JPH08167895A - Communication conference support method and communication conference terminal used therefor - Google Patents

Abstract

PURPOSE: To provide a communication conference support method and a communication conference terminal used for the support method which can display the type of a conference and also can set the procedure for the attendance or call of the conference in response to its displayed type. CONSTITUTION: The still picture objects 100 to 800 virtually show the users of each terminal on a computer window 1000 shown on a terminal display. These objects 100 to 800 are moved to one of areas 1 to 10 which show the private rooms, conversation rooms and conference rooms respectively. Then the attendance, the call and the place of a conference are designated. At the same time, the type of the conference, the terminal name, and the start/end of the conference are transmitted to other terminals based on the identifier of the moved still picture object and the moving destination coordinates of the identifier. Then the coincidence of display is secured among these terminals, and the terminals attendant on each conference are shown. Furthermore, the procedure is set for the attendance or call of a conference in response to its type.

Description

Detailed Description of the Invention

[0001]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION 1. Field of the Invention The present invention relates to a method for supporting a communication conference between multiple points and a communication conference terminal used for the method.

[0002]

2. Description of the Related Art In communication using a telephone, a procedure of dialing a telephone number of the other party and calling the other party is general. When using a telephone, since there is no means to know the state of the other party before calling the other party, there is a problem that the call cannot be made according to the other party's state.

The state of the other party referred to here is: the state of the other party as seen from the appearance such as whether or not the other party is likely to be busy, or whether or not the person is in a conversation. The state of a call, such as whether it is a normal call.

The video communication conferencing apparatus also has the same problem when setting and calling the other party's number. Therefore,
A communication system called Cruiser has been developed that allows you to see the other party's situation using a video camera before the meeting begins (eg Kraut, R..E.: Getting Together
at a Distance, Bellcore EXCHANGE, pp.13-18, Jan./
(See Feb., 1991), and also a communication system called Polysocoe has been developed that allows you to see the state of multiple opponents at the same time (for example, Dourish, P. and S.Bly: Portholes:
Supporting Awareness in a Distributed Work Group,
See CHI'92, pp.541-547). As a result, it is possible to view the state of the other party using video communication before calling, and it is possible to call according to the state of the other party.

However, since it is not possible to display whether or not the other party is performing video / audio communication or voice communication, it is possible to participate in the communication conference in which the other party is participating or to make a call to the other party. It was inconvenient to do things like not doing it.

As a communication system that solves this problem,
Vrooms (eg Dourish, P. and S. Bly: Portholes: Supp
orting Awareness in a Distributed Work Group, CHI '
92, pp. 541-547)). Vroo
ms is what appears as a computer window, and when the user makes a logical entry into Vrooms, Vroo
It is displayed as a moving image or a still image on ms as an object that can be moved. In order to hold a communication conference, it is possible to communicate by bringing the object of the other party to communicate with its own object, and the object being communicated is surrounded by a gray box.

[0007]

[Problems to be Solved by the Invention] The above-mentioned Curiser and Po
With lysope and Vrooms, it is possible to communicate according to the state of the other party by watching the other party's video. Especially Vr
With ooms, you can see who is in communication and who is in communication, giving you the opportunity to join the communication halfway.

In the communication conducted in the actual office, only the convener does not easily participate in the conversation conducted in the conference room, and the conversation conducted in the tea ceremony is easy to participate in. There are social promises. That is, in a face-to-face conversation (or conference), the type of conversation (or the type of conference) can be predicted from the place where it is held, etc., and participation according to the type of conversation (or the type of conference). The social promise to do this is in place.

However, according to the conventional technique in the communication conference, the type of conversation (or the type of the conference) is displayed to the user who newly participates in the communication conference, although the fact that the communication conference is held can be displayed. I couldn't. In addition, it was not possible to set a participation procedure according to the type of conversation (or the type of meeting), and it was not possible to support social promises on the correspondence conference.

An object of the present invention is to provide a communication conference support method capable of displaying the type of conversation (or the type of conference) and setting the procedure of participation and convening in accordance therewith, and a communication conference terminal used therefor. It is in.

[0011]

In order to achieve the above object, according to claim 1 of the present invention, in a communication conference terminal capable of participating in a multi-point video / audio communication conference including halfway participation or a voice communication conference. A method for supporting a teleconference, wherein the type or name of the teleconference, the name of the teleconferencing terminal or the user name, and the start and end of the teleconferencing are transmitted to other teleconferencing terminals, and which communication conference is used for We propose a communication conference support method that displays whether or not a communication conference terminal is participating and sets different conference participation or conference convocation procedures depending on the type of communication conference.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a communication conference support method in a communication conference terminal capable of participating in a multi-point video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference including halfway participation, the type or name of a communication conference. And the communication conference terminal name or user name and the start and end of the communication conference are transmitted to the communication conference management terminal, and the communication conference management terminal notifies each communication conference terminal of which communication conference is participating in which communication conference. Then, a communication conference support method is proposed in which each communication conference terminal displays which communication conference terminal participates in which communication conference terminal and sets different conference participation or conference convocation procedures depending on the type of communication conference.

Further, in claim 3, the communication conference according to claim 1 or 2 requires permission of a user of the communication conference terminal already participating in the communication conference as a procedure for participation of the communication conference terminal in the communication conference. Suggest a support method.

Further, in claim 4, the permission of the user of the communication conference terminal already participating in the communication conference is not required as the procedure for the communication conference terminal to participate in the communication conference.
Alternatively, the communication conference support method described in 2 is proposed.

Further, in claim 5, the participation in the communication conference is permitted according to a permission table for allowing the communication conference terminal to participate in the communication conference as a procedure for participating in the communication conference. Suggest a support method.

[0016] In a sixth aspect of the present invention, there is provided the telecommunication conference support method according to the first or second aspect, which requires the permission of the user of the telecommunication conference terminal on the side to be summoned in the procedure of calling the telecommunication conference terminal to the telecommunication conference. suggest.

Further, in claim 7, the communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2, which does not require the permission of the user of the communication conference terminal to be summoned in the procedure of summoning the communication conference terminal to the communication conference. suggest.

Further, according to claim 8, according to a permission table for permitting participation in the communication conference when the communication conference terminal is summoned to the communication conference, it is determined whether the permission of the user of the communication conference terminal on the called side is required. The communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2 is proposed in which the call is convened.

Further, in claim 9, there is proposed a communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the procedure of attending a conference or calling a conference can be changed during the communication conference.

Further, in claim 10, according to the permission table for permitting participation in the communication conference, which terminal participates in which communication conference is displayed.
Propose any of the communication conference support methods.

[0021] According to the present invention, means for displaying the other party of the communication conference and the self (or the terminal) as objects in the computer window, which is movable by a pointing device, and information in the display position of the object is transmitted / received and displayed in the window. In a communication conference terminal having means for making a position common to other communication conference terminals and means for executing a video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference between two or more points with another communication conference terminal, a computer window is provided. A means for dividing the area, a means for matching the area division with other communication conference terminals, a means for indicating whether or not a communication conference by video / audio communication or voice communication is being performed depending on the area for displaying an object in a computer window, and within the area By moving the object to the Propose means for performing a call setup of the communication, the communication conference terminal and means for requesting an operation procedure to start communication conference from different calls set for each region.

Further, in claim 12, the communication conference terminal according to claim 11 is proposed in which the object is a video or a still image.

The communication conference terminal according to claim 11 or 12, further comprising means for starting a video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference when an object of interest is moved to a desired area in the operation procedure. To propose.

[0024] In claim 14, in the operation procedure, the object of interest is moved to a desired area, and the user of the communication conference terminal who has already participated in the communication conference is allowed to participate in the communication conference. It proposes the communication conference terminal according to claim 11 or 12 provided with means for performing.

Further, in the fifteenth aspect, in the operation procedure, means for moving the own object into a desired area and permitting the start of the communication conference according to the permission table set for the communication is provided. The communication conference terminal described in 11 or 12 is proposed.

Further, in the sixteenth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a means for convening and participating in a communication conference by simply moving an object of a partner into a desired area in the operation procedure.
Alternatively, the communication conference terminal described in 12 is proposed.

Further, in claim 17, in the operation procedure, there is provided means for moving the object of the other party into a desired area and convening the other party to participate in the communication conference with the permission of the user of the other communication conference terminal. A communication conference terminal according to claim 11 or 12 is proposed.

[0028]

According to the first aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display who is having what kind of communication conference and what kind of communication conference is performed by communication between communication conference terminals. It is possible to set up procedures for participation or convening according to the requirements.

According to the second aspect of the present invention, it is possible to display who is having what kind of communication conference with whom by communicating with each communication conference terminal and the communication conference management terminal. It is possible to set up procedures for participation or convening according to the type of communication conference.

Further, according to the third aspect, it is possible to take the procedure for starting a conference, which is similar to, for example, visiting a private room of the other party and starting talking after obtaining the consent of the other party.

Further, according to claim 4, it is possible to take a procedure for starting a conference, such as participating in a conversation at a tea place, for example, similar to starting a talk without obtaining the consent of the other party. .

Further, according to the fifth aspect, it is possible to take a procedure for starting a conference, for example, in which a participant participates in a conference in a predetermined conference room.

Further, according to the sixth aspect, it is possible to perform a procedure for starting a conference, such as convening in a conference room with the consent of the other party.

Further, according to claim 7, it is possible to deal with the case where the user wants to participate in the conference urgently.

Further, according to claim 8, a person who is scheduled to participate in the conference in advance can participate in the conference without obtaining the consent of other conference participants, so that the progress of the communication conference is less hindered and the conference is attended. Those who are not scheduled can protect the privacy of the teleconference by participating with the consent of those who have already participated in the conference.

Further, according to claim 9, for example, at the beginning of a communication conference, it is possible to set such that a communication conference in which anyone can participate without permission is restricted from the middle and a new participant needs permission. .

According to claim 10, a communication conference is held for those who are allowed to participate in the communication conference, and which terminal is participating is displayed, but the terminal which is not permitted to participate is displayed. It is possible not to display for.

According to the eleventh aspect, which terminal is in communication with which terminal or which terminal is in communication can be known from the area to which the object belongs. The type of meeting can be represented by the difference in the procedure until participation.

According to the twelfth aspect, the user of the communication terminal can be known from the image, and in particular in the case of a moving image, the state of the other party can be known in detail. When you work together, you can see the other person and have a sense of unity as if you were working together.

Further, according to the thirteenth aspect, the conference can be started only by moving the own object into the desired area.

Further, according to claim 14, after moving the own object into a desired area, a communication conference which requires permission from a user of a terminal already participating in the communication conference is started. Can be made.

According to the fifteenth aspect, it is possible to permit the start of the communication conference according to the permission table set for the communication after moving the own object into the desired area.

According to the sixteenth aspect, it is possible to convene and participate in the conference only by moving the object of the opponent to a desired area.

According to the seventeenth aspect, it is possible to move the object of the other party into a desired area and to convene the conference with the permission of the other party.

[0045]

[Embodiment 1] Description will be given using a schematic view of a computer window. FIG. 1 illustrates a case where eight communication conference terminals are used, and is a schematic diagram of a computer window displayed at each communication conference terminal of the present embodiment.
In this embodiment, there are eight communication conference terminals, but any number may be used as long as it is two or more. In the figure, 1000 is a computer window, and 100, 200, 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 are still image objects, which display the face images of the users of the eight communication conference terminals.

The still image object is obtained by digitizing the image input from the video camera and displaying the digitized image data on the display. Image data is transmitted through the network for display on the partner terminal. When the face image of the user is used as the image data, the other party can be easily specified from the still image object.

The still image object virtually represents the user on the window. This still image object may be a moving image transmitted in real time, and in the case of a moving image, the state of another user can be known in real time. It should be noted that this moving image may have a lower resolution and a lower frame rate than the image used when conducting the video communication conference. The users of the eight conference terminals are V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7, V8, and the terminals of each user are T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8.

Rectangular areas 1, 2 in the window 1000,
Reference numerals 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8 virtually represent individual rooms in the office, a rectangular area 9 virtually represents a discourse room, and a rectangular area 10 virtually represents a conference room. The coordinates of these areas are set in advance on terminals T1, T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T.
Remember the same thing in 8 and use it on each terminal.
The display of the area is common to all terminals. If the user does not operate, that is, in the initial state, still image objects 100, 20
0,300,400,500,600,700,800 are arranged in areas 1-8.

Next, a basic operation procedure for participating in or calling a communication conference will be described.

The users V1, V2, V3, V4, V5, V6, V7 and V8 have still image objects 100, 200, 300, 400, 50 within the area of 1 to 10.
Participate in or convene a teleconference by moving 0,600,700,800 using a pointing device. Still image objects existing in the same area represent that a communication conference is held with each other.

In the case of newly participating in the communication conference, the still image object that virtually represents itself is moved to the desired area in which the conference is to be held. Further, when calling into a communication conference, the still image object of the other party is moved to a desired area in which the calling is desired. The procedure for moving a still image object and starting a communication conference varies depending on the area.

When the communication conference is started, the coordinates of the moving destination of the still image object are transmitted to the other communication conference terminals, and the position of the still image object becomes common to all the terminals. Therefore, by observing the arrangement of the still image objects in the window 1000, it is possible to know who and who has a communication conference in which area. When the communication conference is ended (or left halfway), a still image object is selected and moved to the area of the private room initially arranged. When the communication conference ends, the coordinates of the moving destination of the still image object are transmitted to other terminals, and the position of the still image object becomes common to all the terminals.

Hereinafter, a state in which a still image object is located in the area 1 to 10 and a conference is held is referred to as a communication conference being held in that area.

A terminal that newly joins the communication conference in a certain area notifies the other terminals of the start of the communication conference and the area that has started. A terminal that has ended a communication conference in a certain area notifies the other terminals of the end of the communication conference. In this way, all terminals detect in which area and which terminal is conducting the communication conference.

The relationship between the terminal and the user and the still image object and the area arranged in the initial state is as follows: Terminal user still image object area T1 V1 100 1 T2 V2 200 2 T3 V3 300 3 T4 V4 400 4 T5 V5 500 5 T6 V6 600 It becomes 6 T7 V7 700 7 T8 V8 800 8.

<Notification of Start and End of Communication Conference> FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing the terminal of this embodiment.

When the user moves the still image object, the coordinates of the moved object are input from the still image object coordinate input 15 to the communication conference control unit 250 and the value of the identifier for identifying the moved still image object. To prevent the communication conference control unit 250 from operating a still image object corresponding to another user, the user may not be able to perform a moving operation other than the still image object corresponding to himself / herself except in the following cases. That is, the moving operation of the still image object of the other user is allowed when moving the still image object of the other user who is not in the teleconference to the area where the still image object corresponding to the user is located. This is a case where another user who is not participating in the communication conference is called to the communication conference in which the user is participating.

When the identifier of the still image object is output from the communication conference control unit 250 to the still image object coordinate output 25, the specified still image object moves to the position of the output coordinates.

In FIG. 2, the communication conference terminal is connected to the LAN via the connector 45, and the communication conference control unit 250 transfers the information to the network control unit when transferring the information to another terminal.
The data is transferred to 450, and the network control unit 450 packetizes the information, attaches the address of the destination, and transmits it to the LAN through the network connector 45. In the receiving terminal, the network control unit 450 receives the packet matching its own address through the connector 45 and transfers it to the communication conference control unit 250.

When the communication conference control unit 250 starts a communication conference in a certain area N (where N is an integer of 1 or more and 10 or less), not only the terminal that is conducting the communication conference in the area N but also the area The information notifying that the communication conference has started in the area N is also transmitted to the communication conference control unit 250 of the other terminal which has not performed the communication conference in N. Further, when the communication conference in the area N is ended, the communication conference control unit 250 of not only the terminal having the communication conference in the area N but also the other terminals not having the communication conference in the area N. Also transmits information informing that the communication conference in the area N has ended. As a result, the communication conference control unit 250 of all the terminals that have received the information can detect in which area and which terminal is conducting the conference.

FIG. 3 shows an example of information indicating that the terminal T1 (that is, the user V1 corresponding to the still image object 100) has started or ended the communication conference in the area 1 and information held by the communication conference control unit 250. An example of a table showing which terminal is conducting a communication conference in which area is shown. In the example of FIG. 3, terminals T2 and T1 are in the area 2 and terminals T5 and T3 are in the area 9 in a communication conference.

When the communication conference is started, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal which has performed the moving operation of the still image object, the coordinates of the moving destination of the still image object and the moved still image object for all terminals other than the own terminal. Information on the identifier of the object is transmitted through the network control unit 450. Upon receiving the coordinates of the destination and the identifier of the still image object, the network control unit 450 transfers the coordinates and the identifier to the communication conference control unit 250, and the communication conference control unit 250 outputs the received coordinates and the identifier to the still object coordinate output 25. Send out. As a result, the position of the still image object is common to all terminals.

When the communication conference is ended (on the way), the still image object is moved from the region in which the communication conference is held to the region located in the initial state, so that the terminal of the terminal that has moved the still image object Communication conference control unit 250
Transmits the coordinates and identifier of the moved still image object to the communication conference control units 250 of all other terminals. Upon receiving the moved coordinates and the identifier, the network control unit 450 transfers the coordinates to the communication conference control unit 250, and outputs the received coordinates to the still image object coordinate output 25. As a result, the position of the still image object is common to all terminals.

<Operation procedure until the start of the teleconference in the areas 1 to 8 corresponding to a private room> In an actual office, when an individual's room (private room) is to be interviewed, the private room of the interviewee is visited and the consent of the master of the private room is obtained. It is common to start an interview after a meeting. The area of the virtual private room is characterized by providing a place for such an interview procedure on a teleconference. The operation procedure in this case will be described below.

A case where the user V1 participates in the communication conference in the area 7 while the users V7 and V5 are already in the communication conference will be described.

FIG. 4 shows the arrangement in the window 1000 when the users V7 and V5 have a communication conference in the area 7. Since the still image object 500 of the user V5 and the still image object 700 of the user V7 are on the area 7, the user V5
And V7 are in a teleconference. Windu 1000
Since the arrangement inside is common to the terminals T1 to T8, all the users can see that the users V5 and V7 are in the communication conference in the area 7. Still image object located in area 7 in the initial state
Since 700 corresponds to the user V7, the user V7 at the terminal T7 permits the participation in the communication conference in the area 7.
The same applies to the other areas 1 to 6 and 8.

Hereinafter, the operation procedure of the user V1 is (V1-), V7
Is represented by (V7-).

(V1-1) The user V1 uses a pointing device such as a mouse to display the still image object 100 in the area 7
Drag and drop to. As a result, the still image object 100 is moved to the area 7 on the computer window of the terminal T1, and a message [knocking] indicating that the other party is being called is displayed as shown in FIG. At this time, the ringing tone for informing the call may be simultaneously issued from the terminal T1.

(V7-1) On the terminal T7 of the user V7, as shown in FIG. 6, a message [Mr. V1 came] informing of the communication request from the user V1 is displayed and the permission to participate in the communication is requested. Message [Do you want to let me know? (yes / no)] is displayed. According to the display, the user V7 gives permission or denial of participation. The position of still image object 100 has not changed. At this time, the ringing tone for informing the call may be sounded at the terminal T7 at the same time.

(V1-2) When user V7 permits participation, the user
As shown in FIG. 7, the message [Please enter] indicating that the participation is permitted is temporarily displayed on the terminal T1 of V1 and is erased. After that, the video / audio communication is performed by user V1.
Between V5 and V7. At this time, as shown in FIG. 8, the display positions of the video windows in the windows 1000 from the users V1 to V8 are the same, and it becomes possible for all the users to know who is communicating in the area 7. . Also, a message [Mr. V1 came] is displayed on the terminal T5 of the user V5 as shown in FIG. 9 to inform the start of communication from the user V1.

If the user V7 refuses the communication, the user
As shown in FIG. 10, the message [Please leave] indicating that the participation is rejected is temporarily displayed on the terminal T1 of V1 and is erased. At the same time, still image object 10
The position of 0 is returned to the area 1 of the terminal T1 and becomes the same as in FIG.

<Operations from Start of Communication Conference in Areas 1 to 8 Corresponding to Private Room> FIG.
An explanation will be given using a terminal having the configuration shown in FIG. The calling side and the called side are connected by some LAN and communication network. When the still image object is moved, the coordinate change of the still image object is input as the still image object coordinates.
Input from 15 to the communication conference control unit 250. Coordinate information of areas 1 to 10 in the window 1000 is recorded in the communication conference control unit 250, and still image object coordinate input 15
The coordinate value input from is compared with the coordinate position of each area. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the above-mentioned operation procedure.

When the user V1 moves the still picture object 100 into the area 7, the communication conference controller 250 of the terminal T1 detects that the still picture object 100 has moved into the area 7. As will be described later, the communication conference control unit 250 stores in which region and which terminal is conducting the communication conference, and thus detects that the terminals in the communication conference in the region 7 are T5 and T7. In order to hold a communication conference on the area 7 (area of a private room), a still image object initially located on the area 7
Requires permission from user V7 for 700.

The communication conference control unit 250 is a network control unit.
The call notification information is transferred to the terminal T7 through 450, and an instruction is issued to the message display section 350 to display a message [knocking] indicating that a call is being made on the own terminal window 1000. . On the other hand, in the network communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T7 that receives the call request,
The message [V1 came to the message display part 350. Would you like to let me through (yes / no)] is issued, and the message display unit 350 displays.

At the terminal T7, the response from the user V7 to the previous message is input from the user input 35. User V7
When the call is accepted by the user, the communication conference control unit 25 of the terminal T7
0 sends an incoming call permission notification to the calling side (terminal T1) and starts a communication conference with the communication conference control unit 250 on the calling side. Further, the communication conference control unit 250 on the calling side performs a communication conference start procedure with the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 which has already conducted the communication conference in the area 7, and starts the communication conference.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 issues a command to the message display unit 350 to display the message [Mr. V1 came], and the message display unit 35
0 displays. Since the terminal T1 has started the communication conference in the area 7, the terminals T2, T3, T4, T which are not in the communication conference in the area 7
6, T8 is notified that the communication conference has started in area 7. Thereby, all the terminals detect that the terminal T1 is holding the communication conference in the area 7.

Further, the communication conference control unit 250 on the calling side sends the coordinate information of the still image object 100 to the terminals T2, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8 other than the own terminal, and the communication conference is performed. Control unit
250 receives coordinate information and outputs still image object coordinates 2
Output to 5. As a result, the position of the still image object 100 becomes common to all terminals.

When the user rejects the incoming call, the communication conference control unit 250 on the called side (terminal T7) sends an incoming call rejection notification to the communication conference control unit 250 on the calling side (terminal T1). Upon receiving the incoming call refusal notification, the communication conference control unit 250 on the calling side issues a request to the message display unit 350 to display a message [Please leave] indicating that communication was not permitted, and displays the message. The unit 350 displays and outputs the coordinates to the still image object output 25 so as to return the position of the still image object 100 to the area 1.

Here, the case where the number of participants in the communication conference increases from two to three has been described, but the same operation is performed regardless of the number of participants in the conference.

<Operation procedure until the start of a teleconference in the area 9 corresponding to the common room> In a conversation in an actual tea room or aisle in an office, a new operation is required without the permission of the person in conversation. It is common to participate in conversations with. The virtual lounge area 9 provides a place to attend a teleconference without asking for permission.

In FIG. 11, the user is in the area 9 of the common room.
V2 and user V5 are communicating. The display on the terminals T1 to T8 of the users V1 to V8 is the same as that shown in FIG.
From V1 to V8, it can be seen that the users V2 and V5 have a communication conference in the area 9 of the common room.

When the user V3 participates in the communication conference held in the area 9 of the discussion room, the user V3 may drag and drop the still image object 300 onto the area 9 as shown in FIG. Therefore, the user who had the teleconference first
You don't have to get a V2 and V5 permit. At this time, a message indicating that the user V3 has participated in the communication conference may be displayed on the monitors of the terminals T2 and T5 for the users V2 and V5, as shown in FIG.

When the still image object does not exist in advance in the area 9 of the common room, the user can move his or her still image object into the area 9 as shown in FIG. The user can move the still image object into the area 9 to enable the communication conference.

<Operation until the start of the communication conference in the area 9 corresponding to the common room> The operation during the above-mentioned operation procedure will be described using the terminal having the configuration shown in FIG. The calling side and the called side are connected by some communication network. When the still image object is moved, the coordinate change of the still image object is input from the still image object coordinate input 15 to the communication conference control unit 250. Coordinate information of areas 1 to 10 in the window 1000 is recorded in the communication conference control unit 250, and the coordinate value input from the still image object coordinate input 15 is compared with the coordinate position of each area. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the above-mentioned operation procedure.

When the user V3 moves the still picture object 300 into the area 9, the communication conference controller 250 of the terminal T3 detects that the still picture object 300 has moved into the area 9. As will be described later, since the communication conference control unit 250 stores in which area and which terminal is conducting the communication conference, it detects that the terminals in the communication conference in the area 9 are T2 and T5. . Area 9 is an area corresponding to the common room,
When participating in a communication conference, it is not necessary to obtain permission from a communication terminal that has previously held a communication conference.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 starts the communication conference 9 with the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T2 and T5 which are in the communication conference in the area 9. In the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T2 and T7 which have started the communication conference, a request is made to display the message [Mr. V3 came] on the message display unit 350, and the message display unit 350 displays. Calling terminal
The communication conference control unit 250 of T1 uses terminals T1, T2, T4, T other than its own terminal.
The coordinates of the still image object 300 are transmitted to 5, T6, T7, T8.

The communication conference control unit 250 of each terminal which has received the coordinates of the still image object 300 outputs the received coordinates to the still image object coordinate output 25, and the position of the still image object is moved. Communication conference control unit 25 of the calling terminal T1
0 indicates to the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T1, T4, T6, T7, T8 other than the called side terminal that the communication conference has started in the area 9 so that all the terminals T1 It is memorized that the communication conference is held in 9.

Here, the case where the number of participants in the communication conference increases from two to three has been described, but the same operation is performed regardless of the number of participants in the conference.

Next, a case where a still picture object does not exist in the area 9 in advance as in the case of FIG. 14 will be described.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 detects that the still image object 200 has moved to the area 9. As described above, the communication conference control unit 250 can detect that no communication conference is being held in the area 9. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 notifies that the communication conference in the area 9 is ready. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 is
The coordinates of the still image object 200 are sent to 3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8, and the received coordinates are received by the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T1, T3, T4, T5, T6, T7, T8. By outputting to the still image object coordinate output and moving, the position of the still image object becomes the same on all terminals.

<Operation procedure until the start of the communication conference in the area 10 corresponding to the conference room> In the actual conversation in the conference room in the office, only the participants of the conference participate unless they are specifically called. The prospective participants will attend the meeting without their consent. The virtual conference room area 10 is characterized by providing a place where conference participants scheduled in advance can participate in a communication conference without obtaining permission.

The operation when the user V4 makes a communication conference with the user V2 and the user V7 using the area 10 of the conference room will be described. In FIG. 15, the still image object does not exist in the area 10 of the conference room, so that no user has a communication conference in the area 10. A case where the user V4 holds a communication conference with the users V2 and V7 in the area 10 corresponding to the conference room will be described.

When the user V4 drags the still image object 400 and drops it on the area 10, a display for selecting a user who is allowed to participate in the conference is displayed as shown in FIG. In FIG. 16, the user V4 and the user V2 are participants in the conference.
I have selected V7. A message as shown in FIG. 17 is displayed to the terminal T2 of the user V2 and the terminal T7 of the user V7 designated as the conference participants by the user V4. User V2
When (or V7) participates in the communication conference in the area 10, the still image object 200 (or 700) of the user is dragged and dropped in the area 10 to participate in the communication conference. However, when users other than the users V2 and V7 participate in the communication conference in the area 10, the consent of the user V4 is required or they cannot participate.

<Operation until the start of the communication conference in the area 10 corresponding to the conference room> The operation at the time of the above operation procedure will be described using the terminal having the configuration shown in FIG. When the still image object is moved, the coordinates of the still image object change from the still image object coordinate input 15 to the communication conference control unit 250.
Is input to Windu 1000 in the teleconference controller 250
The coordinate information of the areas 1 to 10 is recorded, and the coordinate value input from the still image object coordinate input 15 is compared with the coordinate position of each area. Hereinafter, description will be given according to the above-mentioned operation procedure.

When the user V4 operates to move the still image object 400 into the area 10, the communication conference controller 250 of the terminal T4 detects that the still image object 400 has moved to the area 10. As will be described later, the communication conference control unit 250 stores which terminal is in the communication conference in which area, and thus detects the terminal in the communication conference in the area 10. In the state of FIG. 15, there is no terminal having a communication conference in the area 10. Therefore, the user V4 has the area 10
Select the user who will hold the communication conference with.

The communication conference control unit 250 has a message display unit 35.
For 0, a message for selecting a user who is permitted to participate in the area 10 is displayed as shown in FIG. A user who is permitted to participate in the conference is input from the user input 35 to the communication conference control unit 250, but in the example shown in FIG. 16, V2 and V7 are input. The terminal T4 that has selected to give permission to participate is called a host terminal.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 uses the area 10
The host terminal in (2) notifies the communication conference control unit 250 of another communication conference terminal that it is T4. Therefore, in the table showing the correspondence between the areas and the terminals described in FIG. 3, the host terminals in the area 10 are recorded as shown in FIG. 18, and the information in this table is used by the communication conference control unit 250 of each terminal. Memorized in.
As shown in FIG. 19, the terminals T2 and T7 corresponding to the users V2 and V7 who are permitted to participate in the communication conference in the area 10 are allowed to participate in the area 10 in the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 which is the host terminal. Remembered as authorized.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 communicates with the user V2.
A command requesting participation in the conference in the area 10 is transferred to the V7 terminals T2 and the communication conference control unit 250 of T7. The command requesting participation in the conference is the communication conference control unit of terminals T2 and T7.
In step 250, the message display unit 350 is requested to display a message as shown in FIG. As a result, the users V2 and V7 know that they have been prompted to participate in the communication conference in the area 10.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 uses the terminals T1, T2,
The coordinate information of the still image object 400 is sent to the communication conference control unit 250 of T3, T5, T6, T7, T8, and the communication conference control unit 250 which receives the coordinate information outputs the still image object coordinate output 25.
Send coordinate information to. This allows terminals T1, T2, T3, T5,
Even in T6, T7, and T8, the position of the still image object 400 is the area 10
It becomes inside and becomes common.

The operation when the user V2 who is permitted to participate in the conference in advance participates in the communication conference in the area 10 will be described. It is assumed that the host terminal is T4, and as shown in FIG. 20, the user V4 and the user V7 have already held a communication conference in the area 10.

When the user V2 moves the still picture object 200 into the area 10, the communication conference controller 250 of the terminal T2 detects that the still picture object 200 has moved into the area 10. As will be described later, the communication conference control unit 250 stores in which area and which terminal is conducting the communication conference, and thus detects that the terminals in the communication conference in the area 10 are T4 and T7. Further, it is previously notified that the host terminal is T4.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 requests the communication conference control unit 250 of the host terminal T4 in the area 10 to start the communication conference. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 stores the user previously selected by the user V4, confirms that the terminal T2 permits participation in the conference, and starts the communication conference. Next, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 performs a communication conference start procedure with respect to the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T7 other than the host terminal that is conducting the communication conference in the area 10, and starts the communication conference.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 that has started communication with all the terminals on the area 10 sends the still image object 200 to the communication conference control units 250 of all terminals other than the own terminal.
Send the destination coordinates of. Upon receiving the coordinate information, the communication conference control unit 250 sends the coordinate information to the still image object coordinate output 25, and moves the position of the still image object as shown in FIG. As a result, terminals T1, T2, T3, T5, T6, T7,
At T8, the position of the still image object 200 is common within the area 10.

A user who is not allowed to participate in the conference in advance, such as V5, cannot participate in the conference. User V5 from the state of FIG.
Describes the operation when a person tries to join a conference.

When the user V5 moves the still picture object 500 into the area 10, the communication conference controller 250 of the terminal T5 detects that the still picture object 500 has moved into the area 10. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 requests the communication conference control unit 250 of the host terminal T4 in the area 10 to start the communication conference. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 stores the user previously selected by the user V4, and confirms that the terminal T5 is not permitted to participate in the conference. Therefore,
The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T4 is a communication conference control unit of the terminal T5
Notify 250 of the start of the teleconference.

Upon receiving the refusal notice, the communication conference control unit of the terminal T5 sends coordinate information to the still image object coordinate output 25 so as to return the still image object 500 to its original position.
Further, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 instructs the message display unit 350 to issue the message [participation is not permitted] shown in FIG.

<Operation when Calling for Communication Conference in Area 9 Corresponding to Conversation Room> A case of calling a conference participant from the state of FIG. 23 will be described. When convening a meeting, it may or may not require the approval of the convened user. It is better to require the approval of the convener when conducting a formal convocation, especially when convening a person with a close relationship, to convene in a teleconference without the approval of the convener. There is also a possibility.

First, the case where approval from the called party is required will be described.

When the user V2 summons the user V3 to the communication conference in the area 9 from the state shown in FIG.
At T2, drag the still image object 300 into the area 9 and drop it. When the still image object 300 moves into the area 9, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 detects that the still image object 300 has moved into the area 9, and the terminal T3
A call notification for starting a communication conference in the area 9 is sent to the communication conference control unit 250.

The call notification includes the information that it is a communication conference in the area 9 and the information requesting the approval of the called side. Upon receiving the call notification, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 asks the message display unit 350 to ask, "Would you like to go to the lounge? (y / n)], a message is displayed, and the message display unit 350 displays the message as shown in FIG.

When the user V3 approves the participation in the communication conference, the signal indicating the approval is input from the user input 35 of the terminal T3 to the communication conference control unit 250, and the communication conference control unit 250 receives the signal from the terminal T2. A communication conference is started with the communication conference control unit 250. Further, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 starts the communication conference with the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 which has already made the communication conference in the area 9.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 which started the communication conference is the other communication terminal which is not conducting the communication conference in the area 9.
Area 9 for the communication conference control unit 250 of (T1, T4, T6, T7, T8)
Notify that the communication conference has started. Accordingly, it is possible to detect that the terminal T3 has started the communication conference in the area 9 in all the terminals. Furthermore, in order to make the position of the still image object common to all terminals, the communication conference control unit 25 of the terminal T2
0 transmits the position information of the still image object 300 to the communication conference control units 250 of all other terminals. Communication conference control unit 250 that has received the position information of the still image object 300
Outputs the position information to the still image object coordinate output 25,
The still image object is moved (FIG. 25).

When the user V3 refuses to participate in the call conference, the signal indicating the refusal is input from the user input 35 of the terminal T3 to the communication conference control unit 250, and the communication conference control unit 250 receives the signal from the terminal T2. The communication conference control unit 250 is notified that the participation in the communication conference is refused. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 that has received the refusal notification outputs the coordinate information before movement to the still image object coordinate output 25 in order to return the still image object 300 to the position before movement.

Next, a case where the approval of the called party is not required will be described.

When the user V2 summons the user V3 to the communication conference in the area 9 from the state of FIG. 23, the user V2 is the terminal.
At T2, drag the still image object 300 into the area 9 and drop it. When the still image object 300 moves into the area 9, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 detects that the still image object 300 has moved into the area 9, and the terminal T3
A call notification for starting a communication conference in the area 9 is sent to the communication conference control unit 250.

The call notification includes information indicating that the communication conference is held in the area 9 and information indicating that the callee's approval is not required. Communication conference control unit of terminal T3 that received the call notification
250 issues an instruction to the message display section 350 to display the message "Called to the common room",
As shown in FIG. 26, the message display unit 350 displays a message.

The communication conference control unit 250 starts a communication conference with the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2. Further, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 starts the communication conference with the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T5 which has already made the communication conference in the area 9.

The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T3 which started the communication conference is the other communication terminal which is not conducting the communication conference in the area 9.
Area 9 for the communication conference control unit 250 of (T1, T4, T6, T7, T8)
Notify that the communication conference has started. Accordingly, it is possible to detect that the terminal T3 has started the communication conference in the area 9 in all the terminals. Furthermore, in order to make the position of the still image object common to all terminals, the communication conference control unit 25 of the terminal T2
0 transmits the position information of the still image object 300 to the communication conference control units 250 of all other terminals. Communication conference control unit 250 that has received the position information of the still image object 300
Outputs the position information to the still image object coordinate output 25,
The still image object is moved (FIG. 25).

<Movement of area> When the content of the communication conference is changed to the content related to work during the communication conference in the common room where anyone can participate, the communication conference in the area corresponding to the conference room is performed. The operation procedure for transition will be described.

In FIG. 27, the users V2, V3, and V5 hold a communication conference in the area 9 corresponding to the common room. When changing the area for holding a communication conference from 9 to 10, for example,
V2 selects the still image objects 200, 300, and 500 and performs an operation to move them into the area 10. This allows area 1
It is possible to make a transition to a communication conference with 0 (Fig. 2
8). In this case, the users who are given permission to participate in the area 10 are V3 and V5, and the host terminal is the communication terminal T2 that has changed the area.

The above operation will be described using the terminal having the configuration shown in FIG.

When the user V2 performs the operation of moving the still image objects 200, 300, 500 of the terminal T2 from the area 9 to the area 10 from the state of FIG. 27, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 moves the still image objects 200, 300, 500 to the area 10. Detect that. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 detects that the move operation is performed to the area 10, and determines that the host terminal in the area 10 is the terminal T2.
To notify. Further, it notifies the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T3 and T5 that were in the conference in the area 9 that the area of the communication conference has moved up to 10.

Upon receiving this notification, the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminals T3 and T5 confirms that the communication conference is being held in the area 10.
Notify the communication conference control unit 250 of terminals other than T2, T3, and T5. The communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T2 notifies the communication conference control units 250 other than the terminal T2 of the moved position coordinates of the still image objects 200, 300, 500.

[0124]

Second Embodiment In the first embodiment, the start and end of the communication conference in the area and the transmission of the moving coordinates of the still image object are directly performed from the communication conference terminal to another communication conference terminal. However, in the second embodiment, these pieces of information are sent to the concentrated communication conference management terminal, and the communication conference management unit 255 of the communication conference management terminal is sent.
Take a way to manage others. Only the part of the operation different from that of the first embodiment will be described.

FIG. 29 shows a block diagram of the communication conference management terminal.

The start and end of the communication conference, and the coordinates of the moving destination of the still image object are determined from the communication conference control unit 250 of the communication conference terminal to the communication conference management unit 25 of the communication conference management terminal.
5, the information is stored. That is, in the first embodiment, the information transmitted to the communication conference control unit 250 of another communication conference terminal is compared with the information transmitted to the communication conference management unit 25 of the communication conference management terminal in this embodiment.
Will be sent to 5.

Further, the information of the host terminal necessary for managing the communication conference in the area 10 and the terminal which is permitted to participate is also transmitted from the communication conference control unit 250 of the communication conference terminal to the communication conference management unit 255 of the communication conference management terminal. In the first embodiment, the information held by the communication conference control unit 250 of each communication conference terminal is collectively held by the communication conference management unit 255 of the communication conference management terminal.

The information required by the communication conference control unit 250 of each communication conference terminal described in the first embodiment is transmitted to each terminal each time the information of the communication conference management unit 255 of the communication conference management terminal is updated, or Information may be transmitted from the communication conference management unit 255 of the communication conference management terminal when the communication conference control unit 250 of the communication conference terminal makes an inquiry.

[0129]

[Third Embodiment] In the first and second embodiments, the still image object is used for description, but the type, name, and display method of the participants of the communication conference may be represented by text as shown in FIG.

As a type of communication conference, informal /
There are formal etc., and the conference name is given variously according to the agenda. You can decide the procedure up to participation according to the type of meeting, in the case of informal meetings you do not need the permission of the user of the communication terminal already participating, and in the formal meeting, the people who can participate in the meeting are decided. It is possible to set such as.

Also in this embodiment, it is assumed that there are eight communication conference terminals as in the first embodiment.

30 and 31 show the display on the terminal T3. This is the case where the host terminal is T1 and users V2, V3, and V4 have been selected as the authorized participants at the start of the conference. User V2 who has already participated in the communication conference is displayed as participating. In order for the user V3 to participate in the conference, he / she only has to click the participation part arranged in the upper right corner with the pointing device, and the user V3 is in the state of participating as shown in FIG.

In this example, if the displays corresponding to FIGS. 30 and 31 are limited to the users V2, V3, V4 who are permitted to participate in the conference and the user V1 of the host terminal, the privacy of the communication conference is protected on the display. be able to. On the other hand, when displaying for users V5, V6, V7, and V8 who are not permitted to participate in the host terminal, the display is as shown in FIG. 32 corresponding to the state of FIG. 31, and when joining the conference. Requires the permission of the host terminal.

FIG. 33 shows an informal meeting for user V1.
And V2 show what they are doing. FIG. 33 shows terminals T3, T4, T5, T
It is displayed as 6, T7, T8, and if you want to newly join the teleconference, you just have to click the part of participation.

FIG. 34 shows a block configuration of a terminal for realizing this embodiment.

In order to hold the conference shown in FIG. 30, the user first inputs a conference start request from the user input 35 to the communication conference control unit 250 in the terminal T1 which is the host terminal. The communication conference control unit 250 displays the message shown in FIG. 35 on the message display unit 350. The user inputs the conference name and selects the conference type and conference participants. FIG. 36 shows
It is an input example when the user V1 sets the communication conference corresponding to FIG.

The information shown in FIG. 36 is input from the user input 35 to the communication conference control section 250. The communication conference control unit 250 transmits the input information to the communication conference control unit 250 of another communication conference terminal. Upon receiving the information, the communication conference control unit 250 gives a command to the message display unit 350 to display according to the information. The display is as shown in FIG. 37 on the terminal permitted to participate. The display is as shown in FIG. 38 for a terminal that is not permitted to participate, or the host terminal does not permit participation in advance, so that the display in FIG. 38 may be omitted.

Next, the operation when joining or leaving will be described. When the user V3 clicks the participation button in FIG. 30, the user input 35 inputs to the communication conference control unit 250 that the participation button has been clicked. The communication conference control unit 250 starts a communication conference with the terminals T1 and T2 that have already had a communication conference, and at the same time, notifies the communication conference control unit 250 of another communication conference terminal that the communication conference has started, and The communication conference control unit 250 of this terminal issues a command to the message display unit 350 to display that the terminal T3 has joined, and the message is displayed.

When the user V3 clicks the leave button in FIG. 31, the user input 35 inputs to the communication conference control section 250 that the leave button has been clicked. In the communication conference control unit 250, at the same time as ending the communication conference with the terminals T1 and T2 that have already had the communication conference, the communication conference control unit 250 of the other communication conference terminal is notified that the communication conference has been terminated, The communication conference control unit 250 of all the terminals issues a command to the message display unit 350 to display that the terminal T3 has left, and the message is displayed.

In FIG. 32, when the user V5 clicks the participation request button, the user input 35 inputs to the communication conference control unit 250 that the participation request button has been clicked. The communication conference control unit 250 inquires of the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T1, which is the host terminal, whether to permit participation.
In the communication conference control unit 250 of the terminal T1, the message display unit 350
On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 39, a screen for inquiring permission to join the user V5 is displayed.

When the user V1 rejects the participation of the user V5, an input indicating rejection is input from the user input 35 of the terminal T1 to the communication conference control unit 250, and the communication conference control unit 25 of the terminal T5.
The information indicating the refusal of participation is transferred to 0, and the user V5 does not participate in the communication conference.

When the user V1 permits the participation of the user V5, an input indicating permission is input from the user input 35 of the terminal T1 to the communication conference control unit 250 and the communication conference control unit 25 of the terminal T5.
For 0, transfer the information indicating permission to join,
Start a teleconference with T3.

At the same time when the communication conference is started, the information indicating that the communication conference has been participated is transmitted to the communication conference control unit of another terminal.
250 is notified, and as shown in FIG.
At 0, terminal T5 (user V5) has joined the communication conference. Note that FIG. 40 is a display on the terminal T5. As a result, all terminals can display that the terminal T5 has participated in the communication conference. In addition, in the terminal participating in the conference,
As shown in FIG. 31 or FIG. 40, the button is an indication of leaving the seat.

When the user V3 clicks the participation button in FIG. 33, the user input 35 inputs to the communication conference control section 250 that the participation button has been clicked. The communication conference control unit 250 starts a communication conference with the terminals T1 and T2 that have already had a communication conference, and at the same time, notifies the communication conference control unit 250 of another communication conference terminal that the communication conference has started, and The communication conference control unit 250 of this terminal issues a command to the message display unit 350 to display that the terminal T3 has joined, and the message is displayed.

[0145]

As described above, according to the communication conference supporting method of the present invention, the social communication until the start of the conversation according to the type of the conversation such as the conversation that can be easily participated and the official conversation or the type of the conference. If you participate in a conversation without obtaining the promise, that is, the consent of the person who is having the conversation, or if you are attending a conference in which the participants have been decided in advance, the prospective participants will join without consent. It can be realized as a user interface that a person who is not a person participates after obtaining consent, or obtains the permission of the owner of the private room when visiting the private room.

Further, according to the communication conference terminal of the present invention, it is possible to separate the area where the conversation (conference) is held by using the window and show the conference participants to the user as a video or still image object. By seeing who has a meeting in which area, it is possible to know what kind of meeting is being held. Therefore, the user can judge whether or not to participate in the conference according to the participants of the conference and the type of the conference, and can realize the environment of conversation as in the office in the communication conference. Becomes

[Brief description of drawings]

FIG. 1 Display example of a computer window using objects

FIG. 2 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication conference terminal.

FIG. 3 is an example of information indicating that a communication conference is started or ended and an example of a table showing which terminal is in a communication conference in which area.

FIG. 4 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 5: Display example of computer window using objects

FIG. 6 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 7: Display example of computer window using objects

FIG. 8 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 9 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 10 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 11 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 12 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 13 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 14 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 15 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 16 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 17 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 18 is an example of a table showing which terminal is conducting a communication conference in which area.

FIG. 19 is an example of a table showing which terminal is in a communication conference in which area.

FIG. 20 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 21 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 22 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 23 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 24 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 25 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 26 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 27 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 28 is a display example of a computer window using objects.

FIG. 29 is a block diagram showing an example of a communication conference management terminal.

FIG. 30: Display example using text

FIG. 31: Display example using text

FIG. 32: Display example using text

FIG. 33: Display example using text

FIG. 34 is a block diagram showing another example of the communication conference terminal.

FIG. 35: Display example using text

FIG. 36: Display example using text

FIG. 37: Display example using text

FIG. 38 is a display example using text.

FIG. 39 is a display example using text.

FIG. 40: Display example using text

[Explanation of symbols]

1000 ... Computer window, 100-800 ... Still image object, 1-10 ... Area, 250 ... Communication conference control unit,
350 ... Message display section, 450 ... Network control section,
255 ... Communications Conference Management Department.

Claims (17)

[Claims] 1. A communication conference support method in a communication conference terminal capable of participating in a multi-point video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference including halfway participation, wherein the type or name of the communication conference and the name of the communication conference terminal. Alternatively, the user name and the start and end of the communication conference are transmitted to other communication conference terminals, and which communication conference terminal is participating in which communication conference terminal is displayed at each communication conference terminal, and according to the type of communication conference. A communication conference support method, characterized in that different conference participation or conference convening procedures are set. 2. A communication conference support method in a communication conference terminal capable of participating in a multi-point video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference including halfway participation, wherein the type or name of the communication conference and the name of the communication conference terminal. Alternatively, the user name and the start and end of the communication conference are transmitted to the communication conference management terminal, the communication conference management terminal notifies each communication conference terminal of which communication conference terminal is participating, and each communication conference A communication conference support method, which displays which communication conference terminal is participating in which communication conference, and sets different conference participation or conference calling procedures depending on the type of communication conference. 3. The communication conference according to claim 1, wherein the communication conference terminal's procedure for joining the communication conference requires the permission of the user of the communication conference terminal already participating in the communication conference. How to help. 4. The communication conference according to claim 1 or 2, wherein permission of a user of the communication conference terminal already participating in the communication conference is not required as a procedure for the communication conference terminal to participate in the communication conference. How to help. 5. The communication conference according to claim 1 or 2, wherein participation in the communication conference is permitted according to a permission table for permitting participation in the communication conference as a procedure for the communication conference terminal to participate in the communication conference. How to help. 6. The communication conference support method according to claim 1, wherein permission is required from a user of the communication conference terminal on the side of being summoned in the procedure of summoning the communication conference terminal to the communication conference. 7. The communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein permission of the user of the communication conference terminal on the summoned side is not required in the procedure of summoning the communication conference terminal to the communication conference. 8. According to a permission table for permitting participation in a communication conference when a communication conference terminal is summoned to a communication conference, it is determined whether or not the user of the communication conference terminal on the called side needs permission. The communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2, characterized in that. 9. The communication conference support method according to claim 1 or 2, wherein the procedure for participating in the conference or calling the conference can be changed during the communication conference. 10. The communication conference terminal according to which communication conference terminal is participating is displayed according to a permission table for permitting participation in the communication conference.
Alternatively, the communication conference support method described in any one of 9 above. 11. A means which can be moved by a pointing device and which displays the other party of the communication conference and itself (or a terminal) as an object in a computer window, and information of the display position of the object to transmit / receive the display position in the window to another communication. In a communication conference terminal having means for making common with the conference terminal and means for executing a video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference between two or more points with another communication conference terminal, means for dividing the computer window into areas , A means for matching the area division with other communication conference terminals, a means for indicating whether or not a communication conference by video / audio communication or voice communication is performed by the area for displaying the object in the computer window, and moving the object into the area By doing so, video / audio communication or voice communication call setup can be performed. Cormorants means and a communication conference terminal, characterized by comprising a means for requesting the operation procedure up to start communication conference from different calls set for each region. 12. The communication conference terminal according to claim 11, wherein the object is a video or a still image. 13. The communication conference terminal according to claim 11, further comprising means for starting a video / audio communication conference or a voice communication conference when the object of interest is moved to a desired area in the operation procedure. . 14. In the operation procedure, there is provided means for moving an object of interest to a desired area, and joining the communication conference with permission of participation from a user of the communication conference terminal who has already participated in the communication conference. The communication conference terminal according to claim 11 or 12, characterized in that. 15. The operation procedure further comprises means for moving an object of its own to a desired area and permitting the start of a communication conference according to a permission table set for the communication. 11. The communication conference terminal described in 11 or 12. 16. The communication conference terminal according to claim 11, further comprising means for convening to participate in the communication conference only by moving an object of a partner into a desired area in the operation procedure. 17. The operation procedure further comprises means for moving an object of the other party into a desired area and convening the other party to participate in the communication conference with the permission of the user of the other communication conference terminal. The communication conference terminal according to claim 11 or 12.