JP2006229379A - Communications system among many person, client terminal, communication method among many person used for them, and program therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a communications system among many persons with which a user can be connected with a counterpart matching conditions preset by the user. <P>SOLUTION: When a client (A)2-1 is started and connected to a virtual space server 1, a list of virtual spaces, to which the client can log in, is displayed from the virtual space server 1 to the client (A)2-1. When a virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list displayed to the client (A)2-1, communication is started between the client (A)2-1 and the other client (B)2-2 that is logged-in in the virtual space. Positional information in the virtual space is managed by the virtual space server 1 and expressed on the client (A)2-1 and the client (B)2-2. The user can freely move in the virtual space that is expressed on the client (A)2-1 and the client (B)2-2. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2006,JPO&NCIPI

Description

  The present invention relates to a multi-party communication system, a client terminal, a multi-party communication method used therefor, and a program therefor, and more particularly to a communication method in a virtual space formed by a virtual space server.

  In recent years, with the spread of broadband, IP (Internet Protocol) telephones have spread, and fixed telephones have been replaced with IP telephones, and existing telephone networks have been replaced by IP network networks. The possibility of an IP network is still unknown, and it is very flexible, such as the ability to add functions relatively easily compared to existing telephone networks.

  In this IP network, SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) is a new signaling protocol that is very easy to handle as an HTTP (Hyper Text Transfer Protocol) -like text-based protocol, and its functions are basically provided only by session control. Has been. A session is nothing but a communication path between two parties on the telephone network. Sessions in the IP world are never constrained between the two.

  As a method of communication between multiple persons in the virtual space described above, a method in which simultaneous contact of objects in a three-dimensional virtual reality space and chat are linked (for example, see Patent Document 1), a conversation exchanged in a virtual space on a chat system A method for maintaining the security of contents flexibly (for example, see Patent Document 2) has been proposed.

JP 2001-236291 A Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-073513

  In the conventional communication method in the virtual space described above, communication in the existing telephone network is basically two-party communication (one-to-one), whereas communication in the virtual space is performed by communication in the IP network. Although communication is possible, as described in Patent Documents 1 and 2 above, the communication control is controlled by the server, and for users who participate in multi-party communication, a partner who meets the conditions There is a problem that the connection cannot be realized.

  Therefore, an object of the present invention is to solve the above-described problems and realize a connection with a partner that meets a condition set in advance by a user, a client terminal, and a communication method used for them. And providing the program.

The multi-party communication system according to the present invention is a multi-party communication system that forms a virtual space with a virtual space server and performs communication between client terminals in the virtual space,
The client terminal includes means for controlling a communication amount in communication between the client terminals based on a preset condition.

A client terminal according to the present invention is a client terminal that communicates with other terminals in a virtual space formed by a virtual space server,
There is provided means for controlling the amount of communication in communication with the other terminal based on a preset condition.

  The multi-party communication method according to the present invention is a multi-party communication method used in a multi-party communication system in which a virtual space is formed by a virtual space server and communication is performed between client terminals in the virtual space. The terminal executes processing for controlling the amount of communication in communication between the client terminals based on preset conditions.

  A multi-party communication method program according to the present invention is a multi-party communication method program used in a multi-party communication system that forms a virtual space by a virtual space server and performs communication between client terminals in the virtual space. Thus, the computer is caused to execute processing for controlling the amount of communication in communication between the client terminals based on preset conditions.

  In other words, the multi-party communication system of the present invention forms a virtual space with a virtual space server, and enables communication control (band control, session control, etc.) depending on the policy of the client terminal. It is characterized by providing a service.

  In the multi-party communication system according to the present invention, the session control can be controlled according to a policy preset in the client terminal, and communication in a form completely different from the existing telephone network is possible. For example, communication in the existing telephone network is basically two-party communication (one-to-one). However, in the multi-party communication system of the present invention, the conventional communication form of two-party communication is not “constrained”. , To realize multi-party communication such that it becomes a “one form” in communication form, and to realize an information distribution service using it.

  More specifically, in the multi-party communication system according to the present invention, when a client terminal is activated and connected to a virtual space server, a list of virtual spaces that can be logged into the client terminal from the virtual space server is displayed. Is done. When a virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list displayed on the client terminal, communication is started between the client terminal and another client terminal logged into the virtual space.

  In the multi-party communication system according to the present invention, it is fundamental to always communicate with all users in the virtual space by making use of the always-connected environment. However, depending on the capability of the client terminal and the request from the client terminal, the client terminal There is a need to control the communication according to the policy held by.

  The location information in the virtual space is managed by the virtual space server and expressed on the client terminal. The user can freely move in the virtual space expressed on the client terminal. When 3D (three dimensions) audio technology is used in a client terminal, the voice can be heard loudly when moving and approaching a speaker, and the direction of hearing changes depending on the direction. However, since the position of the speaker cannot be accurately determined only by speech, graphics are used to assist it.

  The virtual space is equivalent to a conference room, etc., and session control is performed according to the policy held by the client terminal such as the distance between connected parties, so multiple conversations or locations in a single virtual space It is also possible to proceed with the conference at the same time. Accordingly, by incorporating a function of disconnecting a connection with a user who is far away or connecting with a user having a different distance, it is possible to realize multi-party communication that is not restricted by a one-to-one connection.

  As a result, the multi-party communication system according to the present invention can provide a communication service based on multi-party communication instead of two-party communication. When the 3D audio technology is used for the audio reproduction control unit, a virtual space is provided. Since audio reproduction is performed based on the position information in the network, a more three-dimensional audio communication service becomes possible.

  By adopting the configuration and operation as described below, the present invention can achieve an effect that a communication service based on multi-person communication can be realized instead of two-party communication.

  Next, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multi-party communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 1, a multi-party communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention is configured by connecting a virtual space server 1, a client (A) 2-1, and a client (B) 2-2 to the same network. .

  In the multi-party communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, a virtual space is formed by the virtual space server 1, and the traffic volume depends on the policies of the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2. Control (band control, session control, etc.) is performed.

  In the multi-party communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, the session control is controlled in accordance with a policy set in advance for the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2. It enables a completely different form of communication. For example, communication in an existing telephone network is basically two-party communication (one-to-one). However, in a multi-party communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention, a conventional communication form called two-party communication is “ It realizes multi-party communication that is not a “restriction” but a “one form” in a communication form, and realizes an information distribution service using it.

  In the multi-party communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, when the client (A) 2-1 is activated and connected to the virtual space server 1, the virtual space server 1 sends a response to the client (A) 2-1. A list of virtual spaces that can be logged in is displayed. When a virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list displayed on the client (A) 2-1, the client (A) 2-1 and another client (B) 2-2 logged in to the virtual space Communication is started with.

  In the multi-party communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention, it is fundamental to always communicate with all users in the virtual space using the always-on environment, but the client (A) 2-1 and the client ( B) Depending on the capabilities of 2-2 and the requests from the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2, communication is performed according to the policies held by the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2. The need to control arises.

  The position information in the virtual space is managed by the virtual space server 1 and expressed on the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2. The user can freely move in the virtual space expressed on the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2.

  On the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2, by using 3D (three dimensions) audio technology, the voice can be heard loudly when moving and approaching the speaker, and the direction that can be heard depending on the direction. Changes. However, since the position of the speaker cannot be accurately determined only by speech, graphics are used to assist it.

  The virtual space is equivalent to a conference room and the like, and session control is performed according to the policies held by the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2 such as the distance between connected persons. It is also possible to proceed with a plurality of conversations or conferences simultaneously in remote locations in one virtual space. Accordingly, by incorporating a function of disconnecting a connection with a user who is far away or connecting with a user having a different distance, it is possible to realize multi-party communication that is not restricted by a one-to-one connection.

  As a result, the multi-party communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention can provide a communication service based on multi-party communication of two or more parties, not two-party communication, and the client (A) 2 -1 and client (B) 2-2, when 3D audio technology is used, audio playback is performed based on position information in the virtual space, so that a three-dimensional audio communication service is realized. Can do.

  FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a client according to an embodiment of the present invention. The multi-person communication system according to one embodiment of the present invention has the same configuration as the multi-person communication system according to the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG.

  In FIG. 2, the client 2 includes a policy control unit 21, a session control unit [SIP (Session Initiation Protocol) control] 22, a voice input unit 23, a microphone 24, a voice output unit 25, and a digital signal conversion unit 26. RTP (Real-time Transport Protocol) control unit 27, position information control unit 28, audio reproduction control unit 29, mouse 30, stereo headphones 31, virtual space control unit 32, and display 33. ing. Each unit described above can be realized by a client program except for hardware, and the client program operates on a general-purpose PC (personal computer).

  FIG. 3 is a block diagram showing the configuration of the virtual space server according to one embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 3, the virtual space server 1 includes a SIP proxy server 11 that relays a SIP message for session control, and a SIP register server 12 that receives and registers the information via the SIP proxy server 11 when the client 2 is connected to the network. A SIP location server 13 for managing information such as the IP (Internet Protocol) address of the client 2; location information such as whether the client 2 is connected to the network; and managing the virtual space and its users The virtual space management server 14 is configured. The operations of the SIP proxy server 11, the SIP register server 12, and the SIP location server 13 are the same as those in normal SIP.

  The virtual space management server 14 includes a user authentication control unit 141, a virtual space management control unit 142, and virtual spaces (# 1 to #X) 143-1 to 143-X, and includes virtual spaces (# 1 to #X). ) 143-1 to 143-X hold user information 1431-1 to 1431-X and user position information 1432-1 to 1432-X, respectively.

  Hereinafter, the operation of the multi-party communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  The client 2 includes a microphone 24 that is used as an audio input device, a mouse 30 that is used as a position designation device for the user in the virtual space, and a stereo headphone 31 and a display 33 that are used as audio output devices.

  The voice input from the microphone 24 is converted into a digital signal by the voice input unit 23. The converted voice signal is sent to the RTP control unit 27, converted into an RTP packet, and transmitted to a peer-to-peer connection partner.

  The audio signal received by the client 2 of the other user is sent from the position information control unit 28 to the audio reproduction control unit 29 together with the position information of the corresponding audio signal, and is reproduced by the stereo headphones 31.

  Messages to and from the virtual space management server 14 are transmitted and received by the virtual space control unit 32. Regarding the position information, the position information designated by the mouse 30 is sent to the position information control unit 28, and is sent from the position information control unit 28 to the virtual space control unit 32. The virtual space control unit 32 calculates the positional relationship between the own user and the other user at a certain period using the position information of the own user and the position information of the other user in the virtual space, and updates it internally. Process.

  As for the position information of all users in the virtual space, the position information of the own user in the virtual space is periodically transmitted from the virtual space management server 14 to the client 2. In response to this, the location information of the current client 2 in the virtual space is transmitted from the client 2 to the virtual space management server 14. The received position information is processed by the virtual space control unit 32 and the position of the other user is displayed on the display 33.

  The session control unit 22 uses SIP and controls the start / end of RTP communication with other clients via the SIP proxy server 11. The policy control unit 21 mainly holds a policy for controlling the function of the session control unit 22 and controls communication based on the policy.

  In this embodiment, the unique server is the virtual space management server 14. Communication between the virtual space management server 14 and the client 2 is performed using a unique protocol. The server side is controlled by the virtual space management control unit 142, and the client side is controlled by the virtual space control unit 32.

  Basically, when the user activates the client 2 at a place where it can be connected via a network, the user authentication control unit 141 of the virtual space management server 14 performs user authentication. Further, the client 2 and user information is registered in the SIP location server 13 through the SIP proxy server 11 and the SIP register server 12.

  Further, when the user instructs the client 2 to log in to the virtual space # 1, the user 2 sets the user as a member of the virtual space # 1 as the virtual space # 1 information 143-1 in the virtual space management server 14 from the client 2. 1431-1 and user position information 1432-1 in the virtual space # 1 is registered. The virtual space management server 14 performs the same combination of the user information 1431-X and the user position information 1432-X for the virtual space #X (virtual space #X information 143-X) as many as the number of virtual spaces. Hold.

  Thereafter, the virtual space management server 14 notifies the client 2 of the member list and the position information of the virtual space # 1, and as a result, the client that is within a certain distance in the virtual space # 1 based on the policy of the client 2 Communication is started on a peer-to-peer basis.

  Here, the session policy will be described. The session policy is information held by the client 2 according to the present embodiment and used for session control. Regarding session control, if a session is generated unconditionally, there may be a delay in information communication due to a problem in the processing capability of the client 2 or the like. It is necessary to decide. That is, this policy includes (a) connection partner position, (b) connection partner setting, (c) maximum number of simultaneous sessions generated, (d) use port number setting, (e) usable RTP codec Settings are also possible. Further, user registration in the virtual space management server 14 is registered by a server administrator for security management.

  4 is a sequence chart illustrating a login sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention, FIG. 5 is a sequence chart illustrating a connection sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention, and FIG. 6 is a disconnection sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 7 is a diagram showing a virtual space according to an embodiment of the present invention. The operation of the multi-party communication system according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIGS.

  First, a login sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that the user information of each of the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2 is registered in advance in the virtual space management server 14 by the server administrator.

  When the client (A) 2-1 is activated by the user A (a1 in FIG. 4), it sends a registration request message to the virtual space management server 14 (a2 in FIG. 4). When the virtual space management server 14 receives the registration request message, the virtual space management server 14 authenticates the user A based on the held information on the user A (a3 in FIG. 4). After the user authentication is completed, the client (A) 2-1 A registration confirmation (response) message is sent to (a4 in FIG. 4).

  The client (A) 2-1 transmits a register (REGISTER) message to the SIP proxy server 11 using the SIP URI (SIP Uniform Resource Identifier) as the user A name (a5 in FIG. 4). This register message is transmitted to the SIP register server 12 via the SIP proxy server 11 (a6 in FIG. 4).

  At this time, since the SIP register server 12 transmits the information of the user A such as the IP address and SIP address of the client (A) 2-1 to the SIP location server 13, the information is stored in the database of the SIP location server 13. (Not shown) is registered (a7 in FIG. 4).

  Further, when the authentication is normally completed, the virtual space management server 14 transmits a current virtual space list message (a list of virtual spaces and user information) to the client (A) 2-1 (a 8 in FIG. 4). . If the user A selects one virtual space # 1 from the list of virtual spaces received from the virtual space management server 14, the client (A) 2-1 transmits a login request message to the virtual space management server 14. Therefore, the client (A) 2-1 is registered as a member of the virtual space # 1 in the virtual space management server 14 (a11 in FIG. 4).

  The virtual space management server 14 transmits all user position information in the virtual space # 1 to the client (A) 2-1 (a12 in FIG. 4). The client (A) 2-1 analyzes the position of each user in the virtual space # 1 based on the total user position information, and displays a map of the virtual space # 1 on the display 33.

  Thereafter, the location information update message is transmitted from the virtual space management server 14 to the client (A) 2-1 at a preset cycle (a13 in FIG. 4). As a response to the information from the client (A) 2-1, a location information notification message [location information of the current client (A) 2-1] is transmitted to the virtual space management server 14 (a14 in FIG. 4). ).

  Next, a connection sequence when performing voice communication according to the present embodiment will be described with reference to FIG. Here, the user B activates the client (B) 2-2, and the registration process and the log-in process to the virtual space # 1 similar to the case of the client (A) 2-1 are completed. To do.

  When the user A moves on the map of the virtual space # 1 with the mouse 30 after the login to the virtual space # 1 is completed, the position information is transmitted as an event to the virtual space management server 14, so that the virtual space that received it The management server 14 updates the position information and transmits the updated position information to the client (A) 2-1 (b 1 to b 4 in FIG. 5).

  When the connection conditions between the user A and the user B are satisfied by the policies held by the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2, the user A and the user B Session establishment processing is performed during (b5, b6 in FIG. 5).

  First, an INVITE message is transmitted from the client (A) 2-1 to the SIP proxy server 11 (b7 in FIG. 5). A 100 TRYING message is transmitted from the SIP proxy server 11 to the client (A) 2-1 (b9 in FIG. 5). Further, the SIP proxy server 11 transmits an INVITE message to the client (B) 2-2 (b10 in FIG. 5).

  On the other hand, 180 RINGING message and 200 OK message are transmitted from the client (B) 2-2 to the SIP proxy server 11 in this order (b10 and b11 in FIG. 5). The SIP proxy server 11 that has received the 200OK message transmits the 200OK message to the client (A) 2-1 (b12 in FIG. 5). Thus, the session control is completed and voice communication by RTP can be executed (b13 and b14 in FIG. 5).

  The RTP received by each of the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2 is sent from the RTP control unit 27 to the voice output unit 25 and sent to the digital signal conversion unit 26. Then, the sound reproduction control unit 29 analyzes the position of the sound from the digital signal conversion unit 26 based on the information from the position information control unit 28, performs sound reproduction according to the position, and sends the sound signal to the stereo headphones 31. Send it out. For example, when the user B is located on the left side and the user C is located on the right side with the user A as the center, the user A can reproduce the sound so that the sound from the user B can be heard from the left side and the sound from the user C can be heard from the right side. The control unit 29 mixes and reproduces both sounds.

  When the voices input from the microphones 24 of the client (A) 2-1 and the client (B) 2-2 are sent to the voice input unit 23, converted into digital signals, and a session with the other party is established, It is transmitted from the RTP control unit 27 to the connection partner.

  Next, a cutting sequence according to an embodiment of the present invention will be described with reference to FIG. When the client (A) 2-1 detects a disconnection event of the connected session based on position information or the like (c1 to c6 in FIG. 6), the client (A) 2-1 transmits a BYE message to the SIP proxy server 11 (in FIG. 6). c7).

  The BYE message is transmitted to the client (B) 2-2 via the SIP proxy server 11 (c8 in FIG. 6). Upon receiving the BYE message, the client (B) 2-2 transmits a 200 OK message to the SIP proxy server 11 (c9 in FIG. 6). This 200 OK message is transmitted to the client (A) 2-1 via the SIP proxy server 11 (c10 in FIG. 6). When the client (A) 2-1 receives the 200 OK message, the disconnection is completed (c11 in FIG. 6).

  Next, the relationship between users in the virtual space will be described with reference to FIG. It is assumed that user terminals A to E are logged in from the virtual space server 1 into the virtual space # 1. It is assumed that each user terminal A to E holds a policy of “perform connection start processing when the distance of the other user falls within a certain value”.

  When the distance between the user terminal A and the user terminal B satisfies the policy of the user terminal A by the user position information received from the virtual space management server 14 according to the policy held by each user terminal A to E, The user terminal A starts a connection process for the user terminal B. At this time, if the policy of the user terminal B is not satisfied, the connection between the user terminal A and the user terminal B is not completed.

  On the other hand, when the policy of the user terminal B is satisfied, the connection conditions of both the user terminal A and the user terminal B are satisfied, and the connection between the user terminal A and the user terminal B is completed. Here, since there is a possibility that the connection is started almost simultaneously, it is necessary to perform a process for avoiding the double connection in the user terminal.

  In addition, when the connection condition is satisfied between the user terminal A and the user terminal C and the connection condition is not satisfied between the user terminal B and the user terminal C, the user terminal C and the user terminal A perform session establishment processing. I do. That is, the user terminal A can communicate with both the user terminal B and the user terminal C, but the user terminal B can hear the voice of the user terminal A but cannot hear the voice of the user terminal C. The user terminal C can hear the voice of the user terminal A but cannot hear the voice of the user terminal B.

  Thereafter, when the connection condition between the user terminal B and the user terminal C is satisfied, the connection between the user terminal B and the user terminal C is established, and the user terminal A, the user terminal B, the user terminal C Can communicate with each other.

  Furthermore, when the connection conditions between the user terminal D and the user terminal E are satisfied in the same virtual space # 1, and the connection is completed, two different conversations are possible in the virtual space # 1.

  As described above, in this embodiment, it is possible to provide a communication service based on communication between two or more parties rather than communication between two parties. Also, in this embodiment, when 3D audio technology is used for the audio reproduction control unit 29 of the client 2, audio reproduction is performed based on position information in the virtual space, and thus a more three-dimensional audio communication service is provided. Can do.

  FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a configuration of a multi-party communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention. In FIG. 8, in the multi-party communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention, the video delivery client (D) 4 logged in the virtual space of the virtual space server 1 has a video delivery function. It is possible to construct a moving image distribution service system with another client (C) 3 logged into the same virtual space. The moving image distribution client (D) 4 is always connected to the network.

  In addition, in a multi-party communication system according to another embodiment of the present invention, when a virtual space is considered as a single content, the operator can rent a certain virtual space to the operator regardless of whether it is a voice or a video. Various unique information communication services are possible.

It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the communication system between multiple persons by embodiment of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the client by one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the virtual space server by one Example of this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows the login sequence by one Example of this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows the connection sequence by one Example of this invention. It is a sequence chart which shows the cutting | disconnection sequence by one Example of this invention. It is a figure which shows the virtual space by one Example of this invention. It is a block diagram which shows the structure of the multi-party communication system by the other Example of this invention.

Explanation of symbols

1 Virtual space server
2 clients
2-1 Client (A)
2-2 Client (B)
3 Client (C)
4 Video distribution client (D)
11 SIP proxy server
12 SIP register server
13 SIP location server
14 Virtual space management server
21 Policy control part
22 Session control section
23 Voice input part
24 microphone
25 Audio output section
26 Digital signal converter
27 RTP controller
28 Location information control unit
29 Voice playback controller
30 mice
31 Stereo headphones
32 Virtual space controller
33 display
141 User authentication control unit
142 Virtual space management control unit 143-1 to 143-X Virtual space (# 1 to #X)
1431-1 to 1431-X User information 1432-1 to 1432-X User position information

Claims (16)

A multi-person communication system that forms a virtual space with a virtual space server and performs communication between client terminals in the virtual space,
The multi-party communication system, wherein the client terminal includes means for controlling a communication amount in communication between the client terminals based on a preset condition.   2. The multi-person communication according to claim 1, wherein the means for controlling the communication amount performs at least one of bandwidth control and session control, and performs communication between two or more persons between the client terminals. Communications system.   The multi-party communication system according to claim 2, wherein the means for controlling the communication volume performs the session control by using a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). The virtual space server sends a list of virtual spaces that can be logged in to the client terminal when the client terminal is connected,
2. The client terminal starts communication with another client terminal logged in to the virtual space when a virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list from the virtual space server. The multi-party communication system according to claim 3. The virtual space server includes means for managing position information of the client terminal in the virtual space;
The multi-party communication system according to any one of claims 1 to 4, wherein the client terminal controls the communication amount using position information managed by the virtual space server as the condition. A client terminal that communicates with other terminals in a virtual space formed by a virtual space server,
A client terminal comprising means for controlling a communication amount in communication with the other terminal based on a preset condition.   The means for controlling the amount of communication performs at least one of bandwidth control and session control, and performs communication between two or more parties with the other terminal. Client terminal.   8. The client terminal according to claim 7, wherein the means for controlling the communication amount performs the session control by using a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol).   Communicate with the other terminal logged in to the virtual space when the virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list of virtual spaces that are sent when connecting to the virtual space server and the terminal can log in. The client terminal according to claim 6, wherein the client terminal is started.   The said client terminal controls the said traffic with the said information on the positional information of the self-terminal in the said virtual space managed by the said virtual space server, and the said other terminal as the said conditions. 9. The client terminal according to any one of 9.   A multi-party communication method used in a multi-party communication system that forms a virtual space by a virtual space server and performs communication between client terminals in the virtual space, wherein the client terminal is based on a preset condition. And a process for controlling the amount of communication in communication between the client terminals.   The multi-party communication according to claim 11, wherein the process for controlling the communication amount performs at least one of bandwidth control and session control, and performs communication between two or more parties between the client terminals. Communication method.   The multi-party communication method according to claim 12, wherein the process for controlling the communication amount performs the session control using a SIP (Session Initiation Protocol). The virtual space server sends a list of virtual spaces that can be logged in to the client terminal when the client terminal is connected,
12. The client terminal starts communication with another client terminal logged in to the virtual space when a virtual space is arbitrarily selected from the list from the virtual space server. The multi-party communication method according to claim 13. The virtual space server manages position information of the client terminal in the virtual space;
The multi-party communication method according to any one of claims 11 to 14, wherein the client terminal controls the communication amount using the position information managed by the virtual space server as the condition. A program for a multi-party communication method used in a multi-party communication system that forms a virtual space by a virtual space server and performs communication between client terminals in the virtual space, and is based on conditions preset in the computer A program for executing processing for controlling the amount of communication in communication between the client terminals.

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