JP2005173705A - Conference support system, program and storage medium - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide an environment, enabling a person to rapidly/easily/surely perform a display/description, while concentrating on discussions, and to enhance convenience of using the information (object) described in post-process. <P>SOLUTION: Object information that is the discussion content of a conference, such as preliminarily formed objects (text object, handwritten object, or file object) or information (objects) described on an information editing/describing area follows the concept of line. According to this, when the master of the conference, called a facilitator, selectively displays the preliminarily formed object in the information editing/describing area or describes information in the information editing/describing area, the user can display/describe the process of discussions, without being aware of the layout. Accordingly, the environment enabling a person to rapidly/easily/surely perform display/description, while concentrating on the discussions can be provided, and the convenience to use the described information (object) in post-process can be enhanced. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2005,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a conference support system, a program, and a storage medium that electronically support a conference, particularly a knowledge creation conference that is a face-to-face conference with a small number of people.

  In a conventional conference support system that supports conferences electronically, information provided by each participant to a public place is distributed and shared on the handset of all participants and a common screen that all participants can view. Furthermore, all the participants have simultaneously edited the shared information and provided a function for expressing (displaying, etc.) the results in a consistent and real-time manner.

  However, when implementing such functions, the complexity of the programs that make up the system consumes a large amount of computing resources, and it is easy to cause a decrease in operating speed, reliability, and robustness, and high usability. There is a problem that the system is difficult to be supplied.

  Therefore, the present applicant has proposed a conference support system in Patent Document 1 that can simplify the system by eliminating the need for synchronization processing in each information processing device used by the conference participants.

  According to the conference support system of Patent Document 1, the object operation system in the editing area follows the conventional whiteboard metaphor, and is characterized by a high degree of freedom in arranging various objects.

  In addition, according to the conference support system of Patent Document 1, a function for attaching a predetermined attribute to an object constituting a discussion process described in an editing area has been proposed. For example, the attributes shown in Patent Document 1 are simply pasted with labels (such as “conclusion” and “task”) that are simply expressed differently, such as a label character string, and an object is extracted according to the difference in the label and displayed in a predetermined view. It is intended to be viewed.

  Furthermore, Patent Document 1 describes that a conference document described by the conference support system can be stored and stored in a document management system on a network.

JP 2003-111042 A

  However, in the case of an operation system centered on a whiteboard metaphor, such as the conference support system described in Patent Document 1, there is a degree of freedom in arrangement, but the user needs to input while always being aware of the layout. There is a demerit.

  In addition, since the resolution of a large electronic display is not high compared to a conventional whiteboard that writes with ink markers, there is a demerit that the user is dissatisfied with “writing” in a system centered on handwriting. .

  In addition, replacing the conventional whiteboard method with electronic means has the advantage of paperless, but it is difficult to set the advantage in terms of utilizing the information itself in the subsequent process, so the user's merit is dilute become.

  In addition, in the problem of attribute assignment, if the attribute is simply a label character string, it is difficult to make the meaning of the attribute machine-readable because the expression of the label indicating the same intention is different. Specifically, for example, a label indicating the result of the discussion can express “conclusion”, “result”, “decision item”, and the like.

  In addition, Patent Document 1 also describes providing a search service for conference documents stored in storage on a network. For example, attributes attached to an object when information is shared among conference participants are described. It does not mention the provision of information. In addition, as described above, since the expression and meaning of the attribute vary depending on the user, it is possible to generate a view by extracting the object due to the difference in the expression of the assigned attribute. A view that correctly reflects the intention cannot be generated.

  An object of the present invention is to provide an environment in which information can be displayed / described quickly / simplely / reliably while concentrating on discussions, and to facilitate the use of information (objects) to be described in a subsequent process.

  It is an object of the present invention to effectively utilize information described during discussion for each individual.

  The conference support system according to claim 1 is a conference support system having a conference support device configured to display an information editing description area for describing the discussion contents of the conference as object information on a display device. The concept of a line exists in the information edit description area of the apparatus, and various objects are arranged in the information edit description area according to the line.

  Here, the object is information that can be described in the information editing description area, and includes a text object, a handwritten object, a file object, and the like.

  Therefore, object information that is a discussion content of the conference such as an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) created in advance or information (object) described in the information editing description area follows the concept of a line. . In this way, when an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) in which a facilitator called a facilitator is created in advance is selected and displayed in the information editing description area, or information is described in the information editing description area In addition, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, so that it is possible to provide an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. It is possible to make it convenient to use the information (object) to be described in a later process. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a conference support system which edits an object which is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing apparatus, and displays an information edit description area for describing information to be the object In the conference support system having the conference support apparatus displayed on the screen, there is a concept of a line in the information edit description area of the conference support apparatus, and various objects are displayed in the information edit description area according to the line. Be placed.

  Here, the object is information that can be described in the information editing description area, and includes a text object, a handwritten object, a file object, and the like.

  Therefore, the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) is displayed at a desired position in accordance with the concept of the line in the information editing description area, and the information (object) described in the information editing description area is also displayed on the line. Follow the concept. This allows the facilitator, called a facilitator, to be aware of the layout when selecting objects (text objects, handwritten objects, file objects) and displaying them in the information editing description area or writing information in the information editing description area. It is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without having to do so, and it is possible to provide an environment that can be quickly / simple / reliably displayed / written while concentrating on the discussion, and information to be described ( Convenience of use in the subsequent process of the object) can be achieved. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the first or second aspect, the information described in the information editing description area is stored in a storage unit on a network, and the information stored in the storage unit is stored in the storage unit. It is possible to browse using the browsing means of the information processing apparatus.

  Therefore, the information described during the discussion is stored in the storage means on the network, and the information described during the discussion can be effectively used for each individual.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the third aspect, the view by the browsing means can be customized for each conference participant.

  Therefore, usability can be improved.

  The invention according to claim 5 is the conference support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the attribute to be assigned to the object in the information editing description area is defined / assigned to assign meaning to the object. A semantic attribute is defined.

  Therefore, during the discussion using the information editing description area by all the conference participants, centering on the facilitator, the semantic attributes that are effective for the utilization of documents / information in the post-process are created for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner. It becomes possible to grant. As a result, the blurring of meaning due to the difference in the expression (label character string) is eliminated, and the information stored in the storage means is described during the discussion between the conference participants when browsing the information stored in the information processing apparatus using the browsing means. It becomes possible to provide an environment where information can be used effectively.

  The invention according to claim 6 is the conference support system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, wherein the attribute to be given for visually classifying the object as the attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area Defined visual attributes.

  Therefore, it is an attribute that is given to visually categorize objects for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner during discussions using information editing description areas by all conference participants, centering on facilitators. A certain visual attribute can be given. As a result, only the point can be easily and reliably conspicuous even after the meeting, so that the important context generated in the meeting can be surely shared with the meeting participants.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the fifth aspect, as the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information for giving an object the meaning of “information shared by all conference participants” and “specified User information that has the meaning of “information associated with conference participants” was defined.

  Therefore, in the semantic attribute assignment operation, the operation is conscious of only “add attribute” to the point of discussion and “specify person or not (shared attribute or user information attribute)” Just do it. As a result, the meaning of the point that is marked (attributed) and emphasized regardless of the expression becomes clear on the system.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the seventh aspect, the predetermined view of the browsing means of the information processing apparatus of all the conference participants determined based on the semantic attribute or the designated conference participants is displayed. The object to which the semantic attribute is assigned is displayed.

  Therefore, it is possible to define attributes that are effective for document / information utilization in the subsequent process, eliminate the blurring of meaning due to the difference in the expression (label character string), and effectively utilize the information described during the discussion among the conference participants. It becomes possible to provide.

  The conference support system according to claim 9 is a conference support system comprising: a conference support device configured to display an information editing description area for describing the discussion contents of the conference as object information on a display device. Information described in the description area is stored in a storage unit on the network, and the information stored in the storage unit can be browsed using the browsing unit of the information processing apparatus.

  Therefore, the information described during the discussion is stored in the storage means on the network, and the information described during the discussion can be effectively used for each individual.

  The conference support system of the invention described in claim 10 edits an object which is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing device, and displays an information edit description area for describing information to be the object In the conference support system having the conference support apparatus configured to display the information, the information described in the information edit description area is stored in a storage unit on a network, and the information stored in the storage unit is stored in the information processing apparatus. It is possible to browse using browsing means.

  Therefore, the information described during the discussion is stored in the storage means on the network, and the information described during the discussion can be effectively used for each individual.

  The program according to the eleventh aspect of the invention is readable by a computer that causes a computer to execute operation control of a conference support apparatus configured to display an information editing description area for describing discussion contents of a meeting as object information on a display device. The computer has a concept of a line in the information editing description area, and various objects are arranged in the information editing description area in accordance with the line.

  Therefore, object information that is a discussion content of the conference such as an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) created in advance or information (object) described in the information editing description area follows the concept of a line. . In this way, when an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) in which a facilitator called a facilitator is created in advance is selected and displayed in the information editing description area, or information is described in the information editing description area In addition, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, so that it is possible to provide an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. It is possible to make it convenient to use the information (object) to be described in a later process. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a twelfth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a program for editing an object, which is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing device, and displaying an information editing description area for describing information to be the object on a display device. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute operation control of the conference support apparatus configured to be performed, wherein the computer has a concept of a line in the information editing description area of the conference support apparatus, In the information edit description area, various objects are arranged according to the line.

  Therefore, the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) is displayed at a desired position in accordance with the concept of the line in the information editing description area, and the information (object) described in the information editing description area is also displayed on the line. Follow the concept. This allows the facilitator, called a facilitator, to be aware of the layout when selecting objects (text objects, handwritten objects, file objects) and displaying them in the information editing description area or writing information in the information editing description area. It is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without having to do so, and it is possible to provide an environment that can be quickly / simple / reliably displayed / written while concentrating on the discussion, and information to be described ( Convenience of use in the subsequent process of the object) can be achieved. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, a semantic attribute that is an attribute that is defined / assigned to assign meaning to an object is defined as an attribute that is assigned to the object in the information editing description area. did.

  Therefore, during the discussion using the information editing description area by all the conference participants, centering on the facilitator, the semantic attributes that are effective for the utilization of documents / information in the post-process are created for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner. It becomes possible to grant. As a result, the blurring of meaning due to the difference in the expression (label character string) is eliminated, and the information stored in the storage means is described during the discussion between the conference participants when browsing the information stored in the information processing apparatus using the browsing means. It becomes possible to provide an environment where information can be used effectively.

  The invention described in claim 14 is the attribute given to visually classify the object as the attribute given to the object in the information editing description area in the program according to any one of claims 11 to 13. Defined visual attributes.

  Therefore, it is an attribute that is given to visually categorize objects for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner during discussions using information editing description areas by all conference participants, centering on facilitators. A certain visual attribute can be given. As a result, only the point can be easily and reliably conspicuous even after the meeting, so that the important context generated in the meeting can be surely shared with the meeting participants.

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the thirteenth aspect, as the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information for giving an object a meaning of “information shared by all the conference participants” and “specified conference participation” User information that has the meaning of “information associated with a person” is defined.

  Therefore, in the semantic attribute assignment operation, the operation is conscious of only “add attribute” to the point of discussion and “specify person or not (shared attribute or user information attribute)” Just do it. As a result, the meaning of the point that is marked (attributed) and emphasized regardless of the expression becomes clear on the system.

  According to a sixteenth aspect of the present invention, a storage medium stores the program according to any one of the eleventh to fifteenth aspects.

  Therefore, the program according to any one of claims 11 to 15 can be handled in the form of a tangible object.

  According to the conference support system of the first aspect of the present invention, the discussion contents of the conference such as objects (text objects, handwritten objects, file objects) created in advance and information (objects) described in the information editing description area If the object information that follows is based on the concept of lines, an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) in which a facilitator called a facilitator is created in advance is selected and displayed in the information editing description area, or information When describing information in the edit description area, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, thus providing an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. Information that can be described (objects It is possible to achieve the convenience of use in subsequent steps. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to the conference support system of the invention described in claim 2, the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) is displayed at a desired position according to the concept of the line of the information editing description area, and the information editing description area The information (object) described above also follows the concept of lines, so the facilitator called the facilitator selects the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) and displays it in the information editing description area, or information When describing information in the edit description area, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, thus providing an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. Can post-process information (object) to be described It is possible to achieve the convenience of use. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a third aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the first or second aspect, the information described in the information editing description area is stored in a storage unit on a network, and the information stored in the storage unit is stored. Can be browsed using the browsing means of the information processing apparatus, so that the information described during the discussion is stored in the storage means on the network, and the information described during the discussion is effectively utilized for each individual. Can do.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the third aspect, the view by the browsing means can be customized for each conference participant, so that the usability can be improved.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, the definition / granting for assigning meaning to the object as an attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area. By defining the semantic attribute that is the attribute to be used, the information (object) that is generated / provided in a divergent manner during the discussion using the information editing description area by all the conference participants centered on the facilitator Semantic attributes that are effective for document / information utilization can be assigned, so that there is no blurring of meaning due to differences in their expressions (label character strings), and information stored in the storage means can be viewed using the browsing means of the information processing apparatus. When browsing, it is possible to provide an environment in which information described during discussions among conference participants can be effectively used.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the meeting support system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the attribute is given to visually classify the object as an attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area. By defining the visual attribute that is the attribute to be used, it is possible to visualize the object for the information (object) that is generated and provided in a divergent manner during the discussion using the information editing description area by all the conference participants centering on the facilitator. Visual attributes, which are attributes that are assigned to categorize them, can be given easily and reliably even after the meeting, and important contexts that occurred during the meeting can be reliably confirmed. Can be shared with participants.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the fifth aspect, as the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information that gives the object the meaning of “information shared by all conference participants” and “ By defining user information that has the meaning of `` information associated with specified conference participants '', in the semantic attribute assignment operation, `` add attributes '' to the points of discussion and `` specify people '' Or not (whether it is a shared attribute or a user information attribute), it is only necessary to operate the system, so the meaning of the point that is marked (attributed) and emphasized regardless of its expression is the system It becomes clear above.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, in the conference support system according to the seventh aspect, all of the conference participants determined based on the semantic attribute or a predetermined means for browsing the information processing apparatus of the designated conference participant By displaying objects with the relevant semantic attributes in the view, you can define attributes that are useful for document / information utilization in the subsequent process, eliminate the blurring of meaning due to differences in their expressions (label strings), and participate in meetings It is possible to provide an environment in which the information described during discussions can be used effectively.

  According to the meeting support system of the invention described in claim 9, in the meeting support system having a meeting support apparatus configured to display an information editing description area for describing the discussion content of the meeting as object information on a display device. Information described in the discussion by storing the information described in the information editing description area in the storage means on the network and enabling the information stored in the storage means to be browsed using the browsing means of the information processing apparatus. Is stored in a storage means on the network, and the information described in this discussion can be used effectively for each individual.

  According to the conference support system of the invention described in claim 10, the information editing description area for editing the object which is the personal knowledge transmitted by the conference participant via the information processing apparatus and describing the information to be the object is provided. In a conference support system having a conference support apparatus configured to be displayed on a display device, information described in the information editing description area is stored in a storage unit on a network, and the information stored in the storage unit is stored in the information processing By making the browsing possible using the browsing means of the apparatus, the information described during the discussion is stored in the storage means on the network, and the information described during the discussion can be used effectively for each individual.

  According to the program of the invention as set forth in claim 11, the discussion contents of the conference such as an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) created in advance or information (object) described in the information editing description area When object information follows the concept of lines, an object (text object, handwritten object, file object) for which a conference facilitator called facilitator is created in advance is selected and displayed in the information editing description area, or information editing description When describing information in an area, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, so that it is possible to provide an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. Of the information (object) to be described It is possible to achieve the convenience of use in step. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to the program of the twelfth aspect of the present invention, the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) is displayed at a desired position according to the concept of the line of the information editing description area, and on the information editing description area. The information to be described (object) also follows the concept of lines, so the facilitator called the facilitator selects the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) and displays it in the information edit description area, or the information edit description When describing information in an area, it is possible to display / describe the process of discussion without being conscious of the layout, so that it is possible to provide an environment that allows quick / easy / reliable display / description while concentrating on the discussion. As well as the information (object) to be described It is possible to achieve the convenience of use. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  According to a thirteenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the eleventh or twelfth aspect, as an attribute to be assigned to an object on the information editing description area, a semantic attribute which is an attribute to be defined / assigned to assign a meaning to the object By defining information, it is effective for utilizing documents / information in subsequent processes for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner during discussions using information editing description areas by all conference participants, mainly facilitators. It is possible to assign various semantic attributes. As a result, the blurring of meaning due to the difference in the expression (label character string) is eliminated, and the information stored in the storage means is described during the discussion between the conference participants when browsing the information stored in the information processing apparatus using the browsing means. An environment where information can be used effectively can be provided.

  According to a fourteenth aspect of the present invention, in the program according to any one of the eleventh to thirteenth aspects, an attribute to be given for visually classifying an object as an attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area By defining visual attributes, the object can be visualized for information (objects) generated and provided in a divergent manner during discussions using the information editing description area centered on the facilitator. Visual attributes, which are attributes that are assigned to classify, can be given, so that only those points can be easily and reliably noticed even after the meeting, and the important contexts that occurred during the meeting can be reliably confirmed. Can be shared on

  According to a fifteenth aspect of the invention, in the program according to the thirteenth aspect, as the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information that gives an object the meaning of “information shared by all the conference participants” and “specified” By defining user information that has the meaning of `` information associated with conference participants '', in the semantic attribute assignment operation, `` Add attribute '' to the point of discussion and `` Specify whether to specify person '' It is only necessary to be aware of whether or not (whether it is a shared attribute or a user information attribute), and the meaning of the point that is marked and emphasized (with the attribute added) regardless of its expression Become clear.

  According to the storage medium of the invention described in claim 16, by storing the program according to any one of claims 11 to 15, the program according to any one of claims 11 to 15 is handled in the form of a tangible object. Can do.

[First embodiment]
A first embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

[1. System overview]
FIG. 1 shows the configuration of the conference support system of the present embodiment. A collaboration space is a meeting place. The team work space is a place where individuals work as a team while doing their assigned work, and corresponds to a personal desk when working in an organization. The personal workspace is a place where a user works using only a personal computer (PC) that is his / her information processing apparatus regardless of other users. In contrast to the former two, it means a place of personal work as a concept rather than a concrete place.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the present embodiment, application programs that exist in a form visible to the user are “Canvas”, “Basket”, “BasketClient”, and “Personal Cabin”. Hereinafter, for the sake of simplicity, “Personal Cabin” is assumed to be “Cabin”. “Canvas”, “Basket”, and “BasketClient” are application programs mainly used in the collaboration space.

  “Canvas” is an application program that is assumed to be used mainly by a facilitator called a facilitator. The application program is a program that operates on a PC brought in by the facilitator or a PC provided in the conference room. A large display device 103 such as a projector is used on the screen of the PC on which “Canvas” operates, and is displayed so that all the participants in the conference can see. The main function of “Canvas” is that the facilitator records and visualizes the context of the discussion as the meeting progresses. It provides functions that have traditionally been handled by whiteboards in an enhanced form. The information to be described includes text input by a keyboard, a file icon, a handwritten figure, and the like. That is, “Canvas” functions as an information editing description area. Such a PC on which “Canvas” operates is a conference support apparatus.

  “Basket” has a function of collecting document files created in advance by facilitators and conference participants, instant messages that have come up on the spot, handwritten sketches, and the like, and literally functions as a “cage”. This operates on the same PC as the PC on which “Canvas” operates. Information sent by the participant to the facilitator using “BasketClient” to be described later is displayed cumulatively in “Basket”. The facilitator can paste the information displayed in “Basket” into “Canvas” by an operation such as Drag & Drop. That is, “Basket” functions as an information sharing area.

  “BasketClient” is an application program for sending document files created by conference participants in advance, instant messages that came up on the spot, hand-drawn sketches, etc. to “Basket” of the facilitator. Works with.

  The discussion process described in “Canvas” can be written to a local storage (hard disk, flexible disk, etc.) 100 used by the facilitator, that is, “Canvas”, and saved as a conference document. Furthermore, the stored conference document can be read again into “Canvas” and the contents can be edited.

  Further, the discussion process described in “Canvas” can be saved as a conference document in a network storage (hard disk, flexible disk, etc.) 102 which is a storage means on the network 101. At the time of storage, a predetermined bibliographic item is attached and stored. Bibliographic items specifically include the meeting name, the date and time location, the members, and the like. In the following, a document described in “Canvas” is simply referred to as “conference document” regardless of the storage location (local storage 100, network storage 102).

  The conference document stored in the network storage 102 can be viewed from another PC via the network 101. The tool for browsing this is “Personal Cabin” (hereinafter referred to as “Cabin”). “Cabin” is configured as a web browser. The user uses “Cabin” by starting a Web browser from his / her PC and specifying a predetermined URL (Uniform Resource locator). “Cabin” is used by logging in for each user to use. Therefore, the view provided by “Cabin” is different for each user.

[1-1. Basket functions]
“Basket” runs on a PC running “Canvas”. “Basket” is activated as a part of “Canvas” in the first embodiment (see FIGS. 2 and 3), and “Canvas” or a predetermined activation operation (button, menu) from the operating system as the second embodiment. Etc.), it can be considered that When “Basket” is activated, a display part for displaying the received information and a password that is required to be input by “BasketClient” for sending information to this “Basket” are displayed. The password is a combination of the IP address and port number of the PC on which “Basket” operates, or a character string encoded uniquely from these character strings. One “Basket” program has one port number for information exchange. When the access password issuing function is activated, the port scan is performed from the default port number (for example, 3000), and if the port is already in use, the default port number is incremented by 1 (for example, 3001, 3002,... If acquisition of the port number is successful, the port number is set. This password is issued not for the purpose of a security password but for the purpose of a pointer for designating the destination “Basket” from “BasketClient”. Therefore, a character string that is easy for the user to visually recognize is desirable.

  The user of “BasketClient” performs an operation of sending information by inputting the password displayed in “Basket” that is the other party to whom information is to be sent to “BasketClient”. When “Basket” receives predetermined information, this list is displayed (see FIG. 3). The information displayed in the list can be pasted on “Canvas” by Drag & Drop. At this time, according to the difference between the character string of the information, the file, and the type of handwriting, the object is inserted in the manner of inserting an object into “Canvas” described later.

[1-2. BasketClient functions]
“BasketClient” runs on the PC of any conference participant. “BasketClient” includes a user interface for inputting text, handwriting, and file information to “Basket” (see FIG. 4). Further, a password input area for designating a transmission destination is displayed. In the password input area, the user sees the password displayed in “Basket” of the other party to be sent, and inputs the same character string. The entered password is retained internally until “BasketClient” is terminated. Therefore, once the user inputs the password of “Basket” used by the facilitator, information can be sent to “Basket” at any time without password input operation by activating “BasketClient” during the conference period.

[1-3. Canvas functions]
Next, the function of “Canvas” will be described.

[1-3-1. Information that can be described in Canvas]
First, information that can be described in Canvas will be described. The types of information that can be described in “Canvas” are text, handwriting, and file. Hereinafter, these are called a text object, a handwritten object, and a file object, respectively.

  The basic part of “Canvas” has a function as a rich text editor, and allows a user (facilitator as a role) to input text using a keyboard. That is, “Canvas” has a concept of a row, and in “Canvas”, various objects are arranged according to the row.

  The text object is an object for inputting a text mainly in units of one line when a user performs a predetermined operation. This text object is inserted at an arbitrary position between rich text lines. Specifically, it is inserted by pressing a “text” button of a menu arranged on the right in FIG. 5 or selecting a menu or keyboard shortcut to which a similar function is assigned.

  Here, the text object creation processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 6, a text object is generated on the outline view. In FIG. 6, the label “new item” is given by default. That is, a text box displaying a character string such as “new item” as a default value is generated. If the selected object exists on the outline view, it is generated directly under the selected object. In this case, it is generated at the same indent level as that of the object one level above. If the object does not exist, it is generated at the top level. In this case, the indent level is set to the leftmost position (minimum). Then, after the object is generated, the object is selected. When an object cannot be displayed in the view space, it can be scrolled in both the vertical and horizontal directions. When entering the display area, the scroll bar is not displayed. If the display area does not fit, the scroll bar in the direction that does not fit is displayed. Regarding the operation of the scroll bar in the display state, when the horizontal scroll bar moves the slider to the right, the display area of the view space moves to the left. When the vertical scroll bar moves the slider down, the view space moves up. When the slider moves to the point where the first object is displayed at the top, prevent further sliding. Similarly, once the slider has moved to the point where the last object is displayed at the bottom, no further sliding is allowed.

  The handwritten object is for generating an object mainly for inputting paint drawing information when a user performs a predetermined operation. This handwritten object is inserted at an arbitrary position between the rich text lines. Specifically, it is inserted by pressing a “handwriting” button of a menu arranged on the right in FIG. 5 or selecting a menu or keyboard shortcut to which a similar function is assigned.

  Here, the creation process of the handwritten object will be described in detail with reference to FIG. As shown in FIG. 7A, a handwritten object is generated on the outline view. The generation position is the same as that of the text object. The object name of the handwritten object is generated from time information by default. For example, when it is generated on November 27, 2002 at 12:43:25, it is given an object name such as “20021127_124325 handwritten”, and when saved, it is saved as a file name such as “20021127_124325 handwritten.bmp”. As shown in FIG. 7B, the object name is displayed in a small label at the upper left corner of the handwritten object. If you click the label of this object name and leave the mouse at that position for a certain period of time, you can edit this object name from the keyboard. The object name is a single-line character string without line breaks, and is, for example, a character string of 255 characters or less. When a line feed is pressed at the label portion of this object name or an editing operation of another object is performed, the object name is entered and confirmed. As shown in FIG. 7C, when the label portion is double-clicked, only the label portion is displayed (FIG. 7D). Double-clicking on the label part again returns to the original display state (acts like an outline processor).

  The handwritten object has a reduced state and a maximized state. In the maximized state, handwritten editing can be performed. Handwritten editing cannot be performed in the reduced state.

  The handwritten object is generated in a reduced state (iconized) by default. In this case, an object that is cleared by the background color is generated.

  Further, when the one upper-level object is a handwritten object, the display state of the upper-level handwritten object is inherited. That is, it is generated in the reduced state when in the reduced state, and in the maximized state when in the maximized state. If the one upper object is an object other than a handwritten object, it is generated in a reduced state.

  After the object is generated, the object is selected.

  The file object is for generating an icon for referring to an external file when the user performs a predetermined operation. This file object is inserted at an arbitrary position between rich text lines. Specifically, a file selection dialog is opened by selecting a menu or a keyboard shortcut to which a similar function is assigned by pressing a “file” button of a menu arranged on the right in FIG. 5 and selecting a file. Is inserted. Alternatively, a file icon on a PC on which “Canvas” operates can be directly inserted by dragging and dropping.

  Here, the file object creation processing will be described in detail with reference to FIG. First, a dialog box for selecting a file / folder is displayed. Thereafter, when the user selects a file, a file object is generated on the outline view associated with the file selected by the user, as shown in FIG. After the object is generated in this way, the object is set in a selected state. As shown in FIG. 8A, the object name of the file object is a file name by default. The object name is displayed in a small label at the upper left corner of the file object. As shown in FIG. 8 (b), when the object name portion label is clicked and the mouse is left at a certain position for a certain period of time, the object name can be edited from the keyboard as shown in FIG. 8 (c). The object name is a single-line character string without line breaks, and is, for example, a character string of 255 characters or less. When a line feed is pressed at the label portion of this object name or an editing operation of another object is performed, the object name is entered and confirmed. As shown in FIG. 8C, when the label portion is double-clicked, only the label portion is displayed (FIG. 8D). Double-clicking on the label part again returns to the original display state (acts like an outline processor).

  Furthermore, text, file, and handwritten objects can be transmitted from “BasketClient” to “Basket”. On the receiving side, each object is listed in “Basket”. By dragging & dropping from the displayed list, each object can be pasted to “Canvas”.

[1-3-2. Object editing function]
Next, an object editing function will be described. Text, handwriting, and file objects can be edited as follows.

  As shown in FIG. 9A, when the mouse is clicked on an object, the object is selected. It should be noted that the user can visually recognize that the selected object is in the selected state, for example, the color or line width of the surrounding frame changes. For an object that has been deselected, the surrounding frame color and line width are restored to their original values.

  In the case of a text object, as shown in FIG. 9B, when the user clicks on the object, the object is in the selected state and the cursor position of the text box moves to the text near the click (see FIG. 9C). . In the case of a text object, as shown in FIG. 9 (d), the cursor is placed inside the text box and the text string inside the text is edited, and the text string is selected by the mouse like a normal text editor. Make it possible. That is, it is assumed that a character string sandwiched between the start and end positions of mouse drag can be selected. As shown in FIG. 9E, when a text object is selected and is in an editable state, when the left and right arrow keys are pressed, the editing cursor moves to the left and right. Furthermore, when a text object is selected and is in an editable state, as shown in FIG. 9F, when the cursor is at the end of the line of the character string and the right arrow key is pressed, the selected object moves to the next line. (See FIG. 9G). When the selection destination is a text object, it is made editable as soon as it is selected, and the cursor is moved to the beginning of the line.

  On the other hand, when the right arrow key is pressed while a handwritten object or a file object is selected, the selected object moves to the next line. When the selection destination is a text object, it is made editable as soon as it is selected, and the cursor is moved to the beginning of the line.

  When the text object is selected and is in an editable state, when the cursor is at the beginning of the character string and the left arrow key is pressed, the selected object moves to the previous line as shown in FIG. (See FIG. 9 (i)). When the selection destination is a text object, it is made editable as soon as it is selected, and the cursor is moved to the end of the line.

  When a handwritten object or a file object is selected, pressing the left arrow key moves the selected object to the previous line. When the selection destination is a text object, it is made editable as soon as it is selected, and the cursor is moved to the end of the line.

  Drag the mouse on the outline view space. If there is an object inside the rectangle between the mouse drag start position and the mouse release position, that object is selected. If the rectangles overlap even a little, the object is selected (see FIG. 9 (j)).

  As described above, when the mouse is clicked, the object is selected. Further, when the mouse is clicked while pressing the Ctrl key, a plurality of objects are selected as shown in FIG. When the Ctrl key is pressed and the selected object is clicked again, the selection is canceled. When an object is selected by clicking the mouse while holding down the Shift key, if an object below the first selected object is selected, the object including the object between the first and the object is continuously selected. When an object in the upward direction is selected from the object selected first, the object is continuously selected including the object between the object in the upward direction and the object selected first. However, as shown in FIG. 9L, it is assumed that the selection of the character string portion inside the text box cannot be selected among a plurality of text objects.

  When the up / down arrow key is pressed, as shown in FIG. 9 (m), the objects in the selected state sequentially move up or down. When a single text object is selected, the text object becomes editable, and the cursor is moved to the beginning of the character string portion.

  When Ctrl + Alt + up / down arrow keys are pressed, the selection state of objects having the same indent level is sequentially moved to the upper or lower level as shown in FIG. 9 (n).

  When Ctrl + Alt + Shift + up / down arrow keys are pressed, as shown in FIG. 9 (o), objects having the same attribute are sequentially moved in the upper or lower direction.

  Also, as shown in FIG. 9 (p), when a handle for displaying an attribute (icon displayed at the head of the object) is clicked, an object having a large indent level below that object is selected (the entire tree is selected). select.). On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 9 (q), when the handle portion of the attribute is double-clicked, the tree below the object is closed (Fold state). When double-clicking again, the tree is opened (Expand state) as shown in FIG. It is assumed that the display state of the child tree is that before being closed. Furthermore, when the object is in the closed state, the tree below that object is in the Fold state below the object on the topmost tree in the closed state (the object whose tree is in the Fold state earlier). To show, highlight it with an underline.

  When “HOME” is pressed from the keyboard, the display position of the outline view is moved to the position where the topmost object of the outline view is located. When “END” is pressed from the keyboard, the display position of the outline view is moved to a position where the object at the rearmost of the outline view is located.

[1-3-3. Object search / replace function]
Next, the object search / replacement function will be described. Text, handwriting, and file objects can be searched based on character strings.

  First, text object search / replacement processing will be described. The text object search / replacement process is a process of retrieving / replacing character string information held in the text object. When “Search” or “Replace” is selected from the menu, a search / replacement dialog as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. When a search word or replacement word is entered in this dialog, the display label and comment character string held in the text object are searched and replaced. Then, as shown in FIG. 11, the scroll is moved so that the matched object is near the center of the outline view space, and the matched object is selected.

  Next, handwritten object search / replacement processing will be described. The handwritten object search process is a process of searching and replacing character string information in the label portion of the handwritten object. When “Search” or “Replace” is selected from the menu, a search / replacement dialog as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. When a search word and a replacement word are input to this dialog, the display label and the comment character string held by the handwritten object are searched and replaced. Then, as shown in FIG. 12, the scroll is moved so that the matched object is near the center of the outline view space, and the matched object is selected.

  Next, file object search / replacement processing will be described. The file object search process is a process of searching and replacing character string information in the label portion of the file object. When “Search” or “Replace” is selected from the menu, a search / replacement dialog as shown in FIG. 10 is displayed. When a search word or replacement word is input to this dialog, the display label (file name) held by the file object is searched, and the character string of the comment is searched and replaced. Then, as shown in FIG. 13, the scroll is moved so that the matched object is near the center of the outline view space, and the matched object is selected.

[1-3-4. Object layout editing function]
Next, an object layout editing function will be described. The description of the discussion process has a layout editing function (indent processing function and movement processing function) on the screen of the created object in order to achieve the following object.
(1). Visualize opinions by expressing bulletin descriptions of the discussion process.
(2). Organize the flow of discussions by hierarchizing by indenting bullets and moving hierarchical objects in hierarchical units. Specific operation is shown below.

  First, the indent processing function will be described. The indent processing function changes the indent level of the selected object. After selecting an object, select "Right" or "Left" from the menu, or press the Tab key or Shift + Tab key from the keyboard. For example, when “Right” is selected from the menu, the indent level of the selected object is increased (moved to the right) by a predetermined length. If the length is longer than the specified length, the indent level should not be raised any further. When “left” is selected from the menu, the indent level of the selected object is lowered (moved to the left) by a predetermined length as shown in FIG. When the indent level is minimum, the indent level is prevented from being lowered any further. Also, when the Tab key is pressed, the process is increased by one level, and when Shift + Tab key is pressed, the process is decreased by one level.

  In addition, as shown in FIG. 15, the indentation level operation can be performed even if the mouse is moved left and right while the attribute handle portion of the object is dragged with the mouse (the object is selected). When the mouse is moved left and right in the mouse drag state, a line segment indicating the indent position is drawn in the vertical direction at each horizontal position of the indent level. When the distance is closer to you than the horizontal center position of each indent level, a line segment is drawn toward the closest indent level. When the mouse is released at that position, the selected object moves to the indent level where the line segment is displayed, that is, the distance is closer.

  There are two operations for moving the attribute handle portion in the drag state: indent processing and movement processing described later. The separation of the two processes is performed based on the horizontal / vertical movement difference obtained by the mouse movement event when the next mouse movement event occurs in the dragged state. In other words, indent processing is performed if the movement is greater in the horizontal direction, and movement processing is performed if the movement is greater in the vertical direction.

  Next, the movement processing function will be described. The movement processing function changes the layout position of the selected object. After selecting an object, select “Move Up” or “Move Down” from the menu, or drag and drop with the mouse. For example, when “move up” is selected from the menu, the position of the selected object is replaced with the object one above. When “move down” is selected from the menu, the position of the selected object is replaced with the next lower object.

  On the other hand, when Drag & Drop with the mouse, if there is one selected object, the object is moved / inserted at the dropped position as shown in FIG. The vertical position of the object below the insertion position is successively lowered. The objects below the position of the movement source are sequentially moved up and packed. The selected object that has moved is directly selected. Further, as shown in FIG. 17, the same movement is performed when there are a plurality of selected objects. However, when an object that is a plurality of objects and is at a distant position is selected, these objects are packed and expanded while maintaining the upper and lower order at the position of the forward dimension at the movement destination.

  As described above, when the selected object is moved with the mouse, if the object is inserted at a distance close to the insertion destination object, as shown in FIG. 18, an underline is displayed below the insertable object. Highlight. Underline highlighting is performed at the bottom of the object where the vertical coordinate of the mouse is close to the vertical position of the center of gravity of the display state of the object. The underline is one pixel, and a black line is drawn from the horizontal left end of the outline view to the maximum position on the right.

  Regarding the drag operation of the attribute handle part, the method of separating the indent process and the move process is as described in the corresponding description part of the indent process.

[1-3-5. Attribute assignment]
The function of displaying the process of discussion by saving the content described in “Canvas” in the network storage 102 and viewing it from “Cabin” to convert it into a view for each user was described in the overview of the system. In this embodiment, in order to realize this, an approach for realizing this is taken by describing machine-readable attributes in the description of the discussion process. Here, two attributes are defined as attributes. One is defined as a visual attribute and the other as a semantic attribute.

  First, visual attributes will be described. The visual attribute is mainly an attribute related to the appearance of the object on “Canvas”, that is, an attribute given to visually classify the object, and includes title information, display color information, and icon information. This visual attribute is an attribute displayed on the right side of the object. Specifically, when information is described on “Canvas”, which is an attribute that defines the color, size, and shape of the symbol (handle) displayed at the beginning of each object on “Canvas”, it visually stands out. Use this when you want to pick it up. For example, an operation of changing the leading symbol from the default black to red. In the present embodiment, the number of visual attributes is 7 types + “none” (attributes given to objects by default).

  The title information constituting the visual attribute is a label character string of the visual attribute (255 characters or less including full-width). Although not displayed on the screen, it is used when searching when the edit dialog is displayed.

  As display color information constituting the visual attribute, seven display colors are set as display colors by default. The display color is expressed as a 32-bit long type. Furthermore, it is assumed that the user can customize and use his / her favorite color.

  As icon information constituting the visual attribute, marks such as a round shape, a square shape, a triangular shape, a diamond shape, and a star shape are prepared by default. In addition, the user can use any character as an icon. In this case, the font type and characters can be selected. The icon information is one full-width character or one half-width character.

  Next, semantic attributes will be described. A semantic attribute is an attribute that is defined / assigned to assign meaning to an object indicating a discussion process described on “Canvas”, gives a semantic state to the object, and is uploaded to the server (network storage 102). Are attributes that are assigned to perform various processes such as sharing and behavior, and sharing information (attribute value: true / false, label string), user information (attribute value: "person" list) ), Date and time information (attribute values: INIT, FINAL, NOW; each has a time including date). This semantic attribute is an attribute displayed on the right side of the object.

  When the conference file is uploaded to the server (network storage 102) and is made public to a plurality of people, the shared information constituting the semantic attribute shares the public status of the conference file. It is displayed by default on the person's portal page. Each user can also hide this display state. More specifically, if the shared information has a value of true, it means that it should be shared by all conference members. Specifically, an object whose sharing information is true is handled as information that is particularly picked up and memorized by all the conference members, and is picked up and displayed in a predetermined view of “Cabin” of all the conference members. Furthermore, the label character string is a character string that can be arbitrarily defined when the user assigns a shared information attribute to an arbitrary object on “Canvas”. For example, it is a character string such as “conclusion” and “problem”. This can be an empty string.

  When the conference information is uploaded to the server (network storage 102), the user information constituting the semantic attribute is displayed by default on the portal page on the user pointed to by the attribute information. A plurality of pieces of user information can be given to one object. It is also possible to delete user information once added. Each user can also hide this display state. More specifically, the user information is a list of “people”. Specifically, it is a list of ID information that points to a machine-readable “person” defined by the system, such as “user ID” and “mail address” for specifying “person”. Hereinafter, it is simply referred to as “user ID”.

  The user ID must be unique in the entire “Canvas” and “Cabin” system. The user ID is desirably managed uniquely using a mechanism such as a directory service not described here. “Canvas” has a unique “user ID list” in the entire system for each machine or user on which it operates. The user ID list of “Canvas” is such that the user individually copies a desired user ID from the directory service or is manually input by the user. This is a form similar to the “personal address book” of e-mail software, for example.

  An object to which a user information attribute is assigned is defined as an object having an important meaning for “person” indicated by the attribute value. Specifically, it is a “ToDo” item of “person” as a target. An object to which user information is assigned is picked up and displayed in a predetermined view of “Cabin” of “person” indicated by the value.

  The date and time information constituting the semantic attribute has year, month, day, hour, minute, and second information, and is displayed in one-byte YYYY / MM / DD HH: MM: SS format. Of the date and time, when only using the date and not using the time, the user can select not to use the time. The date / time information has three states: INIT, FINAL, and NOW. NOW is the time when the attribute is assigned and indicates the current time of the computer at that time. INIT is the time that means the beginning of things and indicates the start of the plan, and FINAL is the time that means the end of things and indicates the end date and time of the plan. In the case of NOW, the current time is set as it is. For INIT and FINAL, select the date and time from the user interface such as a calendar and clock. Specifically, for example, in conjunction with “user information”, the object has meaning as “ToDo” that associates the time (NOW), delivery date (FINAL), and person in charge (“people” list) when the request occurred. Used when

  Next, an attribute assignment function for assigning the above-described attributes (visual attribute and semantic attribute) to an object will be described. When “attribute assignment” is selected from the menu, an attribute menu is displayed. When the desired attribute item field is clicked from this attribute menu, the attribute specified by the user is assigned to the selected object. If the selected object does not exist, the process is interrupted.

  When the assigned attribute is a visual attribute, as shown in FIG. 19, it is immediately visually displayed as a handle (icon) at the head of the object so that it can be seen that the attribute is given to the object. . Each visual attribute has a display / non-display state. Only those in the display state are displayed on the attribute menu relating to visual attributes. Also, only one visual attribute can be assigned to one object.

  On the other hand, when the assigned attribute is a semantic attribute, as shown in FIG. 20, it is immediately visually displayed as an icon on the upper right end portion of the object so that it can be understood that the attribute is given to the object. . In addition, as an icon displayed when a semantic attribute is provided, for example, the icon shown in FIG. 21 is prepared. Such semantic attributes can be deleted from the object. As an operation, as shown in FIG. 22, by clicking on the icon of the semantic attribute given to the object and selecting “Delete” from the opened dialog, the corresponding semantic attribute given to the object is changed. Deleted. After deletion, the icons are sequentially packed on the left side.

  A plurality of semantic attributes can be assigned to one object. That is, sharing information, user information, and date / time information can be simultaneously given to one object. However, it has the following constraints. Only one piece of shared information, user information, and date / time information can be assigned to one object. However, multiple date / time information can be assigned to items with different NOW, INIT, and FINAL states. If the user information has already been given to the object as an attribute, a user information editing dialog is displayed as further specifying user information for a plurality of users. For an attribute that cannot be given to the object under the above-described constraint conditions while the object is selected, the corresponding button on the menu is set to a disabled state. When text information is input to the sharing information, the content of the text information is displayed small below the sharing information icon. The number of characters that can be displayed is about 8 characters, and if it exceeds that, the middle part is marked with “...” As “This is the conclusion.”

  Next, an attribute editing function for editing information on the above-described attributes (visual attributes and semantic attributes) will be described. First, editing of visual attributes will be described. In the case of visual attributes, when “attribute assignment” is selected from the menu, a visual attribute editing dialog as shown in FIG. 23 is displayed. As shown in FIG. 23, each attribute is displayed as a tab strip. Select a title character string (255 characters or less), an attribute character (1 character), a display color (32-bit Long type), and a display state (check box, Bool type). However, the attribute 1 of the visual attribute is a system reserved attribute as the default “none” attribute. Each attribute has a display / non-display state, and a non-display state is not displayed on the attribute menu used in the attribute assignment function. When the visual attribute is changed, it is made to correspond to the updated icon display state of the corresponding attribute portion of the visual attribute in the attribute menu.

  Next, editing of semantic attributes will be described. When editing the semantic attribute, as shown in FIG. 24, a dialog according to the individual semantic attribute information is displayed by clicking on the icon assigned to the individual object.

  In the case of sharing information, a dialog as shown in FIG. 25 is displayed. The title character string is 255 characters or less. The semantic attribute is deleted from the object by confirming with OK, canceling with cancellation, and deleting. For the title character string input form, auto-complete of the text box is set, and the candidate is displayed when the user inputs halfway. For character strings that are considered to be frequently used, such as “Conclusion”, “Problem”, “Purpose”, and “Material”, the character string is inserted into the title when the button is pressed.

  In the case of user information, a dialog as shown in FIG. 26 is displayed. In the dialog, user names and the like are listed, and an add to list button is used to add to the lower list, and a delete from list button is used to delete from the lower list. The semantic attribute is deleted from the object by confirming with OK, canceling with cancellation, and deleting.

  In the case of date information, a dialog as shown in FIG. 27 is displayed. The dialog has an interface such as a calendar and a clock, a check box indicating whether to use time, and a check box (exclusive selection) indicating the states of now, init, and final. Select the date from the calendar and the time from the clock. However, if you select now from the check box, the calendar and clock are disabled. In the case of clock display False, the clock is disabled. The semantic attribute is deleted from the object by confirming with OK, canceling with cancellation, and deleting. If the semantic attribute of the date / time information with the same now, init, and final status has already been assigned after confirmation with OK, an error message is displayed and the same processing as cancellation is performed.

[1-3-6. File upload / download function]
As described above, the file (conference document) can be stored not only in the local storage 100 but also in the network storage 102 on the network 101. By saving in the network storage 102, the content can be viewed from any PC on which the web browser operates via “Cabin”. Hereinafter, this is described as “upload to server”.

  Here, the procedure for uploading the file to the server is shown. Select “Upload to server” from the “Canvas” menu or a predetermined operation. At this time, login processing to the server is first executed. In the server login process, when a server to be connected is selected from the server selection combo box, a login operation screen is displayed. Enter the user ID in the login field of this login operation screen and the password in the password field. When the OK button is pressed or when the return key is pressed in the password field, a login operation is executed. If the cancel button is pressed, the process is interrupted. If the server is available and the user ID and password are valid, login to the server is successful. If it fails, an error message is output and the login operation screen is displayed again.

  After the login process, a list of conference files related to users registered in the server is acquired and displayed in a list format. The conference displayed here is “conference name” described in the conference document in which the login user is defined as the owner. If an existing conference name is selected from the conference file list, the conference document on the server is overwritten with the content of “Canvas” for the conference. When a new conference name is input, a conference document is registered on the server with the conference name, and the login user is set as the owner in this conference document. In addition, when registering the conference file, bibliographic items such as the date and time of the event and the participants can be input as necessary.

  When overwriting a registered file, the lock state on the server is determined. For example, when a bibliographic item of a file is being edited by a service on the Web, overwriting cannot be performed. While the conference file is being uploaded, the server side locks so that other clients can not write to and read the same file.

  Next, a procedure for starting “Canvas” and downloading a conference document on the server (network storage 102) will be described. Select “Download from Server” from the “Canvas” menu with a predetermined operation. At this time, login processing to the server is first executed.

  After the login process, a list of conference files related to users registered in the server is acquired and displayed in a list format. The conference displayed here is “conference name” described in the conference document in which the login user is defined as the owner. Here, when an existing meeting name is selected from the list of meeting files, a meeting document corresponding to the meeting is downloaded from the server and read into “Canvas”.

  When a registered file is read, the lock state on the server is determined. For example, when a bibliographic item of a file is being edited by a service on the web, reading processing is disabled. While the conference file is being downloaded, the server side locks so that other clients cannot write to the same file.

[1-4. Cabin functions]
When the URL of “Cabin” is designated from the web browser, a login screen as shown in FIG. 28 is displayed. When the login is successful, a top screen for the login user as shown in FIG. 29 is displayed. On the top screen shown in FIG. 29, two items “Today's meeting” and “ToDo” are displayed. “Today's meeting” is a meeting in which the logged-in user is included in the participants, and the meeting name of the meeting document whose holding time is today is extracted and displayed. “ToDo” extracts and displays all objects whose logged-in users are included in “semantic attribute”-“user information” from all the conference documents registered in the system. When the corresponding object is text, a character string of a predetermined number of characters is displayed from the top of the text. When the corresponding objects are a file and a handwritten object, a character string of a predetermined number of characters from the top is displayed among the label character strings attached to these objects. The label character string is a unique character string generated from a file name in the case of a file object, a generation time in the case of a handwritten object, etc. unless explicitly changed by the user on “Canvas”.

  When a meeting name displayed in “Today's meeting” displayed on the top screen, for example, “Review meeting” shown in FIG. 29 is clicked, a list of bibliographic items of the corresponding meeting as shown in FIG. 30 is displayed. Bibliographic items include date and time, location, members, and explanation.

  Further, when the “ToDo” item displayed on the top screen, for example, “Define data structure” shown in FIG. 29 is clicked, the board document of the conference document in which the item is generated as shown in FIG. Display the contents of the created and registered board document on the web browser. At this time, the corresponding object is displayed so as to be visible. That is, when the corresponding object is near the end of the sentence of the conference document, it is scrolled and displayed so that it can be seen. In addition, a mark is displayed near the corresponding object, or the color is changed. FIG. 31 corresponds to FIG. 5 described by “Canvas”.

  Further, when the “ToDo” item displayed on the top screen, for example, “show details” shown in FIG. 29 is clicked, the bibliographic items of the conference document in which the corresponding “ToDo” has occurred are displayed as shown in FIG. .

  Furthermore, when the “attention item tab” displayed on the top screen shown in FIG. 29 is clicked, a list of “attention items” as shown in FIG. 33 is displayed. In the list, a part of bibliographic items such as a meeting name in which each object (attention item) is generated is displayed. “Attention” extracts all conference documents in which the logged-in user is a participant or owner from all conference documents registered in the system. Among them, all objects with “semantic attribute”-“shared information” are extracted and displayed. When the corresponding object is text, a character string of a predetermined number of characters is displayed from the top of the text. When the corresponding objects are a file and a handwritten object, a character string of a predetermined number of characters from the top is displayed among the label character strings attached to these objects. The label character string is a unique character string generated from a file name in the case of a file object, a generation time in the case of a handwritten object, etc. unless explicitly changed by the user on “Canvas”.

  Here, for example, when “function (other)” in the second line from the bottom of FIG. 33 is clicked, as shown in FIG. 34, a board document of the conference document in which the item has occurred, that is, a board document created and registered with “Canvas” The contents are displayed with a web browser. At this time, the corresponding object is displayed so as to be visible. That is, the display is scrolled so that the corresponding object can be seen. In addition, a mark is displayed near the corresponding object, or the color is changed. FIG. 34 corresponds to FIG. 5 described in the description of “Canvas”.

Further, in FIG. 31 and FIG. 34, when the displayed object is a file object, the file can be opened by an application program associated with the file by clicking on the object. In the case of a handwritten object, the handwritten object generated by “Canvas” is held internally as a bitmap file (xxx.bmp) in “Cabin”, and the handwritten object displayed in FIG. 34 is clicked. In this case, the web browser opens the application program associated with the bitmap file.
[Description of backyard system]
The system backyard (platform) will be described.

[2. System hardware configuration]
FIG. 35 shows the hardware configuration of the conference support system according to the present embodiment. The machine group constituting this system is a platform server, a Canvas machine, a PersonalCabin server, and a plurality of client machine groups. In this system, “backyard” refers to the platform server, and the Canvas machine and PersonalCabin server are clients when viewed from the backyard. The platform server, the Canvas machine, the PersonalCabin server, and the client machine are configured by a PC (Personal Computer) that is a so-called information processing apparatus.

  The platform server includes a database that stores a data group of this system, a repository service that stores and retrieves various data in the database, and a web service that provides various functions to clients. The repository service has a function of connecting to a database, storing data as records in various tables existing in the database, and acquiring a record from any table in the database. Web service is a function to register data in various tables using the repository service, and to collect data from various tables using the repository service. It has a function to process and return to the client.

  In FIG. 35, the database, repository service, and web service are configured on one machine. However, the database and repository service are configured on different machines, the database and repository service are configured on one machine, and the web service is configured separately. An architecture that can be configured on a single machine is adopted. The architecture will be described later.

[3. Architecture based on existing technology]
FIG. 36 shows the architecture of the conference support system according to the present embodiment. As described above, this system includes a database, a repository service, and a web service. This is the most common network system configuration at present. Currently, there are various methods as architectures that express functions like this system in such a configuration. The most common method is the combination of Java (registered trademark) technology and application server, or .NET technology. The two are listed as representatives. This system can be implemented using either of these two architectures, but is implemented using a combination of the former Java technology and application server, which has already been proven in many ways.

  JBOSS is used as the application server. JBOSS is an open source application server that can provide JavaBeans (modules) developed in the Java language as application programs. By providing the repository service as JavaBeans on the JBOSS server, various functions of the repository service can be used from other application programs such as a web service.

  Although the Web service is also operated on the same JBOSS server, the Web service generally needs to use SOAP as a communication protocol, and a function for handling SOAP must be added to the JBOSS server. Therefore, in this system, Apache AXIS is installed on JBOSS. AXIS is a kind of server for expressing the function of a Web service using SOAP as a communication protocol. Therefore, in this system, the function of the Web service is realized by constructing the Web service on AXIS arranged on the JBOSS server.

  Various databases currently exist, but MySQL is used as the database because it can use the SQL language and is open source.

  With the above architecture, a database, repository service, and web service could be constructed. Next, how to communicate between each will be described. JDBC, which is a Java database connection technology, is used between the database and the repository service. If JDBC is used, each table in the database can be handled as a table object, which makes it very easy to store and retrieve data. RMI is used between the repository service and the web service. RMI is a typical Java communication method for communicating between two machines connected by a network. Communication between the Web service and the client is performed using SOAP as a protocol. Since communication using SOAP has become common nowadays, application programs other than “Canvas” and “Cabin” can use various functions of this system according to the SOAP protocol.

[4. Detailed explanation of each part]
Next, the detail of each part which comprises the meeting assistance system of this Embodiment is described. FIG. 37 shows a detailed configuration diagram of this system. There are eight tables in the database for storing various data. In the repository service, there are eight services for creating a table object for each table of a database and storing data or acquiring data. In the Web service, there are eight services for executing the processing desired by the client by properly using the eight services of the repository service. Each part is described in detail below.

[4-1. Database]
As shown in FIG. 37 or FIG. 38, the database includes a total of eight documents: a conference document table, a personal information table, a ToDo information table, a document information table, a user information table, an organization information table, a conference room information table, and a group information table. The table exists. The meaning and data structure of the data stored in each table will be described in detail below.

[4-1-1. Meeting document table]
The conference document table is a table that holds, as a record, conference documents that store bibliographic items of conferences that can be edited with “Cabin” and data created with “Canvas”. The conference document has a data structure as shown in FIG. That is, bibliographic items, content list, Canvas data, and minutes file information.

  The bibliographic items include a conference ID, a conference name, a conference description, a start date / time and an end date / time, a conference room ID and a conference room name, an organizer ID, a participant list, a viewer list, and an editor list. When a conference reservation is made with “Cabin” or when a new conference is created with “Canvas”, the conference ID is generated by referring to the conference document table and generating a non-conflicting ID. Exists to uniquely point to a meeting. The name of the conference and the description of the conference are written when the conference reservation is made with “Cabin”, the conference is edited, or the conference name is set with “Canvas”. The start date / time and end date / time are written as the reservation start date / time and the reservation end date / time when the conference is reserved with “Cabin”, and when the conference is held and ended with “Canvas”, the actual start date / time and Written as the end date and time. The conference room ID and the conference room name are written when the user selects from “Cabin” the conference room name in the conference room information table described later. The organizer ID is the user ID of the person who reserved the conference with “Cabin”, and the user ID of the person who logged in to “Cabin” is written therein. The participant list, the viewer list, and the editor list are written when the conference is reserved by “Cabin” or when the conference is edited, and the participant list is the user ID list and the viewer list of the person who participated in the conference. Indicates a user ID list of people who can see the conference from “Cabin”, and an editor list means a user ID list of people who can edit the conference from “Cabin”.

  The content list is a set of a plurality of contents. The content is a part of the Canvas data registered from “Canvas”, and one line of the outline of “Canvas” corresponds to one content. The data structure of the content is shown in FIG. The content has a content ID, title, creation date / time, update date / time, creator ID, content type, file name, document ID, and semantic attributes. The content ID is an ID generated so as not to conflict in the content list when the Canvas data is registered (uploaded) from “Canvas”, and exists to uniquely indicate the content. The title is a character string representing the contents, and a character string of one line “File”, a file name, and a comment are written therein. As the creation date / time and update date / time, the date / time when this content was created by “Canvas” and the last modified date / time are written. In the creator ID, the user ID of the person who created this content is written. The content type is a value indicating whether the content is text, an image, or a file, and is automatically written when an object is created with “Canvas”. As the file name and document ID, the original file name and document ID when the content type is image or file are written. The document ID is an ID issued when a file is registered in a document information table to be described later. The semantic attribute is data that is a key of the present system, and has a data structure as shown in FIG. That is, it has a label, a sharing flag, a user flag, a user ID list, a date / time flag, a current date / time, a start date / time, and an end date / time. A label is a character string that is displayed on the screen when a semantic attribute is added to the content. It corresponds to “Canvas” such as “Conclusion”, “Issue”, “ToDo”, etc. You can also insert a column. The sharing flag is a flag indicating whether or not the content is shared by a plurality of users. When the sharing flag is ON, this content can be shared with users existing in the bibliographic item participant list described above. The user flag and user ID list can determine whether to explicitly send this content to the designated user. When the user flag is turned ON and the user ID is written in the user ID list, this content can be explicitly sent to all users in the user ID list. There is ToDo as a concrete usage method. If it is ToDo, it will be displayed as ToDo in "Important" in "My Room" of "Cabin". The date / time flag, the current date / time, the start date / time, and the end date / time can determine whether or not the content has a meaning regarding time. For example, if the date / time flag is turned ON and the end date / time is set, the time limit of the content is until the end date / time. Combined with a user flag, you can use it as a ToDo deadline.

  Canvas data is data uploaded from “Canvas” or downloaded to “Canvas”. As shown in FIG. 42, the data structure includes a content ID list, an outline structure list, a basket list, and Canvas file information. The content ID list is the content ID described above, and is data in which content IDs issued at the same time that content is registered in units of one line of the outline when uploading from “Canvas”. This indicates where the content list is from “Canvas”. The outline structure list is data indicating the outline structure of “Canvas”. As contents, a content ID and an outline level are held. The content ID is the same as the content ID in the content ID list, and the number of content IDs in the content ID list matches the number of outline structures in the outline structure list. The outline level represents the indent level of each line of the outline. The basket list is a group of data received in the “Canvas” basket, and each basket has a basket ID, title, file name, document ID, creator ID, creation date, and update date. The basket ID is an ID that does not compete in the basket list and uniquely indicates the basket. The title is a character string displayed as a title by the basket function “Canvas”. The file name is the file name of the file that holds the contents of the basket. The document ID is a document ID when the file indicated by the file name is registered as a document, and is stored in a document information table to be described later. In the creator ID, the user ID of the person who transmitted the basket information is written. The creation date / time and the update date / time hold the creation date / time and updated date / time of the basket. Canvas file information holds registration information of a Canvas file created by “Canvas”. Since a Canvas file is also registered as a document, it has a file name and a document ID as information.

  The minutes file information holds information about the minutes file of the meeting. When uploading from “Canvas”, a minutes file is automatically created. In the minutes file, the bibliographic items of the meeting, the content with the semantic attribute sharing flag ON (the attention item), and the content with the semantic attribute user flag ON (ToDo) are listed as html files. Generated. The generated file is registered as a document, and the document ID and file name are stored in the minutes file information.

[4-1-2. Personal information table]
43. As shown in FIG. 43, the personal information table is a table that holds, as records, an ID list of groups, conferences, and contents related to individual users, and display / non-display status of the conference and contents, and What's New information. It is. “Cabin” has a portal page for each individual. Meetings, ToDo, What's New, and attention items can be customized (display / non-display settings) and viewed individually. In order to realize this function, the personal information table is an indispensable table. The personal information has a data structure as shown in FIG. That is, a user ID, a group ID list, a personal conference list, a personal ToDo list, a personal attention list, and a What's New list are held.

  The user ID indicates who the personal information is. The user ID is data held in a user information table to be described later, and is an ID that uniquely indicates the user.

  The group ID list has a group ID indicating which group the owner of the personal information belongs to. The group ID is data held in a group information table to be described later, and is an ID that uniquely indicates the group.

  The personal conference list has conferences in which the owner of the personal information is registered as a participant in the bibliographic item as a conference ID list. Also, it has a display / non-display state of the conference displayed on the personal portal page.

  The personal to-do list holds a list of to-dos generated from various meetings for the owner of the personal information. Actually, the conference ID and the content ID are held, and the content of which conference corresponds to the two IDs. In addition, it has a status of displaying / hiding ToDo displayed on the personal portal page.

  The personal attention item list holds content (noticeable matter) in which the sharing attribute of the semantic attribute is ON in the conference in which the owner of the personal information participates. Actually, the conference ID and the content ID are held, and the content corresponding to which conference corresponds to the two IDs. It also has a display / non-display state of attention items displayed on the personal portal page.

  The What's New list is registered or changed when six subjects are registered: bibliographic items, Canvas data, ToDo, meeting materials, ToDo materials, and minutes of meetings in which the owner of the personal information is a participant. It holds What's New used to display a character string indicating registration or change of the target on the personal portal page. What's New includes a conference ID, content ID, type, status, and update date / time. The conference ID and content ID indicate which content of which conference, the type distinguishes six targets, the status distinguishes whether it is registered or updated, and the update date indicates the date of registration or change it can.

[4-1-3. ToDo information table]
As shown in FIG. 44, the ToDo information table holds, as ToDo information, a list of contents whose semantic attribute user flag is ON among data uploaded by “Canvas”. ToDo information includes a conference ID, content, progress information, and a material list. The conference ID indicates in which conference the ToDo has occurred. The content is one content whose semantic attribute user flag is ON among the content in the conference indicated by the conference ID. The progress information is data indicating whether the ToDo is currently being processed or completed. The material list is data for allowing the work result of the person in charge of ToDo to attach to the ToDo as a file, and holds the file name and document ID as a list.

[4-1-4. Document information table]
As shown in FIG. 45, the document information table stores files such as meeting materials, minutes files, and ToDo materials registered from “Cabin” or files existing in Canvas data uploaded by “Canvas” on the hard disk. This is a table for storing and managing by document ID so that it can be taken out at any time. The document information table holds document information as a list. The document information includes a document ID, a conference ID, and a file name. The document ID is data for uniquely indicating a document that can be created by referring to the document information table and generating a non-conflicting ID when the document is registered. The conference ID is data indicating which conference the document is. The file name is the file name of the document.

[4-1-5. User information table]
As shown in FIG. 46, the user information table is a table that stores information of users who can log in to the system and use various functions as a list of user information. The user information has a user ID, last name, first name, organization ID, password, e-mail address, and description. The user ID is an ID that uniquely indicates who the user is. The full name is a user's full name. The organization ID is an ID indicating which organization the user belongs to, and is managed by an organization information table described later. The password is data necessary for the user to use the system, and is entered when logging in to perform user authentication. The e-mail address is data necessary for sending a notice mail of meeting or a minutes mail to participants by “Cabin”. The description is a character string that can be arbitrarily input by the user, and is displayed on the screen when the user information is browsed by the user search of “Cabin”.

[4-1-6. Organization information table]
As shown in FIG. 47, the organization information table is a table that holds organization names, and holds organization information in a list. The organization information has an organization ID and an organization name. The organization ID is an ID for uniquely indicating the organization, and is issued when the organization information is registered. The organization name is data that holds the name of the organization (for example, XX department ΔΔ section XX group).

[4-1-7. Meeting room information table]
As shown in FIG. 48, the conference room information table is a table that holds conference room names, and holds conference room information in a list. The conference room information has a conference room ID and a conference room name. The conference room ID is an ID for uniquely indicating the conference room, and is issued when the conference room information is registered. The conference room name is data that holds the name of the conference room (eg, XX conference room).

[4-1-8. Group information table]
As shown in FIG. 49, the group information table is a table that holds a group, which is a set of users, as a group information. The group information has a group ID, a group name, a description, a group owner, and a member ID list. The group ID is an ID for uniquely indicating the group, and is issued when registering the group information. The group name and description are data holding a character string that describes the name of the group and what kind of group, and can be arbitrarily set by the user. The group owner is the user ID of the person who registered the group information, and only the group owner is authorized to change the group information.

[4-2. Repository service]
As shown in FIG. 37, there are eight services in the repository service, each corresponding to eight tables in the database on a one-to-one basis. That is, for example, when it is desired to operate the conference document table, the operation is performed using the conference document service. Therefore, as shown in FIG. 50, an operation function (called a method) for operating each table is prepared for each service. The details of each service are described in detail below.

[4-2-1. Meeting document service]
The conference document service is a service that connects to a conference document table in a database using JDBC, and performs operations such as creation and browsing of conference documents. The prepared methods are basically five methods: conference document creation, conference document update, conference document deletion, conference document acquisition, and conference document search.

  The conference document creation method newly creates and adds a conference document shown in FIG. 39 to the conference document table based on information transmitted from the client. At this time, the conference document table is referred to, an ID that does not conflict is generated, and stored as a conference ID in the bibliographic item.

  The conference document update method retrieves the conference document in the conference document table with the designated conference ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the content, and overwrites the conference document table.

  The conference document deletion method searches the conference document table with the specified conference ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding conference document.

  The conference document acquisition method searches the conference document table with the specified conference ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding conference document to the client.

  The conference document search method searches the conference document table with the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding conference document to the client in a list.

[4-2-2. Personal information service]
The personal information service is a service that connects to a personal information table of a database through JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of personal information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: personal information creation, personal information update, personal information deletion, personal information acquisition, and personal information search.

  The personal information creation method newly creates and adds personal information shown in FIG. 43 to the personal information table based on information transmitted from the client.

  The personal information update method retrieves personal information in the personal information table with the user ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the personal information table.

  The personal information deletion method searches the personal information table with the user ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding personal information.

  The personal information acquisition method searches the personal information table with the user ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding personal information to the client.

  The personal information search method searches the personal information table using the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding personal information to the client in a list.

[4-2-3. ToDo information service]
The ToDo information service is a service that connects to the ToDo information table of the database by JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of ToDo information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: ToDo information creation, ToDo information update, ToDo information deletion, ToDo information acquisition, and ToDo information search.

  The ToDo information creation method newly creates and adds the ToDo information shown in FIG. 44 to the ToDo information table based on the information transmitted from the client.

  Based on the ToDo information update method and information sent from the client, the ToDo information in the ToDo information table is extracted with the specified conference ID and the specified content ID, the contents are changed, and the ToDo information table is overwritten.

  The ToDo information deletion method searches the ToDo information table with the specified conference ID and the specified content ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding ToDo information.

  The ToDo information acquisition method searches the ToDo information table with the designated conference ID and the designated content ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding ToDo information to the client.

  The ToDo information search method searches the ToDo information table using the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding ToDo information to the client in a list.

[4-2-4. Document Information Service]
The document information service is a service that connects to a document information table of a database through JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of document information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: document information creation, document information update, document information deletion, document information acquisition, and document information search.

  The document information creation method newly creates and adds the document information shown in FIG. 45 to the document information table based on the information transmitted from the client. At this time, the document information table is referred to, an ID that does not conflict is generated, and stored as document ID in the document information.

  The document information update method retrieves the document information in the document information table with the specified document ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the document information table.

  The document information deletion method searches the document information table with the designated document ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding document information.

  The document information acquisition method searches the document information table with the specified document ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding document information to the client.

  The document information search method searches the document information table using the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding document information to the client in a list.

[4-2-5. User information service]
The user information service is a service that connects to a user information table of a database through JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of user information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: user information creation, user information update, user information deletion, user information acquisition, and user information search.

  The user information creation method newly creates and adds the user information shown in FIG. 46 to the user information table based on the information transmitted from the client. At this time, if the user ID transmitted by the client is already registered in the user information table, an error that cannot be registered with the user ID is returned to the client.

  The user information update method retrieves user information in the user information table with a specified user ID based on information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the user information table.

  The user information deletion method searches the user information table with a specified user ID based on information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding user information.

  The user information acquisition method searches the user information table with the specified user ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding user information to the client.

  The user information search method searches the user information table with the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding user information to the client in a list.

[4-2-6. Organization Information Service]
The organization information service is a service that connects to the organization information table of the database through JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of organization information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: organization information creation, organization information update, organization information deletion, organization information acquisition, and organization information search.

  The organization information creation method newly creates and adds the organization information shown in FIG. 47 to the organization information table based on the information transmitted from the client. At this time, the organization information table is referred to, a non-conflicting ID is generated, and stored as organization ID in the organization information.

  The organization information update method retrieves the organization information in the organization information table with the designated organization ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the organization information table.

  The organization information deletion method searches the organization information table with the specified organization ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding organization information.

  The organization information acquisition method searches the organization information table with the designated organization ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding organization information to the client.

  The organization information search method searches the organization information table with the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding organization information in a list to the client.

[4-2-7. Meeting room information service]
The conference room information service is a service that connects to a conference room information table in a database using JDBC, and performs operations such as creation and browsing of conference room information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: conference room information creation, conference room information update, conference room information deletion, conference room information acquisition, and conference room information search.

  The conference room information creation method newly creates and adds the conference room information shown in FIG. 48 to the conference room information table based on the information transmitted from the client. At this time, the ID in the conference room information table is referred to, a non-conflicting ID is generated, and stored in the conference room information as the conference room ID.

  The conference room information update method retrieves the conference room information in the conference room information table with the designated conference room ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the conference room information table.

  The conference room information deletion method searches the conference room information table with the designated conference room ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding conference room information.

  The conference room information acquisition method searches the conference room information table with the designated conference room ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding conference room information to the client.

  The conference room information search method searches the conference room information table with the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding conference room information to the client in a list.

[4-2-8. Group information service]
The group information service is a service that connects to a group information table of a database through JDBC and performs operations such as creation and browsing of group information. The prepared methods are basically five methods: group information creation, group information update, group information deletion, group information acquisition, and group information search.

  The group information creation method newly creates and adds group information shown in FIG. 49 to the group information table based on information transmitted from the client. At this time, the ID in the group information table is referred to, an ID that does not conflict is generated, and stored as group ID in the group information.

  The group information update method retrieves the group information in the group information table with the specified group ID based on the information transmitted from the client, changes the contents, and overwrites the group information table.

  The group information deletion method searches the group information table with the specified group ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and deletes the corresponding group information.

  The group information acquisition method searches the group information table with the specified group ID based on the information transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding group information to the client.

  The group information search method searches the group information table with the search condition transmitted from the client, and returns the corresponding group information to the client in a list.

[4-3. Web Service]
As shown in FIG. 37, there are eight services in the Web service, and the functions are realized by using the eight services of the repository service in combination. As shown in FIG. 51, each service has a method to be provided to the client. The details of each service are described in detail below.

[4-3-1. Conference registration service]
In the conference registration service, a conference reservation method, a conference editing method, a conference deletion method, a conference material registration method, and a minutes registration method are provided to the client.

  The conference reservation method creates a new conference using the conference document creation method of the conference document service of the repository service based on the information sent by the client. At this time, only the bibliographic items are stored in the meeting document of FIG. 39, and the content list, the Canvas data, and the minutes file information are empty. Further, the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service adds a personal meeting to the personal meeting list of FIG. The users to be added are all the users having the user IDs included in the participant list of the bibliographic items of the conference document. What's New (conference ID = conference ID, content ID = -1, type = conference, status = registration, update date = current) that the conference is registered for the user IDs present in the bibliographic participant list Date) is registered as personal information.

  The conference editing method updates the conference by the conference document update method of the conference document service of the repository service based on the information sent by the client. Further, in the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service, the user ID existing in the bibliographic item participant list of the conference document is compared with the user ID existing in the bibliographic item participant list sent by the client, For the deleted user ID, the individual meeting with this meeting ID is deleted, and for the added user ID, the individual meeting with this meeting ID is added. What's New (conference ID = conference ID, content ID = -1, type = conference, status = update, update date = current) that the conference has been updated for the user IDs present in the bibliographic participant list Date) is registered as personal information.

  The conference deletion method deletes the conference by the conference document deletion method of the conference document service of the repository service based on the information sent by the client. In addition, for the user ID existing in the bibliographic item participant list, the personal meeting with the corresponding meeting ID is deleted by the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service. Further, for the user ID existing in the bibliographic item participant list, all information related to the conference ID in the personal information is deleted.

  The conference material registration method registers a file sent from the client as a conference material. First, a new document ID is acquired by creating document information of the document information service of the repository service. Next, put the file name in the basket title and file name, put the acquired document ID in the document ID, put the user ID of the person who registered the conference material in the creator ID, and set the current date and time to the creation date and update date Put in and create a basket. A conference document is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service, a non-conflicting basket ID is generated by referring to the basket list of the Canvas data, and stored in the basket ID of the basket. Then, the created basket is added to the basket list, and the conference document is updated by the conference document update method of the conference document service of the repository service. Also, what's new (conference ID = corresponding conference ID, content ID = -1, type = conference material, status = registration, update date = current date) indicating that the conference material has been registered is displayed in the bibliographic item participant list. All users are registered with the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service.

  The minutes registration method registers the file sent from the client as the minutes. First, a new document ID is acquired by creating document information of the document information service of the repository service. The meeting document is acquired by the meeting document acquisition method of the meeting document service of the repository service, the file name is set as the file name of the minutes file information, the acquired document ID is set as the document ID of the minutes file information, and the repository service Update the meeting document with the meeting document update method of the meeting document service. Also, What's New (meeting ID = corresponding meeting ID, content ID = -1, type = meeting, status = update, update date = current date) indicating that the minutes have been registered is displayed in the bibliographic item participant list. All users are registered with the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service.

[4-3-2. Meeting browsing service]
In the conference browsing service, a bibliographic item acquisition method, an attention item acquisition method, a ToDo acquisition method, a conference content acquisition method, a conference search method, and a personal information acquisition method are provided to the client.

  The bibliographic item acquisition method returns the bibliographic item of the conference document of the conference ID designated by the client to the client. The conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service acquires the conference document of the specified conference ID, extracts the bibliographic items, and returns them to the client.

  The notice item acquisition method returns notice items related to the user with the user ID designated by the client to the client in a list. First, the personal information acquisition method of the personal information service of the repository service is used to acquire the personal information of the user ID specified by the client. With reference to the personal attention list of personal information, the conference document is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service using the conference ID and content ID as keys, and the corresponding content is extracted. The conference ID and content list are returned to the client by repeating the number of personal attention items in the personal attention item list.

  The ToDo acquisition method returns ToDo related to the user having the user ID designated by the client to the client in a list. First, the personal information acquisition method of the personal information service of the repository service is used to acquire the personal information of the user ID specified by the client. The personal ToDo list of personal information is referred to, and the ToDo is acquired by the ToDo information acquisition method of the ToDo information service of the repository service using the conference ID and the content ID as keys. Repeats the number of personal tasks in the personal task list, and returns the task list to the client.

  The acquisition of the conference content returns the Canvas data and content list of the conference document with the conference ID designated by the client. First, the conference document with the designated conference ID is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service. With reference to the canvas data of the conference document, the content is extracted from the content list of the conference document using the content ID list as a key. Then, the canvas data and the content list are returned to the client.

  The conference search method returns a list of bibliographic items of conference documents that meet the search conditions specified by the client. First, a conference document that matches a search condition specified by the client is acquired in a list by a conference document search method of the conference document service of the repository service. A bibliographic item is extracted from the acquired conference document list and returned to the client as a bibliographic item list.

  The personal information acquisition method returns the personal information of the user having the user ID specified by the client. Using the user ID specified by the client as a key, personal information is acquired by the personal information acquisition method of the personal information service of the repository service. Return the acquired personal information to the client.

[4-3-3. Canvas service]
The Canvas service is a service specialized in downloading and uploading Canvas data from “Canvas”. Provide the client with a download method and an upload method.

  The download method returns a file group related to the canvas of the conference document with the conference ID specified by the client. First, the conference document is acquired using the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service. The canvas data is extracted from the acquired conference document, and the content in the content ID list of the canvas data is acquired from the content list of the conference document. The file content is acquired by referring to the acquired content list, the basket list of Canvas data, and the document ID of the Canvas file information. Return the acquired file entity list to the client.

  The upload method has two functions. New upload function and update upload function. When the client uses the new upload function, a new meeting is created by the meeting document creation method of the meeting document service of the repository service before uploading. Register the file group sent by the client for the new conference created as Canvas data, analyze the file contents, store it in the conference document, and update it with the conference document update method of the conference document service of the repository service To do. Also, contents whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are registered as ToDo using the ToDo information creation method of the ToDo information service of the repository service. At the same time, using the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service, the bibliographic items of the stored content list for the attention items whose semantic attribute sharing flag is ON and ToDo whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are used. Each information is added to the personal information of the user ID listed in the participant list and the user ID list of the semantic attribute. When the update upload function is used by the client, the Canvas data is deleted from the conference document having the conference ID designated by the client before uploading. Specifically, the conference document is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service, and the stored canvas data and the content list related to the canvas are deleted. At the same time, in the deleted content list, bibliographic items of the attention item whose semantic attribute sharing flag is ON and the ToDo whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are used by using the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service. Each information is deleted from the personal information of the user ID listed in the participant list and the user ID list of the semantic attribute. After that, for the new conference created, the file group sent by the client is registered as Canvas data, the file contents are analyzed and stored in the conference document as content, and the conference document update method of the conference document service of the repository service Update with. Also, contents whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are registered as ToDo using the ToDo information creation method of the ToDo information service of the repository service. At the same time, using the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service, the bibliographic items of the stored content list for the attention items whose semantic attribute sharing flag is ON and ToDo whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are used. Each information is added to the personal information of the user ID listed in the participant list and the user ID list of the semantic attribute.

[4-3-4. User management service]
The user management service is a service for managing user information using this system and performing user authentication such as login. In the user management service, a login method, a user registration method, a user edit method, a user delete method, a user information acquisition method, and a user search method are provided to the client.

  The login method authenticates whether the user ID specified by the client is a user who can use the system. First, user information is acquired by the user information acquisition method of the user information service of the repository service using the specified user ID as a key. At this time, if the user information does not exist, the designated user ID is not registered, and an error indicating that the system cannot be used with the designated user ID is returned to the client. If the user information exists, the password sent from the client is checked against the password of the user information. If they do not match, an error is returned to the client indicating that the password is incorrect. If they match, return success to the client.

  The user registration method registers new user information for the client to use this system. First, user information is generated based on information sent by the client. Then, user information is registered by the user information creation method of the user information service of the repository service. At this time, it is checked whether the user ID specified by the client already exists in the user information table, and if it exists, an error in which the specified user ID is already used is returned to the client. If not, complete registration.

  The user editing method changes user information already registered in the system. First, user information is acquired by the user information acquisition method of the user information service of the repository service using the user ID specified by the client as a key. The information sent by the client is stored in the acquired user information, and the user information is updated by the user information update method of the user information service of the repository service.

  The user deletion method deletes user information already registered in the system. The user information is deleted by the user information deletion method of the user information service of the repository service using the user ID specified by the client as a key.

  The user information acquisition method acquires user information of a user ID specified by the client. Using the specified user ID as a key, user information is acquired by the user information acquisition method of the user information service of the repository service and returned to the client.

  The user search method returns a list of user information that matches the search conditions specified by the client to the client. Use the user information search method of the user information service of the repository service to obtain a list of user information that matches the specified search conditions. Return the acquired user information list to the client.

[4-3-5. Group management service]
The group management service defines a set of users as a group, so that users can be handled in groups, or group information can be registered, edited, It is a service for deleting and acquiring. In the group management service, a group registration method, a group edit method, a group delete method, a group information acquisition method, and a group search method are provided to the client.

  The group registration method registers new group information. First, group information is generated based on information sent from the client. Then, group information is registered by the group information creation method of the group information service of the repository service.

  The group editing method changes the group information already registered in this system. First, group information is acquired by the group information acquisition method of the group information service of the repository service using the group ID specified by the client as a key. The information sent by the client is stored in the acquired group information, and the group information is updated by the group information update method of the group information service of the repository service.

  The group deletion method deletes group information already registered in this system. The group information is deleted by the group information deletion method of the group information service of the repository service using the group ID specified by the client as a key.

  The group information acquisition method acquires group information of a group ID specified by the client. Using the specified group ID as a key, group information is acquired by the group information acquisition method of the group information service of the repository service and returned to the client.

  The group search method returns a list of group information that matches the search conditions specified by the client to the client. Use the group information search method of the group information service of the repository service to obtain a list of group information that matches the specified search conditions. Return the acquired group information list to the client.

[4-3-6. Mail service]
The mail service is a service for sending a meeting notification and minutes mail to all participants. In the mail service, an event notification method and a minutes mail method are provided to the client.

  The holding notification method creates the contents of the holding notification for the conference ID designated by the client, and sends it to all the participants by e-mail. First, the conference document with the designated conference ID is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service. Bibliographic items are extracted from the acquired meeting document, and the name of the meeting, the date and time (start date and time), the venue, the organizer, and the participant list are listed in text format as the contents of the mail. The venue is set by acquiring the conference room name with the conference room ID as a key in the conference room information acquisition method of the conference room information service of the repository service. The organizer and participant list refers to the organizer ID and participant list of the bibliographic items, acquires and sets the first and last names with the user ID as a key by the user information acquisition method of the user information service of the repository service. At this time, the e-mail address of the user information is also acquired as the mail source and destination. As a subject of the mail, a character string “conference holding notification:”, a conference name, and a start date and time are set. As described above, the mail is transmitted with the set subject, transmission source, transmission destination, and mail content, and the process ends.

  The minutes mail method creates the contents of the minutes for the meeting ID designated by the client, and sends it to all the participants by mail. First, the conference document with the designated conference ID is acquired by the conference document acquisition method of the conference document service of the repository service. Bibliographic items are extracted from the acquired meeting document, and the name of the meeting, the date and time (start date and time), the venue, the organizer, and the participant list are listed in text format as the contents of the mail. The venue is set by acquiring the conference room name with the conference room ID as a key in the conference room information acquisition method of the conference room information service of the repository service. The organizer and participant list refers to the organizer ID and participant list of the bibliographic items, acquires and sets the first and last names with the user ID as a key by the user information acquisition method of the user information service of the repository service. At this time, the e-mail address of the user information is also acquired as the mail source and destination. In addition, contents whose semantic attribute sharing flag is ON are taken into consideration, contents whose semantic attribute user flag is ON are listed as ToDo, and the titles of the contents are listed and included in the contents of the mail. Also, the location of the minutes file and the login screen of “Cabin” are expressed in URL format and included in the contents of the email. As the mail subject, a character string “meeting minutes:”, a meeting name, and a start date and time are set. As described above, the mail is transmitted with the set subject, transmission source, transmission destination, and mail content, and the process ends.

[4-3-7. ToDo management service]
The ToDo management service is a service for acquiring ToDo information registered in the system and attaching ToDo materials to ToDo information. In the ToDo management service, ToDo information acquisition method and ToDo material registration method are provided to the client.

  The ToDo information acquisition method returns ToDo information (conference ID and content ID) specified by the client to the client. When the client requests the attached material, the ToDo material is returned. First, ToDo information is acquired using the ToDo information acquisition method of the ToDo information service of the repository service using the specified conference ID and the specified content ID as keys. If the client requests ToDo information, the acquired ToDo information is returned. If the client has requested the attached material, refer to the acquired ToDo information material list, retrieve the document ID, and use the document information acquisition method of the repository service's document management service to acquire the file name The file entity is returned to the client.

  The ToDo material registration method registers the file sent by the client to the ToDo (conference ID and content ID) specified by the client. First, a new document ID is acquired using the document information creation method of the document management service of the repository service. ToDo information service of repository service ToDo information acquisition method of ToDo information service, set the file name to the file name of ToDo material, set the acquired document ID to the document ID of ToDo material, and toDo information service of repository service Update ToDo information with the ToDo information update method. Also, What's New (conference ID = corresponding conference ID, content ID = corresponding content ID, type = ToDo material, status = registration, update date = current date) indicating that the ToDo material has been registered, and the bibliographic item participant list For all users, register with the personal information update method of the personal information service of the repository service.

[4-3-8. System management service]
The system management service is a service for acquiring organization information and conference room information registered as system information. In the system management service, an acquisition method for organization information and an acquisition method for conference room information are provided to the client.

  The organization information acquisition method returns the organization information registered in this system to the client. First, the organization information list is acquired by the organization information acquisition method of the organization information service of the repository service. Return the acquired organization information list to the client.

  The conference room information acquisition method returns the conference room information registered in this system to the client. First, the conference room information list is acquired by the conference room information acquisition method of the conference room information service of the repository service. Return the acquired conference room information list to the client.

[5. System operation]
In the above, the data structure of the database and each method of each service have been described in detail. Here, after describing the preparations for using this system, the flow of processing using the actual usage as an example will be described. explain.

[5-1. Preparations for using this system]
In this system, it is necessary to register organization information and conference room information first. Registration of organization and conference room information is not permitted for general users, and the system administrator has a policy of registration / editing / deletion as required.

  In addition, a user who uses this system needs to perform user registration in advance. User registration can be performed by following the link from the login screen of “Cabin”, and can be realized by the user registration method of the user management service of the Web service.

[5-2. How to Use]
In this system, a usage method as shown in FIG. 52 is assumed. That is, preparation before the meeting, downloading / uploading of data during the meeting, editing and browsing after the meeting. The user can advance the conference using this system in the order before, during, and after the conference, and can connect to the next conference. There are start 1 and start 2 in the start position. Start 1 is a case where a conference is reserved in advance, a conference is held using the reserved conference, and the conference is viewed after the conference. Start 2 is a case where a new meeting is created during the meeting and viewed after the meeting without preparation before the meeting.

  Before the conference, you can use “Cabin” to prepare for the conference. First, a new conference is reserved using the conference reservation method of the conference registration service of the Web service. When a conference is reserved, an event notification mail can be transmitted using the event notification method of the Web service mail service. In addition, the conference material can be registered using the conference material registration method of the conference registration service of the Web service.

  During a conference, “Canvas” can be used to download a conference reserved before the conference and download data of conferences held in the past using the download method of the Canvas service of the Web service. Alternatively, you can hold a meeting immediately on “Canvas” without downloading. When the conference is to be ended, by uploading the Canvas data by the upload method of the Canvas service of the Web service, the data discussed with “Canvas” and added with the semantic attribute is stored in the platform server. At this time, if a new upload is selected, a new meeting is created and the Canvas data is uploaded. If an update upload is selected, an existing meeting can be overwritten and uploaded to the platform server.

  After the conference, you can use “Cabin” to edit the bibliographic items of the conference and view the data uploaded by “Canvas”.

  Bibliographic editing of a conference such as changing the name of a conference or adding or deleting a participant can be realized using a conference editing method of a conference registration service of the Web service. If you want to send the minutes by e-mail, you can use the minutes e-mail method of the web service mail service. If a participant creates a copy of the minutes and wants to upload it to the system, it can be realized using the minutes registration method of the conference registration service of the Web service.

  When viewing the minutes, various views are provided. If you want to see bibliographic items of the conference, you can use the bibliographic item acquisition method of the conference browsing service of the Web service. When it is desired to view the noticed item, it can be realized by using the noticed item acquisition method of the web service conference browsing service. If you want to see ToDo, you can use the ToDo acquisition method of the web service conference browsing service. When the user wants to see the contents of the meeting, it can be realized by using the meeting contents acquisition method of the meeting browsing service of the Web service. Each of the above browsing can be acquired using a conference (conference ID) as a key, but can also be acquired using a user (user ID) as a key. When acquiring with the user as a key, the personal information of the user is acquired by the acquisition method of the personal information of the conference browsing service of the Web service, and the personal conference, the personal ToDo, and the personal attention matter stored in the acquired personal information are acquired. Each content can be browsed, and only the information necessary for the user can be provided as a view. Also, since personal information personal meetings, personal tasks, and personal attention items are displayed / hidden, they can be hidden if the user does not need them, and set to display if they think they are necessary. Yes, you can customize your individual views to view meetings, tasks, and attention.

[6. Configuration of information processing apparatus]
Finally, a PC (Personal Computer) which is a so-called information processing apparatus forming a platform server, a Canvas machine, a PersonalCabin server, and a client machine will be described. Such PCs are used by facilitators and conference participants to refer to, input, and edit information, and are called desktop personal computers, notebook personal computers, and PDAs (Personal Digital Assistants). A portable information terminal or the like is applied. Here, the information processing apparatus will be described below by taking a notebook personal computer as an example.

  Here, FIG. 53 is a block diagram showing the electrical connection of each part built in the information processing apparatus. As shown in FIG. 53, the information processing apparatus PC is used as a CPU (Central Processing Unit) 1 that controls the entire system, a ROM (Read Only Memory) 2 that stores a startup program and the like, and a work area for the CPU 1. The computer has a RAM (Random Access Memory) 3, a keyboard 4 for inputting characters, numerical values, various instructions, etc., and a mouse and touchpad for moving the cursor and selecting a range. Connected to a pointing device 5 such as a trackball, a hard disk 6 and a display 7 which is an LCD (Liquid Crystal Display) and connected to a network 101 and a graphics board 8 which controls display of images on the display 7 Network card 9 and an interface for connecting various peripheral devices And (I / F) 10, and a bus 11 for connecting the above units.

  The hard disk 6 also stores an operating system (OS) 12, various application programs 13 such as drawing software, word processor software, spreadsheet software, and presentation software. Further, the various application programs 13 include “Canvas”, “Basket”, “BasketClient”, and “Personal Cabin” described above. That is, the programs stored in the hard disk 6 are different depending on each information processing apparatus PC, and the functions specific to the platform server, the Canvas machine, the PersonalCabin server, and the client machine are exhibited by the difference in the programs stored in the hard disk 6. Will do.

  Further, the information processing apparatus PC has a storage medium 14 storing various program codes (control programs) such as the OS 12 and various application programs 13, that is, a flexible disk, a hard disk, an optical disk (CD-ROM, CD-R, CD). -RW, CD + RW, DVD-ROM, DVD-RAM, DVD + RW, DVD-RW, etc.), magneto-optical disk (MO), flexible disk drive device which is a device for reading program codes stored in a memory card, CD- A program reading device 15 such as a ROM drive device or an MO drive device is mounted.

  On the display 7 of the information processing apparatus PC on which “Canvas” operates, when drawing is performed in the same manner as drawing on a normal whiteboard, the locus is captured as time-series data into a predetermined PC. An information input device that can be processed digitally is provided.

  According to the present embodiment, when a predetermined object is designated from the objects (text object, handwritten object, file object) displayed in the information sharing area “Basket”, the designated object is information The information is displayed at a desired position in accordance with the concept of the “Canvas” line that is the edit description area, and information (object) described on the “Canvas” that is the information edit description area also follows the concept of the line. As a result, the facilitator called facilitator selects the object (text object, handwritten object, file object) displayed in the information sharing area “Basket” and displays it in the information editing description area “Canvas”. Or, if you want to describe information in the information editing description area “Canvas” Since it is possible to display / describe the discussion process without knowing it, it is possible to provide an environment in which the discussion / concentration can be displayed / described quickly / simple / reliably while concentrating on the discussion. Convenience of use in the subsequent process can be achieved. That is, the display / description environment in the information editing description area “Canvas” is changed from the conventional whiteboard metaphor (handwriting center) to the text editor metaphor (character center).

  Further, according to the present embodiment, information described during the discussion is stored in the network storage 102 that is a storage unit on the network 101, and the information described during the discussion can be effectively used for each individual.

[Second Embodiment]
A second embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS. In addition, the same part as 1st Embodiment mentioned above is shown with the same code | symbol, and description is also omitted.

  In the first embodiment, when sending information from the participant to the facilitator, the participant uses “BasketClient” which is a single-function application program for sending information. This is suitable for sending information immediately on the spot. However, for example, when sending a text message, if text is entered in the text input area of “BasketClient” and the send button is pressed, the text is sent but not left at the sender. In addition, during the discussion, participants wrote down their memos and realized that some of them were important, so when sending to the facilitator for the purpose of sharing with members, the first embodiment The method described above is cumbersome because it requires operations such as copying from your memo, pasting it into the input area of “BasketClient”, and pressing the send button. Therefore, in the present embodiment, this is solved.

  The points of the present embodiment are as follows. As shown in FIG. 54, first, the text, file, and handwritten object described in “Canvas” are transmitted to the designated “Basket”, and the object transmission function is provided in “Canvas”, and “BasketClient” Instead of this function. Secondly, both the facilitator and the general participant have the “Canvas” and “Basket” functions as well. Third, “Canvas” for facilitators is a place to visualize discussions and share them with members. Fourth, “Canvas” for general participants is their own notepad.

  That is, since the facilitator and the general participant have the same “Canvas” and “Basket” which are functionally identical, it is possible to send information from the “Canvas” of the facilitator to the “Basket” of the general participant. Hereinafter, a specific operation will be described.

[1. Access password issuing function]
The access password issue function issues a password for reception so that “Canvas” can send a file to “Basket” of another person. More specifically, select “Display Basket” from the menu to display the “Basket” dialog as shown in FIG. 55. When the “Issue Password” button is pressed, files and objects are displayed. A dialog for sharing is displayed and a password is issued. For the password, a character string of the number of digits that can be stored by the user is generated from the IP address, port number, random number, etc., and displayed on the password display label. The password character string data is 64 characters or less including double-byte characters. Each application program has one port number for information exchange. When the access password issuing function is activated, the port scan is performed from the default port number (for example, 3000), and if the port is already in use, the default port number is incremented by 1 (for example, 3001, 3002,... If acquisition of the port number is successful, the port number is set.

[2. Access function]
When an access password is input, the access function decodes the access password and performs an object transmission connect process to the application program that issued the password. More specifically, select “Enter Access Password” from the menu, or automatically send the file or object when the access password is empty in the memory or when access fails. The password issuing function is executed, and a dialog for inputting an access password as shown in FIG. 56 is displayed. When the user inputs a password and presses an OK button, a procedure for transmission is executed for the PC on which the application program having the IP address and port number is running. When the cancel button is pressed, the process is interrupted. If the procedure fails, an error message is displayed and the access function is re-executed.

[3. Object exchange function]
[3-1. Object transmission processing]
In the object transmission process, an object is transmitted to the accessing application program. More specifically, as shown in FIG. 57, when an object to be transmitted is selected and “object transmission” is selected from the menu, the object is transmitted to the application program on the PC designated by the access password. If no access password is entered, the access function is executed. If transmission fails, an error message is displayed.

[3-2. Object reception processing]
In the object reception process, while issuing an access password, the object or file is received from an application program that inputs the access password and transmits the object or file. More specifically, when “display basket” is selected from the menu, a dialog for sharing files and objects is displayed. Received objects are displayed in tabular form by item such as object name or file name, object type, creator, date and time. When an object or file in this dialog is dragged with the mouse and dropped onto the outline view space, the object is generated according to the normal object generation rule. If the target dragged and dropped is an object, an object of the same type as that object is generated. In the case of a file, a file icon object is generated.

[3-3. File transmission process]
The file transmission process is to transmit a file to the application program being accessed. More specifically, when “Send File” is selected from the menu, an access password input dialog is displayed. When an access password is entered, a dialog for selecting a file is displayed. When the user designates a file, the file is transmitted to the application program on the PC designated by the access password. If transmission fails, an error message is displayed.

It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the meeting assistance system of 1st embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows "Basket" as an example. It is a schematic diagram which shows "Basket" as an example. FIG. 4 is a schematic diagram showing “BasketClient”. It is a schematic diagram which shows the menu of "Canvas". It is a schematic diagram which shows a text object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen display in the creation process of a handwritten object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the screen display in the creation process of a file object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the edit function of an object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the dialog for search and replacement. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the scroll was moved so that the matched text object might be near the center of an outline view space, and it was set as the selection state. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the scroll was moved so that the matched handwritten object might be near the center of an outline view space, and it was set as the selection state. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that the scroll was moved so that the matched file object might be near the center of an outline view space, and it was set as the selection state. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the change of the indent level of the object in an indent processing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the change of the indent level of the object in an indent processing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the movement of the object in a movement processing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the movement of the object in a movement processing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the movement of the object in a movement processing function. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which provided the visual attribute. It is a schematic diagram which shows the state which provided the semantic attribute. It is a schematic diagram which shows the icon displayed when a semantic attribute is provided. It is a schematic diagram which shows a mode that a semantic attribute is deleted from an object. It is a schematic diagram which shows the edit dialog of a visual attribute. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of editing of a semantic attribute. It is a schematic diagram which shows the edit dialog of sharing information. It is a schematic diagram which shows the edit dialog of user information. It is a schematic diagram which shows the edit dialog of date information. It is a schematic diagram which shows the login screen of "Cabin". It is a schematic diagram which shows the top screen for "Cabin" login users. It is a schematic diagram which shows the bibliographic item list of a meeting. FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of a board written and registered with “Canvas”. It is a schematic diagram which shows the bibliographic item of the meeting document in which "ToDo" generate | occur | produced. It is a schematic diagram which shows the list of "attention matter." FIG. 5 is a schematic diagram showing the contents of a board written and registered with “Canvas”. It is a schematic diagram which shows the hardware constitutions of a meeting assistance system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the architecture of a meeting assistance system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the detailed structure of a meeting assistance system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the database structure of a meeting assistance system. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a meeting document. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a content. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a semantic attribute. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of Canvas data. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a personal information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a ToDo information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a document information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a user information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of an organization information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a meeting room information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the data structure of a group information table. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a repository service. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of a web service. It is a flowchart which shows the flow of system utilization. It is a block diagram which shows the electrical connection of each part incorporated in information processing apparatus. It is a schematic diagram which shows the structure of the meeting assistance system of 2nd embodiment of this invention. It is a schematic diagram which shows the dialog of "Basket". It is a schematic diagram which shows the dialog for inputting an access password. It is a schematic diagram which shows the mode of the object transmission with respect to the application program in access.

Explanation of symbols

101 Network 102 Storage Unit 103 Display Device PC Information Processing Device, Conference Support Device

Claims (16)

In a conference support system having a conference support device configured to display an information editing description area for describing discussion contents of a conference as object information on a display device,
A concept of a row exists in the information editing description area of the conference support apparatus, and various objects are arranged in the information editing description area according to the line.
A conference support system characterized by that. A conference having a conference support device that edits an object that is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing device and displays an information editing description area for describing information to be the object on a display device In the support system,
A concept of a row exists in the information editing description area of the conference support apparatus, and various objects are arranged in the information editing description area according to the line.
A conference support system characterized by that. Storing the information described in the information editing description area in a storage unit on a network, and enabling the information stored in the storage unit to be browsed using the browsing unit of the information processing apparatus;
The conference support system according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that The view by the browsing means can be customized for each conference participant.
The conference support system according to claim 3. A semantic attribute that is an attribute that is defined / assigned to assign meaning to an object is defined as an attribute that is assigned to the object in the information editing description area.
The conference support system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein As the attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area, a visual attribute that is an attribute to be given to visually classify the object is defined.
The conference support system according to claim 1, wherein As the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information that gives the object the meaning of “information shared by all the conference participants” and user information that gives the meaning of “information associated with the specified conference participants” are defined. did,
The conference support system according to claim 5, wherein: Displaying an object to which the semantic attribute is given in a predetermined view of the browsing means of the information processing apparatus of all the conference participants determined based on the semantic attribute or a designated conference participant;
The conference support system according to claim 7, wherein: In a conference support system having a conference support device configured to display an information editing description area for describing discussion contents of a conference as object information on a display device,
Storing the information described in the information editing description area in a storage unit on a network, and enabling the information stored in the storage unit to be browsed using the browsing unit of the information processing apparatus;
A conference support system characterized by that. A conference having a conference support device that edits an object that is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing device and displays an information editing description area for describing information to be the object on a display device In the support system,
Storing the information described in the information editing description area in a storage unit on a network, and enabling the information stored in the storage unit to be browsed using the browsing unit of the information processing apparatus;
A conference support system characterized by that. A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute operation control of a conference support apparatus configured to display an information editing description area for describing discussion contents of a meeting as object information on a display device,
The concept of a line exists in the information edit description area, and various objects are arranged in the information edit description area according to the line.
A program characterized by that. Operation control of a conference support device that edits an object, which is personal knowledge transmitted by a conference participant via an information processing device, and displays an information editing description area for describing information to be the object on a display device A computer-readable program for causing a computer to execute
A concept of a line exists in the information editing description area of the conference support apparatus, and various objects are arranged according to the line in the information editing description area.
A program characterized by that. A semantic attribute that is an attribute that is defined / assigned to assign meaning to an object is defined as an attribute that is assigned to the object in the information editing description area.
13. The program according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that: As the attribute to be given to the object on the information editing description area, a visual attribute that is an attribute to be given to visually classify the object is defined.
The program according to any one of claims 11 to 13, characterized in that: As the internal value of the semantic attribute, shared information that gives the object the meaning of “information shared by all the conference participants” and user information that gives the meaning of “information associated with the specified conference participants” are defined. did,
The program according to claim 13. A storage medium storing the program according to any one of claims 11 to 15.

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