JP2014007450A - Multi-point conference cooperation system, multi-point conference cooperation server, and multi-point conference cooperation program - Google Patents

Abstract

PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To enable a multi-point conference service provided in an internal network to seamlessly transition to a multi-point conference service provided in an external network without interrupting the service.SOLUTION: A first conference server 3 includes: multi-point connection means 36 for relaying video images from respective terminals 4, 5 and providing the conference service; determination means 34 for determining whether to permit a connection request transmitted from the terminals to the multi-point connection means 36; cooperation means 33 for transmitting a cooperation request to a second conference server 2 when not permitting the connection request; and call control means 35 for transmitting an instruction that causes the terminal not permitting the connection request to transfer the connection request to the second conference server 2. The multi-point connection means 36 relays composite video images transmitted from the respective terminals under connection to the second conference server 2, and the second conference server 2 transmits a conference video image obtained by composing the composite video image received from the first conference server 3 and a video image from the terminal not permitting the connection request to the first conference server 3 and the terminal not permitting the connection request.

Description

  The present invention relates to a multipoint conference linkage system, a multipoint conference linkage server, and a multipoint conference linkage program that provide a point conference service in cooperation with a conference server arranged in an external network.

  Currently, various communication services for general consumers or corporate users are provided by various communication carriers. As one of these communication services, a multipoint conference service is provided that provides a multipoint audio conference or video conference by connecting a plurality of bases. A system that provides this type of service is usually constructed by a service provider such as a telecommunications carrier for a multipoint conference so that the user can use it easily. Generally, a configuration in which only a telephone or the like is required is prepared.

  Thus, the service provider side constructs a multipoint conference system and provides a user with a multipoint conference service called an ASP type (for example, see Non-Patent Document 1). In addition, there is an example in which a user purchases a small video conference device and uses it for a video conference in the company (for example, see Non-Patent Document 2).

MeetingPlaza network meeting room service, [online], Internet <http://www.meetingplaza.com/product/price/pdf/mp_ASP.pdf> “Netcommunity Visual Meeting Box”, [online], Internet <http://www.ntt-west.co.jp/news/1102/110207a_1.html>

  When a conference is held using an ASP-type multipoint conference service (see, for example, FIG. 4), basically, a fee for using the multipoint conference service after performing user registration and contract in advance. Need to pay. Therefore, even if the terminal participating in the multipoint conference is only the extension terminal of the company, a conference service usage fee is generated.

  In addition, when a user purchases a small video conference device and uses it for a video conference in-house (see, for example, FIG. 5), although it costs money to purchase the device, Uses equipment purchased in-house, so there is no special usage fee for hosting a multipoint conference. However, in this case, the number of conference rooms that can be held is basically one device and one room, and the number of terminals that can participate is limited to the capacity of the small video conference device (for example, in the case of Non-Patent Document 2, Video conferencing of up to 3 opposites (between 4 sites) is possible. Therefore, it is necessary to use an external video conference service separately in order to hold a multipoint conference with the number of points exceeding the capability of the small video conference device.

  However, since there is no relationship between this type of small videoconferencing device and the external (cloud side) multipoint conference service, the multipoint conference currently being held on the small videoconferencing device of the company In order to implement the multipoint conference service, the conference participants must reconnect to the external multipoint conference service after the multipoint conference that had been performed on their small videoconferencing device is once completed. Therefore, there is a problem that the multipoint conference being held must be interrupted once.

  The present invention has been made in view of the above circumstances, and an object of the present invention is to provide a multipoint conference that is seamlessly provided in an external network without interrupting a multipoint conference service provided in the internal network. The object is to provide a multipoint conference linkage system, a multipoint conference linkage server, and a multipoint conference linkage program that can be transferred to a service.

  In order to achieve the above object, the present invention is a multipoint conference linkage system comprising a first conference server connected to an internal network and an external network, and a second conference server connected to the external network. The first conference server includes: a multipoint connection unit that relays video transmitted from each terminal in the first conference server to provide a conference service; and the multipoint connection unit that is transmitted from the terminal. A determination unit that determines whether or not to permit a connection request to the multipoint connection unit, a link unit that transmits a link request to the second conference server when the connection request to the multipoint connection unit is not permitted, and the determination unit Call control means for transmitting an instruction to transfer a connection request to the second conference server to a non-permitted terminal that has determined that the connection request is not permitted, and the multipoint connection means comprises: After transmitting the cooperation request, the composite video obtained by synthesizing the video transmitted from each connected terminal is relayed to the second conference server, and when the second conference server receives the cooperation request, A conference video obtained by synthesizing the synthesized video received from the first conference server and the video transmitted from the non-permitted terminal is transmitted to the first conference server and the non-permitted terminal.

  The present invention is a multipoint conference linkage server that cooperates with a conference server connected to an external network, and provides a conference service by relaying video transmitted from each terminal in the multipoint conference linkage server A connection unit, a determination unit that determines whether to permit a connection request to the multipoint connection unit, which is transmitted from the terminal, and a connection request to the multipoint connection unit; Cooperation means for transmitting a cooperation request; and call control means for transmitting an instruction to transfer a connection request to the conference server to a non-permitted terminal that the determination means determines not to permit the connection request. A point connection means relays the synthetic | combination image | video which synthesize | combined the image | video transmitted from each terminal currently connected after transmission of the said cooperation request | requirement to the said conference server.

  The present invention is a multipoint conference linkage program for causing a computer to function as the multipoint conference linkage system.

  Advantageous Effects of Invention According to the present invention, a multipoint conference linkage system and multipoint conference linkage that are capable of transitioning from a multipoint conference service provided in an internal network to a multipoint conference service provided seamlessly in an external network without interruption. A server and a multipoint conference linkage program can be provided.

It is a figure which shows the structure of the multipoint conference cooperation system which concerns on embodiment of this invention. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the multipoint conference cooperation system of a 1st Example. It is explanatory drawing explaining operation | movement of the multipoint conference cooperation system of a 2nd Example. It is a figure which shows the structural example of ASP type multipoint conference service. It is a figure which shows the structural example of a small video conference apparatus.

  Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described with reference to the drawings.

  In FIG. 1, the example of whole structure of the multipoint conference cooperation system of this invention is shown. This system includes a cloud-side multipoint conference server 2 (second conference server), a GW apparatus 3 installed in a house, a plurality of extension side terminals 4 connected to the GW apparatus 3, and an outside line side terminal 5 is provided. The multipoint conference server 2, the GW apparatus 3, and the external line side terminal 5 are connected to a network 1 (external network, WAN) such as a general public telephone network including the NGN network, the Internet network, and a private line network. The GW apparatus 3 and the extension side terminal 4 are connected to a network (internal network) such as a LAN.

  The extension side terminal 4 and the outside line side terminal 5 are terminals that can participate in a multipoint conference, and are communication terminals that can transmit and receive media such as video and audio. In the present embodiment, a video phone is used for the extension side terminal 4 and the outside side terminal 5, but a PC, a smartphone, or the like can also be used in addition to this.

  The multipoint conference server 2 installed on the cloud side includes a multipoint conference server control unit 21, a GW cooperation unit 22, a GW management unit 23, a server call control unit 24, and a conference room control unit 25. The multipoint conference server control unit 21 controls the other units 22, 23, 24, and 25. The GW cooperation unit 22 communicates and cooperates with the GW apparatus 3 via the network 1. The GW management unit 23 manages the GW devices 3 that can be linked. The server call control unit 24 controls a call with each terminal in cooperation with the call control unit 35 of the GW apparatus 3. The conference room control unit 25 generates a conference room (process) 26 that provides a multipoint conference under the control of the multipoint conference server control unit 21 and provides a conference service.

  The GW apparatus 3 includes an intra-GW multipoint conference function unit 31 that provides a conference service to each terminal in the GW apparatus 3, and the intra-GW multipoint conference function unit 31 includes an intra-GW MCU control unit 32, and A multipoint conference server cooperation unit 33, a terminal management unit 34, a call control unit 35, and an MCU (Multi point control Unit) function unit 36 are included.

  The intra-GW MCU control unit 32 controls the other units 33, 34, 35, and 36. The multipoint conference server cooperation unit 33 (cooperation unit) communicates and cooperates with the multipoint conference server 2 via the network 1 and does not permit the connection request to the MCU function unit 36, the cooperation request to the multipoint conference server 2 Send. The terminal management unit 34 (determination unit) manages terminals connected to the MCU function unit 36 and determines whether or not to permit a connection request to the MCU function unit 36 transmitted from the terminal. The call control unit 35 controls a call when communication with each terminal is started.

  The MCU function unit 36 (multi-point connection means) relays video and audio transmitted from each terminal and provides a conference service to each terminal. Specifically, it connects to the MCU function unit 36, synthesizes videos transmitted from the terminals participating in the conference, generates a synthesized video, and distributes the generated synthesized video to each terminal. Similarly, the synthesized voice is generated for the voice, and the generated synthesized voice is distributed to each terminal.

  In addition, the MCU function unit 36 of the present embodiment generates a synthesized video and synthesized audio by synthesizing video and audio transmitted from each connected terminal even after the server cooperation unit 33 transmits a cooperation request, While relaying and transmitting to the multipoint conference server 2 via the network 1, the terminal management unit 34 transmits an instruction to transfer the connection request to the multipoint conference server 2 to a non-permitted terminal that is determined not to permit the connection request.

  The multipoint conference server 2 and the GW apparatus 3 described above use, for example, a general-purpose computer system including a CPU, a memory, an external storage device such as an HDD, an input device, and an output device. it can. In this computer system, each function of each device is realized by the CPU executing a predetermined program loaded on the memory. For example, the functions of the multipoint conference server 2 and the GW apparatus 3 are as follows: the multipoint conference server 2 CPU in the case of the multipoint conference server 2 program, and the GW apparatus 3 in the case of the program for the GW apparatus 3. This is implemented by each CPU. In addition, the program for the multipoint conference server 2 and the program for the GW apparatus 3 may be stored in a computer-readable recording medium such as a hard disk, a flexible disk, a CD-ROM, an MO, or a DVD-ROM via a network. Can also be distributed.

  The operation of this embodiment will be described below.

<First embodiment>
FIG. 2 shows a first embodiment. In the first embodiment, the multipoint conference function in the GW of the GW apparatus 3 provides a multipoint conference only when all the conference participation terminals are extension side terminals, and the outside line side terminal participates in the multipoint conference. When requested, the multipoint conference is transferred to the cloud-side multipoint conference server 2.

  The GW apparatus 3 has two telephone numbers, <1> as the extension number on the extension line side and <5> as the extension number on the outside line side. Further, it is assumed that the number of external lines connected to the GW apparatus 3 is two, and two calls can be simultaneously made with the external line number <5>.

  S11: First, three extension side terminals of extension number <2>, extension number <3>, and extension number <4> call each extension number <1> of GW apparatus 3, and GW apparatus 3 The connection (participation) to the multipoint conference provided by the MCU function unit of the multipoint conference function unit in the GW is requested.

  S12: The call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 determines from the call control information transmitted by each terminal that the call source is the extension side terminal, and the terminal management unit determines that the call source is the extension side terminal. Notice. The terminal management unit permits connection to the MCU function unit (participation in the conference) when the call source notified from the call control unit is an extension side terminal, and to the MCU function unit when the call source is an external line side terminal. Do not allow connection. Here, since all three terminals are extension side terminals, connection to the MCU function unit is permitted. As a result, the call control unit receives a call from the extension side terminal, and establishes communication with each source terminal.

  S13: All three extension terminals are connected to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 and can participate in the conference. Specifically, the call control unit sends the call control information of each extension side terminal to the MCU function unit, and the MCU function unit uses images transmitted from each of the three extension side terminals (for example, using the terminals). A conference video is generated by synthesizing the user video and the like, and the generated conference video is distributed to each extension terminal of the caller. Similarly, the synthesized voice is generated for the voice, and the generated synthesized voice is distributed to each terminal of the transmission source.

  S14: Next, in this situation, the outside line side terminal with the telephone number <6> newly calls the outside line number <5> of the GW apparatus 3 and connects to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 (conference). Request to join).

  S15: Here, the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 determines from the call control information transmitted by the external line side terminal that the call source is the external line side terminal, and the call management unit determines that the call source is the external line side. Notify that it is a terminal. The terminal management unit does not permit connection to the MCU function unit because the caller is an external line side terminal. Then, the terminal management unit notifies the intra-GW MCU management unit that an incoming call has been received from the outside line side terminal.

  S16: Thereby, the MCU management unit in the GW sends an instruction to shift the multipoint conference currently provided by the MCU function unit to the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side to the multipoint conference server cooperation unit.

  S17: Thereby, the multipoint conference server cooperation unit transmits a cooperation request for shifting the multipoint conference to the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side. In addition, in the memory (not shown) of the multipoint conference server cooperation unit, identification information such as a telephone number (external line number) of at least one multipoint conference server 2 capable of cooperation is registered and stored in advance. To do.

  S18: When receiving the cooperation request from the GW apparatus 3 with the external line number <5>, the GW cooperation part of the multipoint conference server 2 notifies the GW management part. The GW management unit determines whether it is possible to accept a cooperation request from the requesting GW apparatus 3. For example, in the memory (not shown) of the GW management unit, identification information such as a telephone number (external line number) of a GW device that can accept the cooperation request is registered and stored in advance, and the GW management unit stores the request source If the identification information is stored in the memory, it is determined that it can be accepted. Here, the identification information of the GW device 3 is registered in the memory of the GW management unit, the GW management unit determines that it can accept the cooperation request of the GW device 3, and notifies the determination result to the GW cooperation unit. To do.

  S19: When receiving the notification that the GW cooperation unit is acceptable, the GW cooperation unit instructs the multipoint conference server control unit to accept the transition of the multipoint conference of the GW apparatus 3 with the external line number <5>.

  S20: The multipoint conference server control unit of the multipoint conference server 2 sends a new conference room generation instruction to the conference control unit, thereby newly generating a conference room <1>.

  S21: Next, the multipoint conference server control unit instructs the server call control unit to transmit the transfer information for accessing the generated conference room <1> to the requesting GW apparatus 3.

  S22: The server call control unit of the multipoint conference server 2 transmits the transfer information (the address of the multipoint conference server, the conference room ID, etc.) for accessing the conference room <1> to the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3. To do.

  S23: The MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 receives the transfer information from the multipoint conference server 2 via the call control unit, and acquires the address of the multipoint conference server 2 and the conference room ID from the transfer information. Then, the MCU function unit relays the synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the videos of the three extension terminals currently connected to the multipoint conference provided by the MCU function unit to the multipoint conference server 2 as a video stream. Forward. Similarly, the synthesized voice obtained by synthesizing the voices of the three connected extension terminals is relayed and transferred to the multipoint conference server 2 as an audio stream. Note that the GW apparatus 3 maintains communication with the three extension side terminals as they are.

  S24: Also, the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 sends the transfer information such as the address of the multipoint conference server 2 and the conference room ID to the outside line side terminal of the outside line number <6>, and to the GW apparatus 3 in S14. An instruction is given to transfer the outgoing call to the multipoint conference server 2.

  S25: The external terminal of the external line number <6> that received the transfer instruction calls the multipoint conference server 2 using the transfer information and connects to the conference room <1> provided by the multipoint conference server 2 ( Enter the room). Then, the external line side terminal transmits video and audio to the conference room <1> of the multipoint conference server 2.

  S26: The multipoint conference server 2 receives the composite video of the extension number <2>, the extension number <3>, and the extension number <4> from the GW apparatus 3, and receives the video from the external line side terminal of the external line number <6>. After directly receiving and synthesizing these, the synthesized conference video is distributed to the GW apparatus 3 and the external line side terminal of the external line number <6>. Similarly, with respect to the voice, the synthesized voice is received from the GW apparatus 3, the voice is directly received from the outside line side terminal of the outside line number <6>, and after these are synthesized, the synthesized meeting voice is transmitted to the GW apparatus 3 and the outside line number < 6> to the outside line side terminal. The external line side terminal with the external line number <6> displays the received conference video and outputs the conference audio. Note that when the transfer from the external line side terminal with the external line number <6> of S25 to the multipoint conference server 2 is completed, the communication between the external line side terminal with the external line number <6> and the GW apparatus 3 is disconnected.

  S27: On the other hand, the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 uses the extension number <2>, the extension number <3>, and the extension number <3> that hold the communication without changing the synthesized conference video and conference audio received from the multipoint conference server 2 Transfer to the extension side terminal of extension number <4>. Each extension-side terminal that has received this displays a conference image and outputs conference audio. As a result, the three extension terminals participating in the multipoint conference in the GW device 3 disconnect the multipoint conference provided by the GW device 3 and the multipoint of the new multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side. It is possible to shift to a new multipoint conference on the cloud side without reconnecting to the conference.

  S28: Further, in this situation, when the outside line side terminal with the outside line number <8> newly calls the GW apparatus 3 to join the multipoint conference, the GW apparatus 3 receives the call on the second line. However, at this point, since the multipoint conference has already been migrated to the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side, the multipoint conference is performed with respect to the terminal on the external line number <8> in the same manner as in S24. Transfer information such as the address of the conference server 2 and the conference room ID is transmitted to instruct transfer to the multipoint conference server 2. The external terminal of the external line number <8> that has received the transfer instruction makes a call to the multipoint conference server 2 and enters the conference room <1> in the same manner as in S25. Send audio. Further, when the transfer is completed, the communication between the external line side terminal of the external line number <8> and the GW apparatus 3 is disconnected.

  S29: The multipoint conference server 2 adds the video and audio of the external line side terminal of the external line number <8> to the conference video and audio of the conference room <1>, and then the GW apparatus 3 and the external line number <6>. The synthesized conference video and the conference image are transmitted to the external line side terminal and the external line side terminal of the external line number <8>. As a result, the videophone terminal with the external line number <8>, which is the second external terminal, can participate in the multipoint conference in the conference room <1>.

  S30: Furthermore, when the outside line side terminal with the outside line number <9> calls the GW apparatus 3 in an attempt to participate in the multipoint meeting, the multipoint meeting server 2 uses the same method as S28 to S29. It becomes possible to participate in the conference room <1>.

  In this way, the number of external line side videophone terminals (three) larger than the number of external lines (here, two lines) of the GW apparatus can participate in the multipoint conference.

<Second embodiment>
FIG. 3 shows a second embodiment. In the second embodiment, the multipoint conference function unit in the GW of the GW apparatus 3 manages the number of connected conference participation terminals, and the number of conference participation terminals is a predetermined number that can be connected to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3. The multipoint conference function unit in the GW of the GW apparatus 3 provides a multipoint conference only when the number is less than or equal to the number, and when the predetermined number is exceeded, the multipoint conference is sent to the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side. It is to be transferred.

  Here, it is assumed that the GW apparatus 3 has two telephone numbers, <1> as the extension number on the extension line side and <5> as the extension number on the outside line side. Further, it is assumed that the number of external lines connected to the GW apparatus 3 is three, and three calls can be made simultaneously with the external line number <5>. In addition, the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 can perform a multipoint conference up to three points, but cannot handle four points or more.

  S31: First, the two extension side terminals of extension number <2> and extension number <3> call each of extension number <1> of GW apparatus 3, and the MCU function unit of GW apparatus 3 provides Request connection (participation) to a multipoint conference.

  S32: The call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 notifies the terminal management unit that there is a connection request. The terminal management unit determines whether or not the number of terminals that transmitted the connection request exceeds a predetermined number of connections. Here, since the number of terminals currently connected to the multipoint conference is zero, the terminal management unit permits the connection. Then, the terminal management unit updates the number of terminals currently connected to the multipoint conference from zero to 2 and stores it in a memory (not shown).

  S33: As a result, first, the two extension terminals are connected to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 and can participate in the multipoint conference. Specifically, the call control unit sends the call control information of each extension side terminal to the MCU function unit, and the MCU function unit generates a conference video by synthesizing videos transmitted from each extension side terminal. The generated conference video is distributed to each extension side terminal of the caller. Similarly, the synthesized voice is generated for the voice, and the generated synthesized voice is distributed to each terminal of the transmission source.

  S34: Next, in this situation, the outside line side terminal with the telephone number <6> calls the outside line number <5> of the GW apparatus 3, and connects to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 (to the conference). Request participation). At this time, the terminal management unit of the GW device 3 determines that it can still participate in the multipoint conference of the GW device 3 because the number of terminals currently connected to the MCU function unit is two. Allow. Then, the terminal management unit updates the current number of terminals currently connected to the multipoint conference (here, 2) by adding “1” (here, 3) and stores it in the memory. As a result, the outside line side terminal with the telephone number <6> is connected to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 and can participate in the multipoint conference.

  S35: Next, again, the outside line side terminal with the telephone number <8> calls the outside line number <5> of the GW apparatus 3, and connects to the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 (to the conference). Request participation). At this time, the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 once receives a call from the external line side terminal having the telephone number <8>, but the terminal management unit permits the connection request of the external line side terminal having the telephone number <8>. Then, since the number of terminals connected to the MCU function unit exceeds a predetermined number of connections (here, 3), it is determined that the connection request is not permitted.

  S36: Then, the terminal management unit of the GW apparatus 3 notifies the intra-GW MCU management unit that there is a connection request from the terminal at the fourth point exceeding the predetermined number of connections.

  In S37, the intra-GW MCU management unit instructs the multipoint conference server cooperation unit to shift the multipoint conference to the cloud side.

  S38: The multipoint conference server cooperation unit transmits a cooperation request for shifting the multipoint conference currently provided by the MCU function unit to the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side. In addition, in the memory (not shown) of the multipoint conference server cooperation unit, identification information such as a telephone number (external line number) of at least one multipoint conference server 2 capable of cooperation is registered and stored in advance. To do.

  S39: When the GW cooperation unit of the multipoint conference server 2 receives the request for the multipoint conference shift from the GW apparatus 3 with the external line number <5>, it notifies the GW management unit. The GW management unit determines whether or not the request from the requesting GW apparatus 3 can be accepted. For example, the GW management unit registers and stores in advance identification information such as a telephone number (external line number) of a GW device that can accept a request for transition to a multipoint conference in the memory, and the identification information of the request source is stored in the memory. If it is stored, it is determined that it can be accepted, and the determination result is notified to the GW cooperation unit.

  S40: When receiving the notification that it is acceptable, the GW cooperation unit instructs the multipoint conference server control unit to accept the transition of the multipoint conference of the GW apparatus 3 with the external line number <5>.

  S41: The multipoint conference server control unit sends an instruction to generate a new conference room to the conference control unit, thereby generating a new conference room <1>.

  S42: Next, the multipoint conference server control unit instructs the server call control unit to transmit transfer information for accessing the generated conference room <1> to the requesting GW apparatus 3.

  S43: The server call control unit transmits transfer information (multipoint conference server address, conference room ID, etc.) for accessing the conference room <1> to the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3.

  S44: The MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 receives the transfer information from the multipoint conference server 2 via the call control unit, and acquires the address of the multipoint conference server 2, the conference room ID, and the like from the transfer information. The MCU function unit includes two extension side terminals (extension numbers <2> and <3>) and an external line side terminal (external number <6>) currently connected to the multipoint conference provided by the MCU function unit. The synthesized video obtained by synthesizing the images is relayed and transferred to the multipoint conference server 2 as a video stream. Similarly, the synthesized voice obtained by synthesizing the voices of the connected terminals is relayed and transferred to the multipoint conference server 2 as an audio stream. Note that the GW apparatus 3 maintains communication between the two extension side terminals and the outside line side terminal as they are.

  S45: In addition, the call control unit of the GW apparatus 3 transfers the address of the multipoint conference server 2, the conference room ID, etc. to the external line side terminal of the external line number <8> requested to connect to the GW apparatus 3 for the fourth time. The information is transmitted, and an instruction is given to transfer the call sent to the GW apparatus 3 in S35 to the multipoint conference server 2.

  S46: The terminal on the outside line number <8> having received the transfer instruction calls the multipoint conference server 2 using the transfer information and connects to the conference room <1> provided by the multipoint conference server 2 ( Enter the room). Then, the external line side terminal transmits video and audio to the conference room <1> of the multipoint conference server 2. Note that when the transfer from the external line side terminal of the external line number <8> to the multipoint conference server 2 is completed, the communication between the external line side terminal of the external line number <8> and the GW apparatus 3 is disconnected.

  S47: The multipoint conference server 2 receives, from the GW apparatus 3, a composite video of the extension side terminal with the extension number <2> and the extension number <3> and the extension side terminal with the extension number <6> and the extension number. After directly receiving the video from the <8> external line side terminal and combining them, the combined conference video is distributed to the GW apparatus 3 and the external line terminal of the external line number <8>. Similarly, the synthesized speech is received from the GW apparatus 3 as well as the voice directly from the external line side terminal of the external line number <8>, and the synthesized conference voice obtained by synthesizing these is combined with the GW apparatus 3 and the external line number <8. > To the outside line side terminal. The external line side terminal with the external line number <8> displays the received conference video after synthesis and outputs the conference audio.

  S48: The MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 maintains the communication without changing the synthesized conference video and conference audio received from the multipoint conference server 2, and the extension number <2>, extension number <3>, and external line. Transfer to each terminal of number <6>. The two extension terminals receiving this and the external terminal with the external line number <6> display the conference video and output the conference audio. As a result, the two extension side terminals and the outside line side terminal of the outside line number <6> that participated in the multipoint meeting in the GW apparatus 3 disconnect the multipoint meeting provided by the GW apparatus 3 to the cloud side. It is possible to shift to a new multipoint conference on the cloud side without reconnecting to the multipoint conference of the new multipoint conference server 2. In addition, it is possible to allow a terminal that has made a fourth connection request larger than the number of connectable points (three points) of the MCU function unit of the GW apparatus 3 to participate in the multipoint conference.

  In the multipoint conference linkage system of the present embodiment described above, a multipoint conference function unit that provides a multipoint conference service is provided in the GW device 3 installed in the home, and the multipoint conference service is provided on the cloud side. The multipoint conference server 2 is provided, and the multipoint conference function unit in the GW apparatus 3 and the multipoint conference server 2 are linked.

  That is, in the first embodiment, when the conference participation terminal is only the extension side terminal, the multipoint conference is held using the multipoint conference function in the GW apparatus 3, and the outside line side terminal is in the GW apparatus 3. When participation is requested to the multipoint conference function, it is possible to shift to a multipoint conference provided by the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side.

  As a result, when the conference participation terminal is only the extension side terminal, the multipoint conference of the free GW apparatus 3 that does not charge a usage fee is used, and when the external side terminal requests participation, the outside (cloud side) The multipoint conference of the pay service (such as a pay-as-you-go system) provided by the multipoint conference server 2 can be selectively used, and the cost can be reduced.

  Further, in the second embodiment, when the number of connected terminals participating in the multipoint conference in the GW device 3 exceeds a certain number that can be connected to the MCU function unit of the GW device 3, It is possible to shift to a multipoint conference provided by the point conference server 2. Thereby, when the number of conference participation terminals is a predetermined number or less, even when an external terminal is included in the conference participation terminal, the multipoint conference of the free GW device 3 that does not require a usage fee is used, When the number of conference participation terminals exceeds the predetermined number, it is possible to use the pay multipoint conference provided by the external (cloud side) multipoint conference server 2 for efficient use while reducing costs. The effect is that an external multipoint conference service can be used.

  In addition, when the multipoint conference being held by the GW device 3 is shifted, the multipoint conference function unit of the GW device 3 and the communication between the terminals participating in the multipoint conference are maintained, and the multipoint conference of the GW device 3 is maintained. When the conference function unit relays communication with the multipoint conference server 2 on the cloud side, the conference participants who are participating in the multipoint conference of the GW device 3 once terminate the multipoint conference, and then start a new multipoint conference. It is possible to seamlessly shift to a multipoint conference service on the cloud side without reconnecting to the point conference.

  In addition, in order for the multipoint conference function unit of the GW apparatus 3 to communicate with the outside line side terminal, the GW apparatus 3 must be connected to an external line. However, since the external line is usually charged, connection is possible. There are many cases where the number of lines is not so many. However, in the present embodiment, even when the number of external lines of the GW apparatus 3 is small, it is possible to connect the external line side terminals exceeding the number of external lines to the multipoint conference.

  In addition, this invention is not limited to the said embodiment, Many deformation | transformation are possible within the range of the summary.

1: External network 2: Multipoint conference server 21: Multipoint conference server control unit 22: GW cooperation unit 23: GW management unit 24: Server call control unit 25: Conference room control unit 25
3: GW device 31: Multipoint conference function unit in GW 32: MCU control unit in GW 33: Multipoint conference server cooperation unit 33
34: Terminal management unit 35: Call control unit 35
36: MCU function unit 4: Extension side terminal 5: Outline side terminal

Claims (7)

A multipoint conference linkage system comprising a first conference server connected to an internal network and an external network, and a second conference server connected to the external network,
The first conference server
A multipoint connection means for providing a conference service by relaying a video transmitted from each terminal in the first conference server;
A determination means for determining whether or not to permit a connection request to the multipoint connection means transmitted from the terminal;
If the connection request to the multipoint connection means is not permitted, the cooperation means for transmitting a cooperation request to the second conference server;
Call control means for transmitting an instruction to transfer a connection request to the second conference server to a non-permitted terminal that the determination means determines not to permit the connection request;
The multipoint connection means relays a synthesized video obtained by synthesizing videos transmitted from each connected terminal to the second conference server after transmitting the cooperation request,
The second conference server
When the cooperation request is received, a conference video obtained by synthesizing the synthesized video received from the first conference server and the video transmitted from the non-permitted terminal is transmitted to the first conference server and the non-permitted terminal. A multipoint conference linkage system characterized by The multipoint conference linkage system according to claim 1,
The determination unit of the first conference server determines that the terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the multipoint connection unit does not permit the connection request when the terminal is an external terminal connected to the external network, or The multipoint conference linkage system, wherein when the number of terminals that have transmitted a connection request to the multipoint connection means exceeds a predetermined number of connections, it is determined that the connection request is not permitted. The multipoint conference linkage system according to claim 1 or 2,
The multipoint connection means of the first conference server relays the synthesized voice obtained by synthesizing the voice transmitted from each connected terminal after the cooperation request is transmitted to the second conference server,
When the second conference server receives the cooperation request, the second conference server generates a conference voice obtained by synthesizing the synthesized voice received from the first conference server and the voice transmitted from the non-permitted terminal. A multipoint conference linkage system, characterized by being transmitted to a server and the unauthorized terminal. A multipoint conference linkage server linked with a conference server connected to an external network,
Multipoint connection means for providing a conference service by relaying video transmitted from each terminal in the multipoint conference linkage server;
A determination means for determining whether or not to permit a connection request to the multipoint connection means transmitted from the terminal;
If the connection request to the multipoint connection means is not permitted, the cooperation means for transmitting a cooperation request to the conference server;
Call control means for transmitting an instruction to transfer a connection request to the conference server to a non-permitted terminal that the determination means determines not to permit the connection request;
The multipoint conferencing server relays a composite video obtained by synthesizing video transmitted from each connected terminal to the conference server after transmitting the cooperation request. The multipoint conference linkage server according to claim 4,
The determination means determines that the terminal that has transmitted the connection request to the multipoint connection means is not permitted when the terminal is an external terminal connected to the external network, or to the multipoint connection means A multipoint conference cooperation server, wherein the connection request is determined not to be permitted when the number of terminals that have transmitted the connection request exceeds a predetermined number of connections. The multipoint conference linkage server according to claim 4 or 5,
The multipoint conferencing server relays, to the conference server, synthesized voice obtained by synthesizing voice transmitted from each connected terminal after the cooperation request is transmitted.   The multipoint conference cooperation program for functioning a computer as a multipoint conference cooperation system as described in any one of Claim 1 to 3.

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