit 34, and the information processing device transmission unit 34 is a device managed by the device management processing unit 30 as described above. In the management table, connection confirmation processing is executed based on device management information (connection information), and workspace data is output to the matched information processing apparatus. In this example, it is assumed that PC5 and PC10 match. As a result, the screen of the workspace shown in FIG. 10 described above is displayed again on the display units of PC5 and PC10.

As described above, the work space control processing unit 22 transmits the work space data to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29.

The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 transfers the work space data received via the communication unit 29 to the information processing device transmission unit 34. In the device management table managed by the device management processing unit 30 as described above, the information processing device transmission unit 34 of the relay device 25 executes the connection confirmation process based on the device management information and matches the matching information processing device. On the other hand, the workspace data is output. In this example, it is assumed that PC6 and PC11 match. Thereby, the workspace data is transmitted to the local PCs 6 and 11 (workspace data distribution processing). That is, the screen of the workspace shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again on the display units of the

PCs

6 and 11.

With this method, that is, according to the operation instruction to end the workspace, the workspace control information that can reproduce the workspace is stored in the SD card, so that it is possible to immediately return to the previously terminated workspace. Once a meeting is held using the information sharing system, and when a meeting is held again using the information sharing system, each time the system is started, There is no need to execute an operation for restoring the screen in the conference state, and user convenience can be improved.

Referring again to FIG. 7, next, control of the local information device is executed based on the operation state information included in the device management information (step S9).

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 executes an information device connection confirmation process, and for the matching connected device, the status (operation) of the information device included in the acquired device management information. Referring to the status information), control is performed so that the connected information devices have the same status.

For example, in FIG. 19A, the TV conference system 15 which is an information device stores a power ON state as a status.

Therefore, the device management processing unit 30 outputs control information to the information device control information management unit 26 based on the device management information so that the connected information device has the same status.

The information device control information management unit 26 outputs a control signal to the information device control processing unit 28 in accordance with the control information from the device management processing unit 30 so that the information devices have the same status, that is, the power is turned on.

The information device control processing unit 28 outputs a control signal output from the information device control information management unit 26 to turn on the power to the TV conference system 15.

Thereby, the TV conference system 15 is turned on, and the status of the device management table stored in the device management processing unit 30 becomes the same.

That is, the TV conference system 15 is automatically turned on based on the device management information.

In addition, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 executes an information device connection confirmation process, refers to the status of the information device included in the acquired device management information for the matching connected device, and Control the connected information devices to have the same status.

For example, in FIG. 19B, the TV conference system 16 which is an information device stores a power ON state as a status.

The information device control processing unit 28 outputs a control signal output from the information device control information management unit 26 to turn on the power to the TV conference system 16.

That is, the TV conference system 16 is automatically turned on based on the device management information.

Therefore, the information device can be restored to the state before the end of the original workspace as the workspace cooperation processing.

That is, when information devices such as scanners, projectors, TV conference systems, etc. are linked with information sharing systems and the information devices are used, the respective information in the state when the previous workspace was used Since it is possible to restore the state of the device, there is no need to make the operation for each information device independent, and the convenience for the user can be improved.

FIG. 20 is a diagram for explaining a device management table representing other device management information stored in the SD card.

20 (a) and 20 (b) show device management tables representing device management information corresponding to the

relay devices

20 and 25, respectively.

Referring to FIG. 20A, data indicating the status (status) of the device is stored together with the IP address and the device type. Specifically, the status of the IP address AD1 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP address AD2 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP conference AD3 and the device type of the video conference system is shown as being connected to the video conference system of the IP address AD6. Here, the state of connection to the TV conference with the IP address AD6 is indicated as a state in which the power supply of the TV conference system 15 is set to ON and the TV conference system with the IP address AD6 is accessed and connected. Yes.

Referring to FIG. 20 (b), the status of the IP address AD4 and the device type PC is similarly shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP address AD5 and the device type PC is shown as a workspace display state. The status of the IP conference AD6 and the device type of the video conference system is shown as being connected from the video conference system of the IP address AD3. Here, the state of being connected from the TV conference with the IP address AD3 is indicated as a state in which the power source of the TV conference system 16 is set to ON and accessed from the TV conference system with the IP address AD3. .

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device when the processing for reading another device management information stored in the SD card described in FIG. 20 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 21, in this example, as an example, it is assumed that the relay device 20 inserts an SD card and executes the data reading process of the SD card.

Specifically, an SD card is inserted into the insertion slot 45 of the relay device 20, and the connection of the SD card is detected in the removable storage device connection unit 31, and the SD is controlled by the removable storage device control unit 21 according to the detection result. Data reading of device management information stored in the card is executed.

Since the restoration of the workspace based on the workspace control information stored in the SD card is the same as described above, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Regarding the device management information stored in and read from the SD card, device management information corresponding to the relay device 20 is output to the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 20. In accordance with the same method as described above, the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 20 transmits the control information to the information device control information so that the connected information device has the same status based on the device management information. The data is output to the management unit 26. As described above, the status of “connected to the TV conference with the IP address AD6” indicates that the TV conference system 15 is set to the power-on and the TV conference system with the IP address AD6 is accessed and connected. Shall.

Therefore, as described above, the information device control processing unit 28 of the relay device 20 turns on the TV conference system 15.

Also, for the device management information stored in and read from the SD card, the device management information corresponding to the relay device 25 is transmitted to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29. Then, the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 25 controls the connected information devices to have the same status based on the device management information transmitted from the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29. Information is output to the information device control information management unit 26. As described above, the status “state connected from the TV conference with the IP address AD3” means that the TV conference system 16 is set to the power-on state and is accessed and connected from the TV conference system with the IP address AD3. Shall be indicated.

Therefore, as described above, the information device control processing unit 28 of the relay device 25 turns on the power of the TV conference system 16.

Also, the information device control information management unit 26 of the relay device 20 outputs a connection request command to the relay device 25 via the communication unit 29 so that the TV conference system 15 can access the TV conference system.

The information device control information management unit 26 of the relay device 25 receives the connection request command from the relay device 20 and starts connection of the TV conference system 15 and the TV conference system to the information device control processing unit 28. To control.

This operation makes it possible to read the device management information stored in the SD card and restore the information device to the original status.

Therefore, during the workspace termination process, the device management information, which is the status information of the information device connected to the relay device, is stored in the SD card, so that the information device and the information sharing system can be linked. When executing and using the information device, it is possible to restore the state before the end of the original workspace without operating each information device independently when starting up the next workspace. It is possible to improve user convenience.

In the present embodiment, a case has been described in which both device management information and workspace control information are stored as workspace information in the SD card, but a configuration in which either one is stored is also possible. . For example, when only the workspace control information is stored in the workspace information, the workspace data is distributed to the information processing apparatus that is currently connected to the relay device regardless of whether or not the previous relay device is connected. It is also possible to make it.

(Embodiment 2)
FIG. 22 is a schematic diagram illustrating an information sharing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 22, the information sharing system according to the second embodiment of the present invention is different from the information sharing system according to the first embodiment in that a server 80 is further provided. In the second embodiment, the work space control processing unit 22 also functions as an access unit that can read and write data from and to the server 80.

The server 80 is connected to the

information sharing units

1 and 2 through the network 35. The configuration of the server 80 is the same as that of the PC 5 or the like. The server 80 has a storage area for storing information, and issues a hash value to be described later to data received from the outside. Then, the data received from the outside is stored in the storage area in association with the issued hash value. Then, data reading of the data stored in association with the storage area is executed using the hash value.

FIG. 23 is a flowchart illustrating storage of workspace information according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 23, the storage of the work space information according to the second embodiment of the present invention is similar to the flow described in FIG. 14, and steps S21 to S25 are the same as described in FIG. Detailed description will not be repeated.

In step S28, the workspace control processing unit 22 transmits the acquired workspace information to the server 80 via the communication unit 29 (step S28).

Next, the hash value transmitted from the server 80 is acquired (step S27).
Specifically, the server 80 receives the work space information and stores the received work space information in a storage area provided in the server 80. At that time, the server 80 issues a hash value based on a so-called hash function as a key (read code) used when the work space information is extracted from the storage area. Then, the server 80 stores the work space information in the storage area in association with the issued hash value. Then, the server 80 transmits the issued hash value to the relay device 20 that has transmitted the work space information.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 acquires the hash value transmitted from the server 80 (step S27).

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 stores the acquired hash value in the SD card (step S28).

Specifically, the work space control processing unit 22 outputs the acquired hash value to the removable storage device control unit 21, and the removable storage device control unit 21 is connected via the removable storage device connection unit 31. The obtained hash value is stored in the SD card.

Then, a workspace end process is executed (step S29). Since the workspace end process is the same as that described with reference to FIG. 14, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining the flow of processing in each device when the workspace end operation described in FIG. 23 is executed.

Referring to FIG. 24, in this example, it is assumed that the workspace end operation is executed in PC 5 as an example.

Specifically, for example, when the user gives an instruction to operate the “end” button 54 for the workspace displayed on the display unit of the PC 5, the CPU 201 of the PC 5 again performs the previous operation via the communication interface unit 207. Workspace control information, which is information necessary for restoring the workspace, is output to the relay device 20.

The workspace control processing unit 22 of the relay device 25 receives the device management information acquisition request command from the relay device 20 and transmits the device management information to the relay device 20 via the communication unit 29.

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 transmits the workspace control information and device management information to the server 80.

The server 80 acquires the workspace control information and the device management information received from the relay device 20, and stores the device management information and the workspace control information in the storage area. At that time, a hash value serving as a read code is issued and the hash value is transmitted to the relay device 20.

The work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 receives the hash value and outputs it to the removable storage device control unit 21. The detachable storage device control unit 21 stores a hash value for the mounted SD card via the detachable storage device connection unit 31.

Also, the relay device 20 distributes the work space deletion instruction command from the information processing apparatus operation detection unit 32 to the PC 10 as described above.

local PCs

6 and 11.

FIG. 25 is a flowchart illustrating a work space activation process of relay device 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 25, the difference from the flowchart of FIG. 7 is that steps S60 to S62 are added instead of step S6 #. Since the other points are the same as those described in FIG. 7, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

When resuming the workspace, it is determined in step S5 whether there is an SD card inserted (step S5). Then, when it is determined that there is an SD card inserted, data reading from the SD card is executed (step S6). Next, based on the data read from the SD card, it is determined whether or not the data read from the SD card has a hash value (step S60).

Next, when it is determined in step S60 that the SD card has a hash value, the work space control processing unit 22 transmits the hash value to the server 80 (step S61).

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 acquires the workspace control information and device management information transmitted from the server 80 based on the transmission of the hash value (step S62).

Then, the workspace control processing unit 22 generates workspace data based on the acquired workspace control information (step S7). Since the subsequent processing is the same, detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

With this method, as described above, for example, the work space shown in FIG. 10 is displayed again on the display unit of PC5, PC6, PC10, and PC11.

That is, in accordance with the operation instruction for ending the workspace, the workspace control information and the device management information are stored in the server 80, and the hash value for reading the information is stored in the SD card. When a meeting is held using the information sharing system once and then a meeting is held again using the information sharing system, each time the system is started In addition, it is not necessary to perform an operation for restoring from the initial state to the screen of the previous conference state, and it is possible to improve user convenience.

FIG. 26 is a diagram illustrating a process flow in each device when the read processing of another device management information stored in the SD card described in FIG. 20 according to the second embodiment of the present invention is executed.

Referring to FIG. 26, in this example, as an example, it is assumed that the relay device 20 inserts an SD card and executes the data reading process of the SD card.

Specifically, an SD card is inserted into the insertion slot 45 of the relay device 20, the SD card connection is detected in the removable storage device connection unit 31, and the detection result is detected by the removable storage device control unit 21. Data reading of the hash value stored in is performed.

Then, the work space control processing unit 22 of the relay device 20 transmits the hash value read from the SD card to the server 80.

The server 80 receives the hash value from the relay device 20, reads the device management information associated with the hash value and stored in the storage area, and transmits the read status information and device management information to the relay device 20. Send to.

Note that the restoration of the workspace based on the workspace control information transmitted from the server 80 is the same as that described above, and thus detailed description thereof will not be repeated.

Regarding the device management information stored in and read from the server 80, the device management information corresponding to the relay device 20 is output to the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 20. In accordance with the same method as described above, the device management processing unit 30 of the relay device 20 transmits the control information to the information device so that the connected information device has the same status based on the received device management information. The information is output to the control information management unit 26. The subsequent processing is the same as described in FIG.

By this operation, the hash value is stored in the SD card, and the device management information stored in the server 80 is read based on the hash value by inserting the SD card into the insertion slot, and the information device is returned to the original status. It can be restored.

Therefore, during the workspace termination process, by storing the hash value for reading the device management information stored in the server 80 in the SD card, the cooperation processing between the information device and the information sharing system is executed, When using an information device, the next time the workspace is launched, the device management information can be read from the server 80 based on the hash value and restored to the state before the end of the original workspace, There is no need to operate each information device independently, and the convenience of the user can be improved.

Further, in the configuration according to the second embodiment, the device management information is stored in the server 80 and the hash value is stored in the SD card. Therefore, even when the capacity of the SD card is not large, it is easy. It is possible to realize.

In the above, regarding the relay device activation process, after the relay device 20 is turned on, the relay device 20 instructs the local information processing apparatus to start up the initial screen of the workspace, for example. However, the present invention is not limited to this, and the initial screen for browsing / editing the workspace is started up by a local information processing apparatus. For example, the “Menu” item button in FIG. It is also possible to launch the initial screen of the workspace. At that time, in combination with the power-on of the relay device 20, it is also possible to execute the work space distribution process when the power of the relay device 20 is turned on.

Further, although the TV conference system has been described as an example of the information device according to the present invention, the present invention is not limited to the TV conference system, and is not limited to the projector, MFP, scanner, printer, camera, microphone, IP (Internet Protocol) telephone. Etc. In addition, it is also possible to provide a program that causes a computer to function for each unit that controls the relay device and executes control as described in the above flow. Such a program is stored on a computer-readable recording medium such as a flexible disk, CD-ROM (Compact Disk-Read Only Memory), ROM (Read Only Memory), RAM (Random Access Memory), and memory card attached to the computer. And can be provided as a program product. Alternatively, the program can be provided by being recorded on a recording medium such as a hard disk built in the computer. A program can also be provided by downloading via a network.

The program according to the present invention is a program module that is provided as a part of a computer operating system (OS) and calls necessary modules in a predetermined arrangement at a predetermined timing to execute processing. Also good. In that case, the program itself does not include the module, and the process is executed in cooperation with the OS. A program that does not include such a module can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

The program according to the present invention may be provided by being incorporated in a part of another program. Even in this case, the program itself does not include the module included in the other program, and the process is executed in cooperation with the other program. Such a program incorporated in another program can also be included in the program according to the present invention.

The provided program product is installed in a program storage unit such as a hard disk and executed. The program product includes the program itself and a recording medium on which the program is recorded.

The embodiment disclosed this time should be considered as illustrative in all points and not restrictive. The scope of the present invention is defined by the terms of the claims, rather than the description above, and is intended to include any modifications within the scope and meaning equivalent to the terms of the claims.

1, 2, information sharing unit, 5, 6, 10, 11 PC, 15, 16 TV conference system, 20, 25 repeater, 21 removable storage device control unit, 22 workspace control processing unit, 23 RAM, 24 connection Device identification processing unit, 26 Information device control information management unit, 28 Information device control processing unit, 29 Communication unit, 30 Device management processing unit, 31 Detachable storage device connection unit, 32 Information processing device operation detection unit, 33 ROM, 34 Information processing device transmission unit, 35 network, 36 connector unit, 38 internal bus, 40 DHCP service, 201 CPU, 203 internal bus, 205 display unit, 207 communication interface unit, 209 input unit, 211 HDD, 213 memory unit, 215 CD-ROM drive, 217 FDD drive.

Claims

A plurality of information processing devices (5, 10) each including display means for displaying a work area screen shared with each other;
A relay device (20) connected to at least one information processing device of the plurality of information processing devices,
The relay device is
Detachable detection means (31) for detecting the mounting of the removable storage device,
Detachable storage device control means (21) capable of reading and writing data with respect to the attached detachable storage device;
Control for restoring the previous work area screen written to the attached removable storage device by data writing by the removable storage device control means in response to the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection means An information sharing system comprising: transmission means (34) for reading information by data reading and transmitting the information to the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device.
Each of the information processing devices generates control information for restoring the current work area screen in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen, and transmits the control information to the detachable storage device control means of the relay device An information transmission means (201),
The detachable storage device control means stores control information for restoring the current work area screen transmitted from the control information transmission means in the detachable storage device to which the detachable storage device is attached. The information sharing system described.
When a removable storage device further storing connection information regarding a connection state of the at least one information processing device connected to the relay device is mounted, the removable storage device control means stores the stored connection information. Read data for
The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the transmission unit transmits the control information to the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device based on the connection information.
The relay device further includes device management means (30) for managing connection information related to a connection state with the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device,
The information sharing according to claim 1, wherein the removable storage device control means stores connection information managed by the device management means in the removable storage device in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen. System.
An information device (15) capable of at least one of input and output of information connected to the relay device;
When the detachable storage device storing the operation state information of the information device is attached, the detachable storage device control means executes data reading with respect to the stored operation state information,
The relay device includes device control means (28) for controlling the operation of the information device connected to the relay device,
2. The information sharing system according to claim 1, wherein the device control means controls the operation of the information device connected to the relay device based on the operation state information that has been read out.
The relay device further includes device management means (26) for managing operation state information related to an operation state of the information device connected to the relay device,
6. The information according to claim 5, wherein the removable storage device control unit stores the operation state information managed by the device management unit in the removable storage device in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen. Shared system.
The relay device has the same configuration as the relay device, and further includes another relay device (25) connected by a network,
At least one information processing device of the plurality of information processing devices is connected to the other relay device,
The relay device includes communication means (29) for performing data transfer with the other relay device via the network,
The transmission unit of the other relay device transmits the control information transmitted from the communication unit of the relay device via the network to the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the other relay device. The information sharing system according to claim 1.
The communication means of the another relay device provides connection information regarding a connection state of the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the other relay device via the network according to an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen. To the relay device,
The detachable storage device control means of the relay device stores connection information of the at least one information processing device connected to the another relay device in the attached detachable storage device. The information sharing system described.
An information device (16) capable of inputting and / or outputting information connected to the other relay device;
The another relay device includes device control means (28) for controlling the operation of the information device connected to the another relay device,
When the removable storage device storing the operation state information of the information device connected to the another relay device is attached, the removable storage device control means of the relay device is stored in the different storage device. Data read is performed on the operation state information of the information device connected to the relay device,
The communication means of the relay device transmits operation state information of the information device to the another relay device via the network,
8. The information sharing according to claim 7, wherein the device control means of the another relay device controls the operation of the information device connected to the other relay device based on the operation state information that has been read. System.
The another relay device further includes device management means (30) for managing operation state information related to an operation state of the information device connected to the another relay device,
The communication means of the another relay device sends operation state information related to the operation state of the information device connected to the other relay device via the network to the relay device in accordance with an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen. Send
The information according to claim 9, wherein the detachable storage device control means of the relay device stores operation state information related to an operation state of the information device in the detachable storage device in the attached detachable storage device. Shared system.
A plurality of information processing devices (5, 10) each including display means for displaying a work area screen shared with each other;
A relay device (15) connected to at least one information processing device of the plurality of information processing devices,
The relay device is
Detachable detection means (31) for detecting the mounting of the removable storage device,
Detachable storage device control means (21) capable of reading and writing data with respect to the attached detachable storage device,
In response to the detection result of the attachment / detachment detection means, the attachable / detachable storage device control means reads the read code written last time to the attached attachable / detachable storage device by data writing by data reading,
Storage device access means (22) capable of accessing the storage device, acquiring control information for restoring the previous work area screen from the storage device (80) connected to the relay device according to the read code; ,
The information sharing system further comprising a transmission means (34) for transmitting the acquired control information to the at least one information processing apparatus connected to the relay device.
Each of the information processing devices generates control information for restoring the current work area screen according to an instruction to end transmission of the work area screen, and transmits the control information to the storage device access means of the relay device (201)
The storage device access means obtains a read code by storing control information for restoring the current work area screen transmitted from the control information transmission means in the storage device,
12. The information sharing system according to claim 11, wherein the removable storage device control means stores the read code acquired by the storage device access means in the attached removable storage device.