JP2012173333A - Distribution system, information processor, information processing program, and dialog content generation method - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a distribution system, an information processor, an information processing program, and a dialog content generation method capable of allowing even another user to efficiently use dialog information that indicates the content of a dialog held between multiple users on an e-learning content.SOLUTION: The distribution system of the present invention for distributing an e-learning content to be output by terminals via a network indicates the content of a dialog to be held between multiple users through the use of communication between the terminals connected to the network, and acquires the dialog information concerning the e-learning content from the terminals of the multiple users. Then, the distribution system generates a dialog content including the dialog information and preserves the dialog content in a predetermined apparatus as the content to be distributable to the terminals used by users other than at least the users who have held the dialog, in association with the e-learning content.

Description

  The present invention relates to a technical field of a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network.

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, a distance education system that performs education remotely using a plurality of terminals connected to a network is known. The distance learning system includes, for example, a teacher's terminal for predetermined e-learning and a student's terminal as a student. Then, the lecturer and the student can communicate in a question-and-answer format using communication between the respective terminals. An example of such a distance education system is disclosed in Patent Document 1. In the distance education system disclosed in Patent Document 1, recorded data of a debate result performed between students under the progress of a lecturer is uploaded to a server. Then, the lecturer provides guidance to the student while referring to the uploaded recording data on the lecturer terminal.

JP-A-2005-215086

  By the way, in the distance education system, for example, there may be a one-to-one question-and-answer session between a student and a lecturer regarding a problem posted in e-learning content. After this question and answer session, another student is expected to ask the instructor about the same problem. However, in the conventional distance learning system, another student and the instructor have to answer questions and answers again one-on-one on the same problem. Therefore, it was troublesome for the lecturer.

  Accordingly, the present invention has been made in view of the above points and the like, and efficiently uses dialogue information indicating the content of dialogues performed between a plurality of users regarding e-learning content from other users. It is an object of the present invention to provide a distribution system, an information processing apparatus, an information processing program, a dialog content generation method, and the like that make it possible.

  In order to solve the above problem, the invention according to claim 1 is a communication system for distributing e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network, and communication between terminal devices connected to the network. First acquisition means for acquiring the dialog information regarding the e-learning content from the terminal devices of the plurality of users, which is dialog information indicating the contents of the dialog performed between the plurality of users using Dialog content that can be output by a terminal device, the generating means for generating the dialog content including the dialog information acquired by the first acquisition means, and at least the dialog content generated by the generating means As content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who performed the e-learning In association with the content, characterized in that it comprises a control means for saving to a predetermined device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the distribution system according to the first aspect, the first acquisition means stores the dialogue information indicating a content of a dialogue performed in a question-and-answer format between the lecturer and the learner. , Acquired from the terminal device of the instructor and the terminal device of the learner, the generation unit generates the dialog content including the dialog information acquired by the first acquisition unit, the control unit, The dialogue content generated by the generation unit is stored in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a learner other than the learner who has performed the dialogue. It is characterized by that.

  The invention according to claim 3 is the distribution system according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the link for outputting the interactive content is displayed on the Web page that can be displayed on the terminal device. It further comprises setting means for setting in association with a problem or theme included in the content.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the distribution system according to the third aspect, the setting means sets a link for outputting the interactive content in at least one commentary step in the problem commentary step. It is characterized by that.

  According to a fifth aspect of the present invention, in the distribution system according to any one of the first to fourth aspects, level information indicating a level of knowledge or ability of at least one of the users performing the dialogue is acquired. 2 further includes an acquisition unit, and the level information acquired by the second acquisition unit is registered in association with the dialog content.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, in the distribution system according to any one of the first to fifth aspects, the distribution system includes an overlay network including the plurality of node devices, and the node device includes: Generated by the generation means, first generation means for acquiring the conversation information from the terminal devices of the plurality of users, generation means for generating the conversation content including the conversation information acquired by the first acquisition means, and Control means for storing the dialog content as content that can be distributed to at least a terminal device used by a user other than the user who performed the dialog, in association with the e-learning content, in another node device; It is characterized by providing.

  According to a seventh aspect of the present invention, in an information processing apparatus included in a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network, communication between terminal devices connected to the network is used. Dialogue information indicating the contents of dialogue performed between a plurality of users, and the dialogue information related to the e-learning content is obtained from the terminal devices of the plurality of users, and output by the terminal device A dialogue unit that generates the dialogue content including the dialogue information acquired by the first acquisition unit, and a user who has performed at least the dialogue content generated by the generation unit. As content that can be distributed to terminal devices used by other users, the e-learning content Characterized in that it comprises a control means for saving to a predetermined device in association with.

  According to an eighth aspect of the present invention, a plurality of computers included in a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network, using communication between terminal devices connected to the network. Dialogue information indicating the contents of dialogue between the users, the step of obtaining the dialogue information related to the e-learning content from the terminal devices of the plurality of users, and dialogue content that can be output by the terminal devices. And generating the dialog content including the acquired dialog information, and the generated content as the content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialog. , A step for storing the e-learning content in a predetermined device in association with the content. Characterized in that to execute, when.

  The invention according to claim 9 is an interactive content generation method in a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network, and uses communication between the terminal devices connected to the network Dialogue information indicating the contents of dialogue between a plurality of users, the dialogue information regarding the e-learning content being obtained from the terminal devices of the plurality of users, and outputable by the terminal device A dialog content including the acquired dialog information, and the generated dialog content can be distributed to at least a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialog. Content stored in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content. Characterized in that it comprises a step of, the.

  According to invention of Claim 1, 6-9, the terminal device which the dialog content containing the dialog information which shows the content of the dialog performed between several users uses at least users other than the user who performed the said dialog The content is stored in a predetermined device as content that can be distributed to the device. Therefore, the dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed between the plurality of users regarding the e-learning content can be efficiently used from other users. As a result, it is possible to reduce the trouble of a certain user giving duplicate explanations to a plurality of users.

  According to the invention described in claim 2, the dialogue content including the dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed between the lecturer and the learner in a question-and-answer format is at least other than the learner who has performed the dialogue The content is stored in a predetermined device as content that can be distributed to the terminal device used by the learner. Therefore, the dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed in the question and answer format between the lecturer and the learner regarding the e-learning content can be efficiently used from other learners. As a result, it is possible to reduce the trouble that the instructor makes redundant responses to a plurality of learners.

  According to the third aspect of the invention, the user of the e-learning content can efficiently browse the interactive content via the web page.

  According to the fourth aspect of the invention, the user of the e-learning content can efficiently browse the interactive content related to the explanation step via the Web page.

  According to the fifth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to store the interactive content according to the level of the user's knowledge or ability so as to be distributed.

It is a figure showing an example of outline composition of a distribution system in this embodiment. (A) is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a Web server WS. (B) is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of the management server MS. (C) is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a node. (D) is a block diagram showing a schematic configuration example of a terminal. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of each apparatus in the connection operation | movement of a terminal and a node, and the content acquisition operation | movement. (A) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the page for e-learning. (B) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the selection page for selecting Q & A content. (C) is a figure which shows the example of a display of the moving image 71 of Q & A content. It is a sequence diagram which shows the process of each apparatus in the production | generation and input operation | movement of Q & A content. (A) is a flowchart which shows the dialogue process in the control part 41 of a learner terminal. (B) is a flowchart which shows the dialogue process in the control part 41 of a lecturer terminal. (C) is a flowchart which shows the information relay process in the control part 31 of a lecturer side node. (D) is a flowchart which shows the information registration process in the control part 21 of management server MS.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings. The embodiment described below is an embodiment when the present invention is applied to a distribution system.

[ 1. Overview of distribution system configuration and operation ]
First, with reference to FIG. 1, the structure and operation | movement outline | summary of the delivery system in this embodiment are demonstrated. FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a distribution system according to the present embodiment. As shown in FIG. 1, the distribution system S includes a Web server WS, a management server MS, node devices Nn (n = 1, 2, 3... K), and terminal devices Tm (m = 1, 2, 3,. .. j) etc. The Web server WS, the management server MS, the node device Nn (n = 1, 2, 3... K), and the terminal device Tm (m = 1, 2, 3,... J) are connected to the network NW. . The distribution system S is an example of a distribution system that distributes e-learning content via a network NW. The node device Nn is an example of an information processing device. The network NW is composed of the Internet or the like. The e-learning content is data created to allow the learner to learn about a predetermined matter. The e-learning content is data that can be output by the terminal device Tm.

  The terminal device Tm is, for example, a personal computer or a portable device used by a user. The terminal device Tm is hereinafter referred to as “terminal”. In the distribution system S, dialogues between a plurality of users can be performed using communication between terminals. Here, for example, the terminal T1 is used by a learner who performs learning using e-learning content. The terminal used by the learner is hereinafter referred to as “learner terminal”. Further, for example, the terminal T2 is used by a lecturer who responds to questions from learners. The terminal used by the instructor is hereinafter referred to as “instructor terminal”. Then, for example, a dialogue is performed in a question and answer format between the learner and the lecturer using communication between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal. In this case, the learner is an instructor student.

  The web server WS is a server for configuring an e-learning site. The e-learning site is a site for publishing e-learning content via the network NW. The management server MS is a server for managing attribute information such as e-learning contents, learners, and lecturers. The node device Nn is, for example, a relay device that relays an IP (Internet Protocol) packet between the network NW and the base network NLn. The node device Nn is hereinafter referred to as “node”. The base network NLn is provided at a base Pn such as an educational facility or a training facility. For example, the base P1 is a base where a plurality of lecturers gather. Therefore, a plurality of lecturer terminals are connected to the base network NL1. On the other hand, for example, the base P2 is a base where a plurality of learners gather. Therefore, a plurality of learner terminals are connected to the base network NL2. In the base network NL2, the node N2 functions as an edge server that distributes e-learning content to learner terminals.

  As shown in FIG. 1, in the distribution system S, an overlay network ON is configured by participation of a plurality of nodes that can communicate with each other via a network NW. The overlay network ON is a logical network that forms a virtual link. The overlay network ON is realized by a specific algorithm, for example, an algorithm using a distributed hash table. The distributed hash table is hereinafter referred to as “DHT (Distributed Hash Table)”. Here, participating in the overlay network ON means operating in a state in which various messages can be transmitted to and received from other nodes via the overlay network ON based on a routing table using DHT. Note that a routing table using DHT is known in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-197400 and the like, and thus detailed description thereof is omitted. A node ID is assigned to each node participating in the overlay network ON. This node ID is unique identification information for identifying a node among nodes participating in the overlay network ON.

  In addition, various contents having different contents are distributed and stored in a plurality of nodes participating in the overlay network ON. The distributed and stored content includes e-learning content and Q & A content, for example. Q & A content is an example of interactive content. Q & A content is data that can be output by a terminal. Further, the Q & A content includes dialogue information indicating the content of dialogue performed in a question-and-answer format between the learner and the lecturer. The dialogue information includes, for example, moving image data and audio data. The moving image data is, for example, data obtained by photographing the learner and the lecturer who are interacting with each other. The voice data is data in which the voices of the learner and the lecturer are recorded. In other words, in this case, it is a voice dialogue. Further, the dialogue may be performed by characters, for example, by chat. In this case, the dialogue information includes text data in which characters are input by the learner and the lecturer. Further, the dialogue may be performed by a picture, a figure, or the like input with a mouse or a touch pen. In this case, the dialogue information includes drawing data such as pictures and figures input by the learner or the lecturer. A method for generating Q & A content and putting it into the overlay network ON will be described later. Here, “injection” refers to saving in a node as content that can be acquired via the overlay network ON.

  A content ID is assigned to the content stored in the node. The content ID is unique identification information for identifying the content from among a plurality of contents stored in the node by the overlay network ON. Note that the node ID and the content ID are generated by, for example, a hash function common to the overlay network ON.

  Here, the node storing the content is hereinafter referred to as “content holding node”. The location of the content holding node is stored as index information in the node that manages the location of the content. A node that manages the location of content is hereinafter referred to as a “root node”. The index information includes a set of the node ID and node information of the content holding node storing the content and the content ID of the content. The node information includes, for example, the IP address and port number of the content holding node. Here, the IP address of the content holding node is an example of location information indicating the location of the content holding node. Note that the root node is determined to be a node to which a node ID closest to the content ID is assigned, for example. The node ID closest to the content ID is, for example, the node ID with the highest number of upper digits that match.

  A certain node may acquire predetermined content from the content holding node via the overlay network ON. In this case, this node performs a process of searching for the location of the content holding node that stores predetermined content in the overlay network ON. This processing is hereinafter referred to as “content search processing”. Here, the predetermined content is, for example, content selected as an acquisition target by a node. A node that performs content search processing is hereinafter referred to as a “user node”. The content search process is performed based on the content ID of the content. Specifically, the user node generates a content location inquiry message in the content search process. The content location inquiry message is a message for inquiring the location of the content to the root node. The content location inquiry message includes the IP address and port number of the user node that transmits this message, and the content ID of the content. Then, the user node transmits the generated content location inquiry message to the root node by DHT routing. The DHT routing is known in, for example, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2007-053662, and detailed description thereof is omitted. The root node that has received the content location inquiry message acquires index information corresponding to the content ID included in the content location inquiry message. Then, the root node returns the acquired index information to the user node. The index information returned in this way includes the IP address of one or more content holding nodes that store the content. Thus, the user node receives the index information from the root node. With this index information, the user node can find the content to be acquired. Then, the user node accesses the content holding node based on the IP address of the content holding node included in the received index information. Then, the user node requests content from the content holding node and acquires this content from the content holding node.

[ 2. Configuration and function of Web server WS ]
Next, the configuration and functions of the Web server WS will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2A is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the Web server WS. As shown in FIG. 2A, the Web server WS includes a control unit 11, a storage unit 12, a communication unit 13, and the like. The control unit 11, the storage unit 12, and the communication unit 13 are connected to each other via a bus 14. The Web server WS may be composed of a plurality of servers such as an application server and a database server.

  The storage unit 12 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. The storage unit 12 stores an operating system, an HTTP (HyperText Transfer Protocol) server program, and the like.

  Further, the storage unit 12 stores data constituting a web page for displaying e-learning content. The web page for displaying the e-learning content is hereinafter referred to as “e-learning page”. The data constituting the e-learning page is structured document data described in HTML (Hyper Text Markup Language), XML (Extensible Markup Language), or the like. The communication unit 13 performs communication control with the management server MS or a terminal through the network NW.

  The control unit 11 includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM, and the like. The control unit 11 functions as an HTTP server when the CPU executes an HTTP server program stored in the storage unit 12 or the like. The control unit 11 is an example of setting means in the present invention.

[ 3. Configuration and function of management server MS ]
Next, the configuration and function of the management server MS will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2B is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the management server MS. As shown in FIG. 2B, the management server MS includes a control unit 21, a storage unit 22, a communication unit 23, and the like. The control unit 21, the storage unit 22, and the communication unit 23 are connected to each other via a bus 24. The management server MS may be composed of a plurality of servers such as an application server and a database server.

  The storage unit 22 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. The storage unit 22 stores an operating system, a management server program, and the like. In addition, a management database is constructed in the storage unit 22. In the management database, e-learning content attribute information, learner attribute information, instructor attribute information, node attribute information, and the like are registered.

  Here, the attribute information of the e-learning content includes a content ID of the e-learning content, content configuration information, and the like. The e-learning content in this embodiment is composed of a plurality of slides. For example, one slide is displayed on one screen. Note that a slide may be referred to as a page. The content configuration information includes information such as a slide number. The slide number is a number indicating the order given to each slide. For example, assume that the e-learning content is composed of 15 slides. In this case, according to the instruction from the user, the slide from the slide with the slide number “1” to the slide with the slide number “15” is displayed on the screen in order. In addition, e-learning content may be divided into elements such as problems and themes, for example. Each element belongs to any one or more slides. Examples of element names include “factorization”, “matrix”, and “differentiation”. The content configuration information includes a slide number and a classification keyword of an element belonging to the slide in association with each other. The classification keyword is information for specifying an element. Element names can be applied as classification keywords. The classification keyword may be a number assigned individually for each element. An explanation for an element may consist of a plurality of explanation steps. In this case, the content configuration information further includes an explanation step number associated with the classification keyword of the element. The explanation step number is a number indicating the order of explanation. Furthermore, Q & A content may be associated with e-learning content. For example, the Q & A content may be associated with a specific element included in the e-learning content. In this case, the content configuration information includes the content ID of the Q & A content in association with the element classification keyword. Further, the Q & A content may be associated with the explanation step for a specific element. In this case, the content configuration information includes the content ID of the Q & A content in association with the set of the element classification keyword and the explanation step number. Furthermore, Q & A content may be associated with a specific commentary during the commentary step. In this case, the content configuration information includes the content ID of the Q & A content in association with the set of the element classification keyword, the comment step number, and the number of the specific comment line. The element classification keyword or the like may be associated with the name of the Q & A content together with the content ID of the Q & A content. The name of the Q & A content includes, for example, an element name and a Q & A content generation date. In addition, the number of times the Q & A content is viewed may be associated with the element classification keyword and the like together with the content ID of the Q & A content. The number of viewing times is the number of times the Q & A content is reproduced and output by the learner terminal.

  The e-learning content may be composed of a moving image file and an audio file. In this case, the playback time width of the entire e-learning content is divided and managed at predetermined time intervals. A track number is used instead of the slide number described above. For example, the playback time “from 0 to 10 minutes” is the track number “1”, the playback time “from 10 to 20 minutes” is the track number “2”, and so on.

  The learner attribute information includes a learner ID, a password, learner level information, and the like given to each learner. The learner ID and password are used by the learner to log in to the e-learning site from the learner terminal. The learner level information indicates, for example, the learner's level of learning. In other words, the learner level information indicates the level of knowledge of the learner. This learner level information varies depending on the progress of learning in e-learning. Instructor attribute information includes an instructor ID, a password, instructor level information, and the like assigned to each instructor. The instructor ID and password are used for the instructor to log in to the e-learning site from the instructor terminal. The lecturer level information indicates, for example, the level of ability of the lecturer.

  The node attribute information includes node IDs of nodes participating in the overlay network ON, node information, and the like. The node attribute information includes base information indicating the base Pn to which the node belongs. The base Pn to which the node belongs is a base where the base network NLn to which the node is connected is provided. A terminal may be connected to this node. In this case, the terminal information of the terminal is associated with the attribute information of the node. This terminal information includes the IP address and port number of the terminal.

  The communication unit 23 performs communication control with the Web server WS, node, terminal, or the like through the network NW. The control unit 21 includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM, and the like. And the control part 21 performs the registration process of the information to a management database by execution of the management server program memorize | stored in the memory | storage part 22 etc. by CPU. In addition, the control unit 21 performs a process for providing information registered in the management database.

[ 4. Node configuration and functions ]
Next, the configuration and function of the node will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2C is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of a node. As shown in FIG. 2C, the node includes a control unit 31, a buffer memory 32, a storage unit 33, a communication unit 34a, a communication unit 34b, and the like. The control unit 31, the buffer memory 32, the storage unit 33, the communication unit 34a, and the communication unit 34b are connected to each other via a bus 35.

  The buffer memory 32 temporarily accumulates contents received via the communication unit 34a.

  The storage unit 33 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. The storage unit 33 stores an operating system, an IP packet relay processing program, a P2P program, and the like. In addition, the storage unit 33 stores a routing table using DHT used for overlay network ON. Note that the routing table using DHT is generated by participating in the overlay network ON. In addition, the content is stored in the content storage area provided in the storage unit 33. The communication unit 34a performs communication control with another node, the management server MS, or a terminal through the network NW. The communication unit 34b performs communication control with a terminal connected to the base network NLn.

  The control unit 31 includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM, and the like. The control unit 31 is an example of a first acquisition unit, a second acquisition unit, a generation unit, and a control unit in the present invention. Further, the control unit 31 operates as the IP packet relay processing unit 31a by the execution of the IP packet relay processing program stored in the storage unit 33 or the like by the CPU. The IP packet relay processing unit 31a performs processing for relaying IP packets from other routers or hosts in the network layer, which is the third layer of the OSI (Open Systems Interconnection) reference model. Since the function of the IP packet relay processing unit 31a is the same as that of a known router or L3 switching hub, detailed description thereof is omitted. In addition, the control unit 31 operates as the node processing unit 31b when the CPU executes the P2P program stored in the storage unit 33 or the like. The processing of the IP packet relay processing unit 31a and the node processing unit 31b is executed by a single CPU by multitasking or multicore. Alternatively, the processing of the IP packet relay processing unit 31a and the node processing unit 31b may be configured to be executed by each of two or more CPUs.

[ 5. Terminal configuration and functions ]
Next, the configuration and functions of the terminal will be described with reference to FIG. FIG. 2D is a block diagram illustrating a schematic configuration example of the terminal. As shown in FIG. 2D, the terminal includes a control unit 41, a storage unit 42, a buffer memory 43, a decoder unit 44, a moving image processing unit 45, a display unit 46, an audio processing unit 47, a speaker 48, and a communication unit 49. , An operation unit 49a, a microphone 49b, a camera 49c, and the like. The control unit 41, the storage unit 42, the buffer memory 43, the decoder unit 44, the moving image processing unit 45, the display unit 46, the audio processing unit 47, the speaker 48, the communication unit 49, the operation unit 49a, the microphone 49b, and the camera 49c They are connected to each other via a bus 49d.

  The storage unit 42 is composed of, for example, a hard disk drive. The storage unit 42 stores an operating system, a web browser program, a player program, an e-learning program, a dialogue program, and the like. The dialogue program is a program for carrying out a dialogue between the lecturer and the learner.

  The buffer memory 43 buffers, for example, Q & A content received from the node. The decoder unit 44 performs decoding processing such as data expansion and decoding of moving image data and audio data included in the content. The moving image processing unit 45 performs a predetermined drawing process on the moving image data decoded by the decoder unit 44 and reproduces and outputs it as a moving image signal. The display unit 46 displays a moving image or the like based on the moving image signal reproduced and output from the moving image processing unit 45. The display unit 46 displays the moving image decoded by the decoder unit 44. The audio processing unit 47 performs D (Digital) / A (Analog) conversion of the audio data decoded by the decoder unit 44 into an analog audio signal, and then amplifies this by an amplifier and outputs it. The speaker 48 outputs the audio signal reproduced and output from the audio processing unit 47 as audio.

  The communication unit 49 performs communication control with the Web server WS, the management server MS, or a node through the network NW. The operation unit 49a is used for a learner or a lecturer to input or select information. For example, the operation unit 49a is a mouse or a keyboard. The operation unit 49a, a touch pen, or the like may be used. Moreover, the microphone 49b collects the sound uttered by the learner or the lecturer. The camera 49c takes a picture of a learner or a lecturer. The control unit 41 includes a CPU having a calculation function, a working RAM, a ROM, and the like.

[ 6. Operation of distribution system S ]
Next, the operation of the distribution system S in this embodiment will be described. In the operation described below, it is assumed that an HTTP server program is activated on the Web server WS. Further, it is assumed that the management server program is activated in the management server MS. In addition, it is assumed that the P2P program is activated in the node.

(6-1. Connection operation between terminal and node)
First, a connection operation between a terminal and a node will be described with reference to steps S1 to S11 shown in FIG. Steps S1 to S11 shown in FIG. 3 are sequence diagrams showing processing of each device in the connection operation between the terminal and the node. Note that the processing of step S1 to step S11 shown in FIG. 3 is common to the learner terminal and the instructor terminal, and will be described using the learner terminal as an example.

  The control unit 41 of the learner terminal starts an e-learning program in accordance with the operation unit 49a from the user. Then, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal connects to the management server MS and transmits a login request (step S1). This login request includes a learner ID and a password. The user of the learner terminal that transmits the login request in step S1 is hereinafter referred to as “learner A”.

  When receiving the login request from the learner terminal (step S2), the control unit 21 of the management server MS executes a login process. In this login process, it is determined whether a set of learner ID and password is registered in the management database. Then, when the set of the learner ID and password is registered in the management database, the login of the learner A to the e-learning site is permitted.

  Next, when permitting the login of the learner A, the control unit 21 of the management server MS determines a node to which the learner terminal is connected. The node to which the learner terminal is connected is hereinafter referred to as “learner side node”. In determining the learner side node, the attribute information of the node registered in the management database is referred to. The learner side node determined by the management server MS may be any node as long as it is a node participating in the overlay network ON. However, the learner terminal may belong to a certain base Pn. In this case, this learner terminal is connected to the network NW by the IP packet relay processing unit 31a of the node belonging to the same base Pn. Therefore, in this case, the management server MS desirably determines a node belonging to the same base Pn as the learner terminal as a learner side node. Note that there may be a plurality of learner side nodes determined by the management server MS. In this case, the learner terminal determines one node to be actually connected from the plurality of learner side nodes.

  Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires the attribute information of the logged-in learner A from the management database. Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires the node information of the determined learner side node from the management database. Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS transmits the acquired attribute information of the learner A and node information of the learner side node to the learner terminal (step S3).

  The control unit 41 of the learner terminal receives the attribute information of the learner A and the node information of the learner side node from the management server MS (step S4). Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal performs connection request processing based on the node information of the learner side node (step S5). In this connection request process, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits a connection request to the learner side node.

  When receiving the connection request from the learner terminal, the control unit 31 of the learner side node performs a connection response process (step S6). In this connection response process, the control unit 31 of the learner side node transmits a connection response to the learner terminal. And the control part 41 of a learner terminal receives a connection response from a learner side node. Thus, the connection between the learner terminal and the learner side node is established. That is, a session is established. Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits the attribute information of the learner A to the learner side node (step S7).

  When receiving the learner A attribute information from the learner terminal (step S8), the learner side node control unit 31 transmits the learner terminal information and the learner A attribute information to the management server MS. (Step S9).

  The control unit 21 of the management server MS receives the terminal information of the learner terminal and the attribute information of the learner A from the learner side node (step S10). Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS registers the terminal information of the learner terminal and the attribute information of the learner A in the management database in association with the attribute information of the learner side node (step S11). Thereby, the management server MS can recognize from which learner terminal the learner A is connected to which learner side node.

  In the connection operation, the learner terminal is taken as an example, but the same applies to the lecturer terminal. In this case, the node to which the instructor terminal is connected is hereinafter referred to as “instructor side node”. Further, the user of the instructor terminal who transmits the login request in step S1 is hereinafter referred to as “instructor X”. In this case, in step S11, the terminal information of the lecturer terminal and the attribute information of the lecturer X are registered in the management database in association with the attribute information of the lecturer side node. In addition to lecturer X, it is assumed that lecturer Y and lecturer Z have logged in to the e-learning site from their respective lecturer terminals.

(6-2. Content Acquisition Operation)
Next, the content acquisition operation will be described with reference to steps S21 to S48 shown in FIG. Steps S <b> 21 to S <b> 48 illustrated in FIG. 3 are sequence diagrams illustrating processing of each device in the content acquisition operation.

  When the connection between the learner terminal and the learner side node is established, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal accesses the e-learning site by the web browser and transmits a page request (step S21). The page request includes the learner ID of learner A.

  When receiving a page request from the learner terminal (step S22), the control unit 11 of the web server WS transmits a request for specification information on the e-learning page to the management server MS (step S23). The specification information of the e-learning page is information necessary for generating the e-learning page. The request for the specification information on the e-learning page includes the learner ID of the logged-in learner A.

  When receiving the request for the specification information of the e-learning page from the Web server WS (Step S24), the control unit 21 of the management server MS determines the lecturer side node to which the lecturer terminal is connected (Step S25). This instructor terminal is an instructor terminal of the instructor who becomes the conversation partner of the learner A who has logged in. In determining the instructor side node, the attribute information of the node registered in the management database is referred to. Here, for example, the instructor side node to which the instructor terminal of instructor X is connected is determined. Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires node information of the determined lecturer side node from the management database (step S26). Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires the attribute information of the e-learning content from the management database (step S27). Note that the learner level information of the logged-in learner A may be acquired. Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS transmits the node information of the lecturer side node and the attribute information of the e-learning content to the Web server WS (step S28). At this time, the learner level information may be transmitted to the Web server WS together with the attribute information of the e-learning content.

  The control unit 11 of the Web server WS receives the node information of the lecturer side node and the attribute information of the e-learning content from the management server MS (Step S29). Next, the control unit 11 of the Web server WS generates an e-learning page based on the node information of the instructor side node and the attribute information of the e-learning content (step S30). Here, a moving image of an e-learning content, a question button, and a Q & A button can be displayed on the e-learning page. Among these, the moving image of the e-learning content is acquired and displayed from the learner side node by the learner terminal, as will be described later. At this time, sound is output in conjunction with the display of the moving image of the e-learning content. On the other hand, the question button is set in advance so as to be displayed on the e-learning page. That is, a tag for displaying a question button is described in, for example, HTML data constituting the e-learning page. The question button is configured by an image such as gif. Question attribute information is set for the question button. This question attribute information is information indicating which question of which slide of which e-learning content the question is. For example, the question attribute information includes a content ID, a slide number, a classification keyword, and the like of e-learning content. And the control part 11 of Web server WS sets the node information of the lecturer side node to this question button. In addition, you may comprise so that the learner level information of the learner A who logged in may be set to this question button.

  In addition, as described above, the Q & A content may be associated with specific elements or explanation steps included in the e-learning content. In this case, the control unit 11 of the Web server WS sets the Q & A button so that it can be displayed on the e-learning page. That is, a tag for displaying the Q & A button is described in, for example, HTML data constituting the e-learning page. Further, the Q & A button is set so as to be displayed corresponding to a specific element or explanation step included in the e-learning content. The Q & A button is configured by an image such as gif. Then, the control unit 11 of the Web server WS sets a URI (Uniform Resource Identifier) of the Q & A content as a link to the Q & A button. This link is a link for reproducing and outputting the Q & A content. The URI of the Q & A content includes, for example, the content ID of the Q & A content. The content ID of the Q & A content is acquired from the content configuration information in the attribute information of the e-learning content.

  Incidentally, there may be a plurality of Q & A contents in which a link is set to one Q & A button. In this case, the e-learning page is set so that any one of the Q & A contents can be selected by the learner. In this case, the Q & A content name and the number of times of viewing may be set to one Q & A button together with each content ID.

  The e-learning page may be generated by the management server MS. In this case, the management server MS transmits the generated e-learning page to the Web server WS. In this case, the control unit 21 of the management server MS functions as setting means in the present invention.

  And the control part 11 of Web server WS transmits the data which comprise the produced | generated e-learning page to a learner terminal (step S31). The data constituting the e-learning page includes the content ID of the e-learning content.

  When receiving the data constituting the e-learning page from the web server WS (step S32), the control unit 41 of the learner terminal displays the e-learning page on the display unit 46 (step S33).

  Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines whether or not there is a request for displaying e-learning content (step S34). For example, when the content display button displayed on the e-learning page is designated by the operation of the operation unit 49a of the learner A, it is determined that there is a display request. Alternatively, when an e-learning page is displayed, it may be determined that there is a display request. When the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that the e-learning content display request has been received (step S34: YES), the process proceeds to step S35. In step S35, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits an e-learning content acquisition request to the learner side node connected in steps S5 and S6. The e-learning content acquisition request includes the content ID of the e-learning content.

  The control unit 31 of the learner side node receives an e-learning content acquisition request from the learner terminal (step S36). And the control part 31 of a learner side node performs the search process of the content for e-learning based on content ID of the content for e-learning contained in the received acquisition request (step S37). In this search process, the control unit 31 of the learner side node checks whether the e-learning content corresponding to the received content ID is stored in the content storage area of the storage unit 33. This e-learning content may be stored in the content storage area. In this case, the control unit 31 of the learner side node transmits the e-learning content to the learner terminal. On the other hand, e-learning content may not be stored in the content storage area. In this case, the control unit 31 of the learner side node transmits a content location inquiry message including the received content ID to the root node by DHT routing. As a result, as described above, the control unit 31 of the learner side node acquires index information as a search result from the root node of the e-learning content. Then, the control unit 31 of the learner side node accesses the content holding node according to the IP address of the content holding node included in the acquired index information. Then, the control unit 31 of the learner side node acquires e-learning content from the content holding node. The control unit 31 of the learner side node transmits the acquired e-learning content to the learner terminal (step S38).

  When receiving the e-learning content (step S39), the control unit 41 of the learner terminal outputs the e-learning content on the e-learning page displayed in step S33 (step S40).

  FIG. 4A is a diagram illustrating a display example of an e-learning page. In the e-learning page shown in FIG. 4A, an e-learning content display area AR is provided. The received e-learning content is displayed in the e-learning content display area AR. In the example shown in FIG. 4A, the slide with the slide number “11” in the e-learning content is displayed. Also, the e-learning page shown in FIG. 4A is provided with a question button 51 and Q & A buttons 52 to 55 that can be selected by the learner A. Here, the question button 51 is a button for the learner A to ask the lecturer X a question. When the question button 51 is selected, a dialogue between the learner A and the lecturer X is performed in a question-and-answer format using communication between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal. As a result, as will be described later, Q & A content including dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed between the learner A and the lecturer X is generated. After that, when the same e-learning page is displayed, the Q & A button 56 indicated by a broken line is displayed. Note that the question button 51 is set with node information of the lecturer side node as described above.

  On the other hand, the Q & A buttons 52 to 55 are buttons for reproducing and outputting the Q & A content. That is, the Q & A buttons 52 to 55 are buttons for selecting the Q & A content that the learner A wants to view. Q & A contents to which links are set for the Q & A buttons 52 to 55 are different from each other. For example, the Q & A button 52 is displayed in association with the “factorization” problem. The Q & A content to which a link is set to the Q & A button 52 includes, for example, dialogue information indicating the content of dialogue performed between the learner B and the lecturer Y in a question-and-answer format for the entire “factorization” problem. The Q & A button 53 is displayed in association with the explanation step 1 for the “factorization” problem. The Q & A content to which a link is set to the Q & A button 53 includes, for example, dialogue information indicating the content of dialogue performed between the learner C and the lecturer Z in the question and answer format for the entire explanation step 1. Further, the Q & A button 54 is displayed in association with a specific explanation in the explanation step 1. The Q & A content to which a link is set to the Q & A button 54 includes, for example, dialogue information indicating a content of a dialogue performed in a question-and-answer format with respect to a specific commentary between the learner A and the lecturer Y. The Q & A button 55 is displayed in association with the explanation step 2 for the “factorization” problem. The Q & A content to which a link is set to the Q & A button 55 includes, for example, dialogue information indicating the content of a dialogue performed between the learner B and the lecturer Z in the question and answer format for the entire explanation step 2.

  Further, as described above, there may be a plurality of Q & A contents in which a link is set to one Q & A button. FIG. 4B shows a display example of a selection page for selecting Q & A content. The selection page 61 shown in FIG. 4B is displayed, for example, when the learner A clicks the Q & A button 55 with the mouse. On the selection page 61, names and viewing times of three Q & A contents are displayed so as to be selectable. The learner A can select the name of the Q & A content that he / she wants to view from among them. However, the selection page 61 may not display the number of viewing times. Instead of the selection page 61, a pop-up window may be used. The pop-up window is displayed, for example, when the learner A mouses over the Q & A button 55 with the mouse. The learner A can select a desired Q & A content name from among a plurality of Q & A content names displayed in the pop-up window.

  Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines whether there is a request for viewing Q & A content from the learner A (step S41). For example, when the learner A does not understand the entire explanation step 2, the learner A selects the Q & A button 55 by operating the operation unit 49a. Based on this selection, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that there is a request for viewing Q & A content. If the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that a Q & A content viewing request has been received (step S41: YES), the process proceeds to step S42. In step S42, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits a Q & A content acquisition request to the learner-side node connected in steps S5 and S6. The Q & A content acquisition request includes the content ID of the Q & A content set in the Q & A button 55.

  The control unit 31 of the learner side node receives a Q & A content acquisition request from the learner terminal (step S43). Then, the control unit 31 of the learner side node performs a Q & A content search process based on the content ID of the Q & A content (step S44). Since this search process is the same as that in step S37, description thereof is omitted. And the control part 31 of a learner side node transmits the acquired Q & A content to a learner terminal (step S45).

  When receiving the Q & A content (step S46), the control unit 41 of the learner terminal activates the player program and reproduces and outputs the Q & A content (step S47). Thereby, on the display unit 46 of the learner terminal, for example, a moving image including the appearance of the learner B and the lecturer Z during the conversation and the characters and graphics input by the learner B and the lecturer Z is displayed. . As for this moving image, for example, a screen including a window that displays a moving image including the figure of the lecturer Z and a window that displays characters, graphics, and the like input by the lecturer Z at that time is captured at a predetermined cycle. It is a moving image. In addition, the voices of the learner B and the lecturer Z during the conversation are output from the speaker 48 of the learner terminal. FIG. 4C is a diagram illustrating a display example of a moving image 71 of Q & A content. The moving image 71 includes the shapes of the learner B and the instructor Z during the conversation, and characters and figures input by the learner B and the instructor Z. Thus, the learner A can efficiently view the content of the dialogue between the learner B and the lecturer Z. As a result, for example, the entire explanation step 2 can be understood.

(6-3. Generation of Q & A content and input operation)
Next, with reference to FIG. 3, FIG. 5 and FIG. FIG. 5 is a sequence diagram showing the processing of each device in the generation and input operation of Q & A content. FIG. 6A is a flowchart showing the dialogue processing in the control unit 41 of the learner terminal. FIG. 6B is a flowchart showing the dialogue processing in the control unit 41 of the lecturer terminal. FIG. 6C is a flowchart showing information relay processing in the control unit 31 of the lecturer side node. FIG. 6D is a flowchart showing information registration processing in the control unit 21 of the management server MS.

  In step S <b> 48 shown in FIG. 3, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines whether there is a question request from the learner A. For example, even if the learner A views the content of the dialogue between the learner B and the lecturer Z, the specific explanation in the explanation step 2 may not be understood. In this case, the learner A selects the question button 51 after selecting a specific explanation in the explanation step 2, for example, by operating the operation unit 49a. Based on this selection, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that there is a question request. If the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that there is a question request (step S48: YES), the process proceeds to step S49 shown in FIG. On the other hand, when there is no question request (step S48: NO), after other processing (not shown), the process returns to step S34 shown in FIG. Here, as another process, for example, it is determined whether or not a power-off instruction is given. And when there is an instruction to turn off the power, the processing by the e-learning program ends. In step S49, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits a question request message to the learner side node connected in steps S5 and S6. The question request message is a message indicating a question request to the lecturer. The question request message includes node information of the instructor side node set in the question button 51. Note that learner level information may be set in the question button 51. In this case, the question request message may include node information of the lecturer side node and learner level information.

  When receiving the question request message from the learner terminal (step S50), the control unit 31 of the learner side node connects to the instructor side node based on the node information of the instructor side node included in the question request message. Then, the control unit 31 of the learner side node transfers the question request message to the lecturer side node (step S51).

  When receiving the question request message from the learner side node (step S52), the control unit 31 of the instructor side node transfers the question request message to the instructor terminal connected to the instructor side node (step S53). For example, a question request message is transferred to the teacher terminal of teacher X.

  When receiving the question request message from the instructor side node (step S54), the control unit 41 of the instructor terminal transmits a question receipt message to the instructor side node (step S55). The question receipt message is a message indicating receipt of a question request. And the control part 41 of a lecturer terminal starts the program for dialogue, and starts the dialogue process shown in FIG. 6 (B) (step S56).

  When receiving the question receipt message from the lecturer terminal (step S57), the control unit 31 of the lecturer side node starts the information relay process shown in FIG. 6C (step S58). Next, the control unit 31 of the instructor side node transfers the received question receipt message to the learner side node (step S59).

  When receiving the question receipt message from the instructor side node (step S60), the control unit 31 of the learner side node transfers the question receipt message to the learner terminal (step S61).

  When receiving the question receipt message from the learner side node (step S62), the control unit 41 of the learner terminal transmits the question attribute information to the learner side node (step S63). This question attribute information is information set in the question button 51 selected by the learner A. Note that the learner level information of the logged-in learner A may be transmitted. Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal activates the dialogue program and starts the dialogue processing shown in FIG. 6A (step S64).

  When receiving the question attribute information from the learner terminal (step S65), the control unit 31 of the learner side node transfers the question attribute information to the instructor side node (step S66).

  When receiving the question attribute information from the learner side node (step S67), the control unit 31 of the instructor side node stores the question attribute information in the storage unit 33 (step S68).

  When the dialogue process is started at the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal, a dialogue between the learner A and the lecturer X is performed in a question-and-answer format using communication between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal. Here, a process when the dialogue process is started in the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal will be described.

  First, with reference to FIG. 6 (A), the dialogue process in a learner terminal is demonstrated.

  The control unit 41 of the learner terminal acquires moving image data from the camera 49c and audio data from the microphone 49b (step S641). This voice data includes the contents of the question by the voice uttered by the learner A. In addition, when the learner A inputs characters from the operation unit 49a by the learner A, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal acquires the text data. This text data includes the contents of the question in characters entered by the learner A. In some cases, the learner A inputs a picture, a figure, or the like with a mouse or a touch pen. In this case, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal acquires drawing data such as an input picture or figure. And the control part 41 of a learner terminal transmits the acquired moving image data, audio | voice data, etc. to a learner side node (step S642). The moving image data and audio data transmitted to the learner node are transferred to the instructor side node.

  Next, when the control unit 41 of the learner terminal receives the moving image data and the sound data transmitted from the instructor terminal via the instructor side node and the learner side node (step S643: YES), the instructor X moving image. And the voice is output (step S644). For example, the moving image is displayed in a window different from the window in which the e-learning page is displayed on the display unit 46. In addition, the moving image represents the instructor. On the other hand, the sound is output from the speaker 48. The voice indicates the content of the response pronounced by lecturer X. Therefore, the learner A can accurately listen to the answer to the question to the lecturer in real time by voice. Moreover, the learner A can listen again if the answer content is not understood. For example, questions can arise that are derived from the answers to the questions. Thus, the learner A can obtain an intended answer in a series of exchanges with the lecturer X. Further, the learner A can listen to the answer while watching the lecturer X gesturing with the displayed moving image. Therefore, the learner A can understand the content of the answer in a short time. Moreover, the control part 41 of a learner terminal will display a character on the display part 46, if the text data transmitted from the lecturer terminal are received via a lecturer side node and a learner side node. The text composed of these characters indicates the content of the response entered by the teacher X. Moreover, the control part 41 of a learner terminal will display a picture, a figure, etc. on the display part 46, if the drawing data transmitted from the lecturer terminal are received via a lecturer side node and a learner side node. The learner A can refer to the answer written with characters, figures, and the like. Therefore, the learner A can further deepen the understanding of the answer contents.

  Next, the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines whether or not the communication with the lecturer terminal has been disconnected (step S645). For example, when learner A of the learner terminal issues a question end instruction from the operation unit 49a, it is determined that communication with the lecturer terminal has been disconnected. In this case, a question end message is transmitted to the instructor terminal via the learner side node and the instructor side node. This question end message is a message indicating the end of the question. Alternatively, it is determined that communication with the lecturer terminal has been disconnected when moving image data, audio data, and the like are not received for a predetermined time. When the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that the communication with the lecturer terminal is not disconnected (step S645: NO), the control unit 41 returns to step S641 and continues the dialogue process. On the other hand, if the control unit 41 of the learner terminal determines that the communication with the instructor terminal has been disconnected (step S645: YES), the dialogue process ends.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6B, a dialogue process in the lecturer terminal will be described. Note that the processes in steps S561 to S564 shown in FIG. 6B are basically the same as the processes in steps S641 to S644 shown in FIG. That is, the only difference is whether the user of the terminal is learner A or instructor X.

  In step S565 shown in FIG. 6B, the control unit 41 of the instructor terminal determines whether or not communication with the learner terminal is disconnected. For example, a question end message may be transmitted from the learner terminal to the instructor terminal via the learner side node and the instructor side node. In this case, it is determined that the communication with the learner terminal has been disconnected. Alternatively, it is determined that communication with the learner terminal has been disconnected when moving image data, audio data, and the like are not received for a predetermined time. When the control unit 41 of the instructor terminal determines that the communication with the learner terminal is not disconnected (step S565: NO), the control unit 41 returns to step S561 and continues the dialogue process. When it is determined that the communication with the learner terminal is disconnected (step S565: YES), the control unit 41 of the instructor terminal transmits a dialog end message to the instructor side node (step S566), and performs the dialog processing. finish. This dialog end message is a message indicating the end of the dialog.

  Next, with reference to FIG. 6C, information relay processing in the instructor side node will be described.

  When receiving the moving image data and the audio data from the learner side node (step S581: YES), the control unit 31 of the instructor node accumulates the moving image data and the audio data in the buffer memory 32 (step S582). . Next, the control unit 31 of the lecturer-side node transfers the received moving image data and audio data to the lecturer terminal (step S583). Note that moving image data, audio data, and the like received from the learner side node are preferably encoded at the time of reception.

  On the other hand, when receiving the moving image data and the audio data from the instructor terminal (step S584: YES), the control unit 31 of the instructor node accumulates the moving image data and the audio data in the buffer memory 32 (step S585). . Next, the control unit 31 of the instructor side node transfers the received moving image data, audio data, etc. to the learner side node (step S586). Note that moving image data, audio data, and the like received from the instructor terminal are preferably encoded at the time of reception.

  And the control part 31 of a lecturer side node will generate the Q & A content which contains the received moving image data, audio | voice data, etc. as dialogue information, if a dialogue end message is received from a lecturer terminal (step S587: YES) (step S587). S588). That is, Q & A content is generated in accordance with the end of communication between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal. However, the Q & A content may be configured to be sequentially generated by encoding moving image data and audio data at the time of reception. In this case, the generation of the Q & A content is completed in accordance with the end of communication between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal. The Q & A content is generated by forming a predetermined file. For example, the Q & A content includes a moving image file and an audio file. Examples of the moving image file include an FLV file and a WMV file. The moving image stored in the moving image file represents, for example, the instructor's figure taken by the camera 49c and the characters and figures input by the instructor X from the operation unit 49a. Examples of audio files include MP3 files and WMA files. Next, the control unit 31 of the lecturer side node assigns a unique content ID to the generated Q & A content (step S589). For example, the content ID is described in the header of a file storing Q & A content. This content ID is generated by a hash function common to the overlay network ON. For example, the content ID is generated by hashing predetermined bytes of data included in the Q & A content with a hash function. Alternatively, the content ID may be obtained from the management server MS.

  In addition, the control part 31 of the lecturer side node returns to step S581 when not receiving the dialog end message from the lecturer terminal (step S587: NO).

  Next, the control unit 31 of the instructor side node performs input processing for inputting the generated Q & A content to the overlay network ON (step S590). In this input process, first, a predetermined device for storing the Q & A content is determined. For example, a predetermined device for storing the Q & A content is determined from the nodes registered in the routing table using the DHT of the lecturer side node. Alternatively, a predetermined device for storing the Q & A content is determined from the nodes registered in the index information of the lecturer side node. Then, the Q & A content is transmitted to the determined node. As a result, this Q & A content is stored in the node.

  Next, the control unit 31 of the instructor side node transmits a content registration request message to the management server MS (step S591), and ends the information relay process. This content registration request message is a message indicating a request for registering information on newly generated Q & A content in association with the e-learning content that is the basis. The content registration request message includes the question attribute information stored in step S68 and the content ID given in step S589.

  On the other hand, when receiving the content registration request message from the instructor side node, the management server MS starts the information registration process shown in FIG. The control unit 21 of the management server MS extracts the question attribute information and the content ID of the Q & A content from the received content registration request message (step S71). Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires content configuration information associated with the content ID of the e-learning content from the management database (step S72). The content ID of this e-learning content is included in the question attribute information extracted in step S71. Next, the control unit 21 of the management server MS specifies the description position in the content configuration information describing the content ID of the Q & A content based on the question attribute information and the content configuration information. That is, the description position corresponding to the slide number, classification keyword, etc. included in the question attribute information is specified from the content configuration information. Then, the control unit 21 of the management server MS describes the content ID of the Q & A content at the specified description position in the content configuration information (step S73). As a result, the Q & A content is associated with the e-learning content. Therefore, this Q & A content is registered in the management server MS as content that can be distributed to learner terminals used by learners other than the learner A. After this registration, a Q & A button 56 is added to the e-learning page acquired and displayed by the learner terminal from the Web server WS, for example, as shown in FIG.

  As described above, according to the above embodiment, the Q & A content including the dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed between the lecturer and the learner is used by the learner other than the learner who has conducted the dialogue with the lecturer. Stored as a content that can be distributed to the learner terminal. Therefore, the dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue between the lecturer and the learner regarding the e-learning content can be efficiently used from other learners. As a result, it is possible to reduce the trouble of a lecturer giving duplicate explanations to a plurality of learners. Further, it is possible to avoid wasting the bandwidth of the network NW.

  In addition, a series of exchanges regarding the questions of the learner and the lecturer are automatically converted into content by the above processing. Therefore, learners and system operators do not take time and effort to create content. Therefore, the learner or system administrator can publish at an early stage and provide it to other learners at an early stage.

(6-4. Modification 1)
In the said embodiment, you may comprise so that the lecturer who responds to a question may be changed dynamically according to the learning level of a learner. In the case of this configuration, for example, a level association table in which a learner's learning level is associated with a teacher's ability level is stored in the storage unit 22 of the management server MS. Here, the learning level of the learner is divided into five levels from 1 to 5, for example. On the other hand, the level of the instructor's ability is divided into, for example, five stages from A to E. And in the said step S25, the control part 21 of management server MS acquires the learner level information of the learner A who logged in from a management database. The control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires lecturer level information of a plurality of logged-in lecturers from the management database. Then, the control unit 21 of the management server MS selects a lecturer having a knowledge level corresponding to the learning level of the learner A from the plurality of logged-in lecturers with reference to the level association table. For example, when the learning level of learner A is “3”, a lecturer whose knowledge level is “C” is selected. And the control part 21 of management server MS determines the lecturer side node to which the lecturer terminal of the selected lecturer is connected. Next, in step S26, the control unit 21 of the management server MS acquires the determined node information of the lecturer side node and the terminal information of the lecturer terminal connected to the lecturer side node from the management database. Next, in step S28, the control unit 21 of the management server MS transmits the node information of the instructor side node, the terminal information of the instructor terminal, and the attribute information of the e-learning content to the Web server WS. And in the said step S30, the control part 11 of Web server WS sets the node information of a lecturer side node, and the terminal information of a lecturer terminal to a question button. In this case, the question request message includes node information of the instructor side node and terminal information of the instructor terminal. In step S53, the control unit 31 of the instructor side node transfers the question request message to the instructor terminal corresponding to the terminal information included in the question request message.

  According to the modification 1, the lecturer who responds to the question is determined according to the learning level of the learner. Therefore, it is possible to make the learner understand the answer contents of the lecturer easily.

(6-5. Modification 2)
In the above embodiment or modification, the Q & A content provided to the learner may be dynamically changed according to the learner's level of learning. In this configuration, the question request message includes learner level information. This learner level information indicates a learning level of a learner who has made a question included in the Q & A content. The content registration request message includes question attribute information, content ID of Q & A content, and learner level information. Thereby, the learner level information is associated with the content ID of the Q & A content included in the content configuration information in the management database of the management server MS. There may be a plurality of Q & A contents in which a link is set to one Q & A button. In this case, in step S30, the e-learning page is set so that the Q & A content corresponding to the learner level information of the logged-in learner A can be selected by the learner. For example, a content ID associated with learner level information indicating a learning level that matches or approximates the learning level of the logged-in learner A is selected. Then, the Q & A content name and the number of times of viewing corresponding to the selected content ID are set in the Q & A button together with the content ID. As a result, for example, on the Q & A content selection page 61 shown in FIG. 4B, only the name of the learner's Q & A content having a learning level that matches or approximates the learning level of the learner A can be selected. Will be displayed.

  According to the modification 2, the Q & A content provided to the learner is determined according to the learner's level of learning. Therefore, it is possible to provide easy-to-understand Q & A content that matches the learner's level of learning.

(6-6. Modification 3)
In the above-described embodiment or modification, the e-learning content viewed by the learner who asks the question may be displayed on the instructor terminal of the instructor who answers the question. In the case of this configuration, the question request message includes question attribute information. Then, the control unit 31 of the instructor node extracts the content ID of the e-learning content from the question request message received in step S52. And the control part 31 of a lecturer side node acquires the content for e-learning via overlay network ON based on content ID of the content for e-learning. And the control part 31 of the lecturer side node transmits the acquired e-learning content to the lecturer terminal. On the other hand, the control unit 41 of the instructor terminal displays the e-learning content received from the instructor side node. At this time, the control unit 41 of the lecturer terminal displays a slide corresponding to the slide number indicated in the question attribute information received from the lecturer side node.

  According to the modification 3, the lecturer can answer the question while browsing the slide being browsed by the learner. Therefore, it is possible to make it easier for the lecturer to understand the contents of the question of the learner.

(6-7. Modification 4)
In the said embodiment or modification, you may comprise so that the process of step S582, step S585, and step S588-step S591 mentioned above may be performed by a learner side node, a learner terminal, or a lecturer terminal. That is, the learner side node, the learner terminal, or the lecturer terminal generates and inputs the Q & A content. In this case, the learner terminal or the lecturer terminal participates in the overlay network ON before performing the input process in step S590. Alternatively, the learner terminal or the lecturer terminal may be configured to cause the lecturer side node or the learner side node to input the generated Q & A content. In this case, the learner terminal or the lecturer terminal transmits the generated Q & A content to the lecturer side node or the learner side node. Then, the lecturer side node or the learner side node performs input processing of the Q & A content received from the learner terminal or the lecturer terminal. In this case, the learner terminal or the instructor terminal may not participate in the overlay network ON.

  According to the modification 4, the processing load for generating the Q & A content by the instructor side node can be reduced.

(6-8. Modification 5)
In the above embodiment or modification, the Q & A content includes moving image data and audio data acquired by the learner terminal and moving image data and audio data acquired by the instructor terminal. did. As another example, Q & A content 1 including moving image data and audio data acquired by a learner terminal and Q & A content 2 including moving image data and audio data acquired by a lecturer terminal are generated separately. It may be configured as described above. In the case of this configuration, the Q & A content 1 and the Q & A content 2 are combined into a dialogue content. The Q & A content 1 is generated, for example, at a learner side node or a learner terminal. On the other hand, the Q & A content 2 is generated, for example, at a lecturer side node or a lecturer terminal. Further, each of Q & A content 1 and Q & A content 2 is given a unique content ID. Then, the Q & A content 1 and the Q & A content 2 are respectively input to the overlay network ON. In this case, the URI including the content ID of the Q & A content 1 and the content ID of the Q & A content 2 is set as a link to the same Q & A button. When the learner selects the Q & A button, the Q & A content 1 and the Q & A content 2 are acquired by the learner terminal. The Q & A content 1 and the Q & A content 2 acquired by the learner terminal are synthesized and output during reproduction.

  According to the modification 5, the processing load for generating the Q & A content can be distributed.

(6-9. Modification 6)
In the distribution system S of the embodiment or the modified embodiment, the peer-to-peer network using DHT is applied to the overlay network ON, but the present invention is not limited to this. For example, a system using another overlay network may be applied. As a peer-to-peer system that does not use DHT, for example, there is a hybrid peer-to-peer system. Further, the above embodiment may be applied to a server-client type distribution system. In the case of a server-client type distribution system, the e-learning content and the Q & A content are associated with each other and stored in, for example, the Web server WS. The e-learning content and the Q & A content are provided from the Web server WS to the learner terminal, for example. In this configuration, a relay server is provided instead of the learner side node and the lecturer side node. The relay server functions as a learner side node and a lecturer side node. That is, transmission / reception of messages or moving image data between the learner terminal and the lecturer terminal is performed via the relay server. Then, the relay server performs information relay processing shown in FIG. However, the relay server uploads the generated Q & A content to the Web server WS.

  According to the sixth modification, the present invention can be applied to a distribution system using another overlay network and a server-client type distribution system.

  In the above embodiment and the modification, the Q & A content including dialogue information indicating the content of the dialogue performed in a question and answer format between the lecturer and the learner is described as an example of the dialogue content. However, Q & A is possible if the content includes dialogue information related to e-learning content, which is dialogue information indicating the content of dialogue performed between a plurality of users using communication between terminal devices connected to the network. It can be applied to other than contents. For example, the present invention can also be applied to content including dialogue information indicating the content of discussions performed between a plurality of learners regarding e-learning content.

11, 21, 31 Control unit 12, 22, 33 Storage unit 13, 23, 34a, 34b Communication unit 32 Buffer memory WS Web server MS management server Tm Terminal device Nn Node device NW network ON Overlay network S Distribution system

Claims (9)

In a distribution system for distributing e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network,
Dialog information indicating the content of a dialog performed between a plurality of users using communication between terminal devices connected to the network, wherein the dialog information regarding the e-learning content is the information of the plurality of users. First acquisition means for acquiring from a terminal device;
Generating means for generating the interactive content that is interactive content that can be output by the terminal device and includes the interactive information acquired by the first acquiring means;
Control that stores the dialog content generated by the generation unit in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialog. Means,
A distribution system comprising: The first acquisition means acquires the dialogue information indicating the content of a dialogue performed in a question-and-answer format between the lecturer and the learner from the teacher's terminal device and the learner's terminal device,
The generation unit generates the dialogue content including the dialogue information acquired by the first acquisition unit,
The control means associates the interactive content generated by the generating means with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to at least a terminal device used by a learner other than the learner who performed the conversation. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the distribution system stores the data in a predetermined device.   The apparatus further comprises setting means for setting a link for outputting the interactive content in association with a problem or a theme included in the e-learning content displayed on the Web page that can be displayed on the terminal device. The delivery system according to claim 1 or 2.   4. The distribution system according to claim 3, wherein the setting unit sets a link for outputting the interactive content in at least one explanation step in the problem explanation step. A second acquisition means for acquiring level information indicating a level of knowledge or ability of at least one of the users performing the dialogue;
5. The distribution system according to claim 1, wherein the level information acquired by the second acquisition unit is registered in association with the interactive content. 6. The distribution system includes an overlay network configured by the plurality of node devices,
The node device is
First acquisition means for acquiring the dialogue information from the terminal devices of the plurality of users;
Generating means for generating the dialog content including the dialog information acquired by the first acquisition means;
The dialog content generated by the generating means is stored in another node device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to at least a terminal device used by a user other than the user who performed the dialog. Control means for causing
The distribution system according to any one of claims 1 to 5, further comprising: In an information processing apparatus included in a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network,
Dialog information indicating the content of a dialogue performed between a plurality of users using communication between terminal devices connected to the network, wherein the dialogue information regarding the e-learning content is the terminals of the plurality of users. First acquisition means for acquiring from the device;
Generating means for generating the interactive content that is interactive content that can be output by the terminal device and includes the interactive information acquired by the first acquiring means;
Control that stores the dialog content generated by the generation unit in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialog. Means,
An information processing apparatus comprising: In a computer included in a distribution system that distributes e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network,
Dialog information indicating the content of a dialogue performed between a plurality of users using communication between terminal devices connected to the network, wherein the dialogue information regarding the e-learning content is the terminals of the plurality of users. Obtaining from the device;
Generating interactive content that is interactive content that can be output by a terminal device and includes the acquired interactive information;
Storing the generated dialogue content in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialogue;
An information processing program for executing An interactive content generation method in a distribution system for distributing e-learning content that can be output by a terminal device via a network,
Dialog information indicating the content of a dialogue performed between a plurality of users using communication between terminal devices connected to the network, wherein the dialogue information regarding the e-learning content is the terminals of the plurality of users. Obtaining from the device;
Generating interactive content that is interactive content that can be output by a terminal device and includes the acquired interactive information;
Storing the generated dialogue content in a predetermined device in association with the e-learning content as content that can be distributed to a terminal device used by a user other than the user who has performed the dialogue;
A dialog content generation method comprising:

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